Ecosystem
The Goose Lake region formed in the post-Wisconsin glaciation period as a flat, wet area dominated by layers of sand and silt laid down by postglacial outwash. The massive Des Plaines River and Kankakee River come together here to form the Illinois River.
The Illinois River, with its massive valley downstream, began to drain this patch of land, although it remained flat and wet. During the time of the Native Americans, the Goose Lake area was a stable wetland, with swathes of prairie grass surrounding the shallow Goose Lake.
The region is in the Central forest-grasslands transition ecoregion.
The Goose Lake area was a favorite place for Native American hunting, fishing, and gathering, with geese, ducks, and other waterfowl; a wide variety of fish and shellfish; and wet-footed game such as beaver and muskrat. However, there were also plenty of mosquitoes.
Read more about this topic: Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area