Whitman Bottoms Floodplain Forest contains a mature floodplain forest, a section of Indian Creek, and a large heron rookery. Dominants in the floodplain forest are silver maple and river birch in the canopy; poison ivy, grape, common moonseed, woodbine and wild yam as vines; and wood nettle in the herbaceous layer. Also present are American elm, swamp white oak, green ash, and prickly ash. An established and well-studied rookery of herons and egrets contains about 500 nests and is one of the largest in the state. Cavity-nesting bird species are very well represented and include seven species of woodpeckers and the uncommon prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea). Indian Creek meanders through the natural area; the fishery is quite diverse, including some 62 species. Whitman Bottoms Floodplain Forest is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1982.