Introducing our 45th Preserve: Paula Swanson Forest Preserve
- fpwc68
- 17 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is excited to announce the acquisition of our 45th forest preserve, Paula Swanson Forest Preserve!
Located in Shirland, Illinois along the Sugar River, this 88-acre parcel is an area of great natural resource value with high quality wetland and river frontage habitats that are home to a variety of waterfowl, songbird, amphibian, and reptile species. The preserve also includes acreage currently in row-crop agriculture, which will be restored to prairie and woodland habitats.
The purchase of this property from the McKee family was made possible in part by a generous donation from Paula Swanson. Originally from Iowa, Paula and her late husband, Jim, were avid birdwatchers and extremely active in the greater Rockford area, volunteering their time at sites that included the Sand Bluff Bird Observatory at Colored Sands Forest Preserve and Severson Dells Nature Center. Paula sadly passed away at the age of 87 on February 18, 2025. FPWC is deeply grateful for the lasting legacy that Paula created by fostering an appreciation for Winnebago County’s natural areas and wildlife in others, as well as for her generosity and forward thinking.
Paula Swanson Forest Preserve is located off of W. Winslow Road in Shirland, IL and is open to walk-in traffic only. While marked trails and a parking lot aren’t in place just yet, the preserve is open to walk-in visitors. Parking is available along the road, but please do not block the entrance gate to the preserve.
A dedication marking the official opening of the preserve is expected to take place this summer, so stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, we hope you are able to take the opportunity to explore our newest Forest Preserve of Winnebago County!
