During the post-glacial springtimes, as the climate of Illinois grew warmer, floods caused by snowmelt tended to fill sections of the valley faster than it could be drained during the rest of the year.

Native American sites such as Dickson Mounds pay tribute to the civilizations founded on fishing, waterfowling, and the gathering of wetland plants and animals.

Commercial fishing in Lake Senachwine continued until 1900-1910, when toxic waste was injected into the Illinois River through the newly dug Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

Senachwine Lake is a local favorite for recreation, with a boat ramp located near Putnam off Illinois Route 29.

Fish-eating waterfowl, including egrets, great blue herons, and bald eagles, have returned to the lake.