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Events:
March 26, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FULL
Fabulous Frogs with Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Connie McIntosh
Do you know which frogs make the unique sounds you hear in the spring and summer? Led by Illinois Extension Master Naturalist and FPWC Frog Monitor Connie McIntosh, this program is a dive into the fascinating world of our local frogs; exploring their unique life cycle, distinctive calls, and what they can tell us about our environmental quality.
This program will begin indoors and end with an optional walk to listen for calling frogs (weather dependent).
Headquarters Forest Preserve
Administrative Building Conference Room
5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103
April 22, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Bat Monitor Training
with Urban Wildlife Institute at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Join us on Wednesday, April 22 for our Community Science Bat Monitor Training! During this training, Liza Lehrer, the assistant director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at the Lincoln Park Zoo, will discuss the impact monitoring has on local bat populations, as well as the process of monitoring and the equipment used. Great for new and returning volunteers!
VIRTUAL
The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training.
May 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
REAP Day: Bluebell Seed Collection
with Illinois Extension
Enjoy an educational hike about the spring ephemerals found at Deer Run Forest Preserve before helping collect bluebell seeds for our greenhouse! Participants are welcome to take some seeds home with them at the end of the program!
This program is free to attend, and pre-registration is requested.
Photo credit: @Moonlit Meadow
Deer Run Forest Preserve
5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
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April 9, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
Nature Nook Spring Clean Up with Burpee Museum of Natural History
Join the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and Burpee Museum of Natural History to help prepare the Nature Nook exhibit for spring! The morning will start with an educator-led learning session, followed by hands-on work in the Nature Nook, including weeding, removing fallen leaves and debris, and working in the native prairie bed.
This program is for all ages and is a great way to get the kiddos outside and getting their hands dirty!
No experience is necessary to participate—guidance and tools are provided! Terrain for this program is a mix of paved sidewalk, a short flight of steps, and level unpaved grass.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Nature Nook Outdoor Exhibit
737 North Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
April 24, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
City Nature Challenge Hike with Severson Dells Nature Center
Join a global team of citizen scientists and help document the diverse flora and fauna found at Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve! The group will search for spring ephemerals like spring beauties, mayapples, and bloodroot, as well as migratory birds, early insects, and signs of life in Kilbuck Creek. All data collected during this free guided hike will join the observations recorded during the 2026 Rock Valley City Nature Challenge!
Click here to find even more City Nature Challenge events!
Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve
North entrance (click here for a map)
April 9, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Bumblebee Monitor Training with Xerces Society
Join us for bumblebee monitor training led by Michelle Boone, an entomologist from Xerces Society! During this training, you will learn how you can help the preservation of bee diversity and enhance pollinator appreciation. Great for new or returning volunteers!
Photo credit: Julie Smith
VIRTUAL
The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training.
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May 6, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
From Backyards to Boardrooms: Building Community Led Climate Resilience at Every Scale
with Illinois Extension
Make sense of what climate change means for our state today and what we can do together to prepare for tomorrow during this 90‑minute interactive workshop with University of Illinois Extension Climate Resilience Specialist, Jessica Rudnick, PhD. This session will explore how climate change is already shaping daily life in Illinois communities, and participants will learn practical steps that individuals, organizations, and local leaders can take to strengthen resilience across the state.
This program is free to attend, and pre-registration is requested.
Headquarters Forest Preserve
Administrative Building Conference Room
5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103
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