Health+Harvest Illinois Issues Archive2001-Present: Scroll Down or Use Search1975-2001: Click Here Natural Illinois NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Adele Hodde Published July 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM CDT Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Email Print Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resource Credit Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resources / Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesFishing at Ferne Clyffe State Park in southern Illinois Credit Chris Young Ferns cling to sandstone bluffs in Starved Rock State Park. Fragile plant and animal communities are threatened by invasive species and a lack of natural areas management. Credit Chris Young A lady slipper orchid flowers at Starved Rock State Park. Conservative plant species like orchids are susceptible to changes in habitat such as invasion by non-native plants and a lack of management. Credit Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resources / Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesIllinois Beach State Park stretches for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan. Credit Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resources / Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesFerne Clyffe State Park, marked by limestone bluffs, is in Johnson County. Credit Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resources / Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesA trout is caught at Ferne Clyffe State Park. Credit Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resources / Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesFringed gentian (Gentianopsis crinite) at Illinois Beach State Park Credit Chris Young Visitors are attracted to natural features at state parks such as Wildcat Canyon’s waterfall. Starved Rock features sandstone canyons and bluffs carved by torrents of water released by melting glaciers thousands of years ago. Credit Adele Hodde / Illinois Department of Natural Resources / Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesAdeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park Credit Chris Young Starved Rock State Park offers sandstone canyons and breath-taking scenery.