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Events:
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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)
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May 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Wildflower Walkabout: Colored Sands Forest Preserve
with Severson Dells Nature Center
Join Severson Dells Nature Center, FPWC Natural Resources Manager Mike Groves, and FPWC Natural Resources Technician Sandra Vaughn-Pottorff for an evening at birding and wildflower hotspot Colored Sands Forest Preserve! Known for its sandy soil, Colored Sands is a great spot to see wild lupines and a variety of milkweed species. Located on Haas Road in Shirland Illinois. Easy hiking.
Colored Sands Forest Preserve
10602 Haas Road, Rockton, IL 61024
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
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!
Participants should plan to hike 1-1.5 miles on mowed trails (some incline/decline).
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
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.
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May 6, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Wildflower Walkabout: Deer Run Forest Preserve
with Severson Dells Nature Center
Join Severson Dells Nature Center, FPWC Natural Resources Manager Mike Groves, and FPWC Natural Resources Technician Sandra Vaughn-Pottorff for an evening at Deer Run Forest Preserve. We will be on the lookout for Virginia bluebells, trout lilies, red trillium, spring beauties, rue anemones, wild ginger, May apples and more as we enjoy the forest and wetland at Deer Run. Located 3 miles southeast of Rockford city limits on River Road. Easy hiking.
Deer Run Forest Preserve
5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
June 13, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
Hooked on Fun Kids' Fishing Derby
with Muskies, Inc. - Flatlanders Chapter
Introduce your kiddos to the outdoor fun of fishing at Hooked on Fun! Young anglers learn how to fish under the guidance of FPWC staff and Muskies, Inc. volunteers while competing for the biggest fish.
Highlights include:
- The first 100 kids receive a free rod and reel courtesy of Muskies, Inc. - Flatlanders Chapter!
- Free t-shirt for participating kids!
- Raffle drawings!
- Big fish trophy!
- Grilled hotdog lunch & s'mores provided by Winnebago County Sheriff's Office!
All bait provided. Limited loaner poles are also available​ (please bring your own if you can.)
Ages 3-16. Free drop-in event.
Four Lakes Forest Preserve
10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063
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