Shimek State Forest - Croton Unit

Ecosystem Overview

The Shimek State Forest - Croton Unit ecosystem supports 9 documented wildlife species across 7 taxonomic genera. Located in Lee County, Iowa, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 2 frequently observed species and 1 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Des Moines River, Shimek State Forest - Croton Unit hosts 200% more species diversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Species Distribution

Very Common2 species

Common3 species

Occasional3 species

Rare1 species

Regional Context

vs. Des Moines River

+200% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 9 total documented species.

Diospyros virginiana

American Persimmon

Very Common0.63 obs.

Glechoma hederacea

Haymaids

Very Common0.62 obs.

Lobelia siphilitica

Blue Lobelia

Very Common0.62 obs.

Alliaria petiolata

Hedge Garlic

Very Common0.58 obs.

Geum canadense

White Avens

Very Common0.57 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Common0.22 obs.

Bombus vagans

Half-Black Bumblebee

Common0.07 obs.

Bombus griseocollis

Brown-Belted Bumblebee

Common0.07 obs.

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

Slender Mountain-Mint

Common0.02 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-73%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Lee County County, Iowa

Nearby Natural Areas

Des Moines River

Importance: 0.90

3 species

+200% vs. current

Lee County

Importance: 0.80

66 species

-86% vs. current

Fort Madison

Importance: 0.70

75 species

-88% vs. current

Keokuk

Importance: 0.70

74 species

-88% vs. current

Montrose

Importance: 0.70

30 species

-70% vs. current

Shimek State Forest - Lick Creek Unit

Importance: 0.70

9 species

0% vs. current

West Point

Importance: 0.70

5 species

+80% vs. current

Donnellson

Importance: 0.70

4 species

+125% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Lee County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 9 total documented species.

Diospyros virginiana

American Persimmon

Very Common0.63 obs.

Glechoma hederacea

Haymaids

Very Common0.62 obs.

Lobelia siphilitica

Blue Lobelia

Very Common0.62 obs.

Alliaria petiolata

Hedge Garlic

Very Common0.58 obs.

Geum canadense

White Avens

Very Common0.57 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Common0.22 obs.

Bombus vagans

Half-Black Bumblebee

Common0.07 obs.

Bombus griseocollis

Brown-Belted Bumblebee

Common0.07 obs.

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

Slender Mountain-Mint

Common0.02 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 9 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.

Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-73%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Lee County County, Iowa

Nearby Natural Areas

Des Moines River

Importance: 0.90

3 species

+200% vs. current

Lee County

Importance: 0.80

66 species

-86% vs. current

Fort Madison

Importance: 0.70

75 species

-88% vs. current

Keokuk

Importance: 0.70

74 species

-88% vs. current

Montrose

Importance: 0.70

30 species

-70% vs. current

Shimek State Forest - Lick Creek Unit

Importance: 0.70

9 species

0% vs. current

West Point

Importance: 0.70

5 species

+80% vs. current

Donnellson

Importance: 0.70

4 species

+125% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Species Distribution

Very Common2 species

Common3 species

Occasional3 species

Rare1 species

Regional Context

vs. Des Moines River

+200% species diversity