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< Back District Map - Forest Preserves of Winnebago County View all 44 preserves on our District Map! Previous Next

< Back Crooked River 16394 Anderson Road Pecatonica, IL 61063 This preserve is mostly tall grass prairie that frequently floods. It is an excellent waterfowl habitat. It is well suited for fishing along the banks of the Pecatonica River. Acres: 221.5 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: No – nearby at Pecatonica Wetlands Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles):0.2 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Natural Areas: Yes Previous Next

< Back Indian Hill 7061 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, IL 61109 49.5-acre Indian Hill Forest Preserve is a favorite for an easy yet engaging hike through some of Winnebago County’s most picturesque woodlands. This forest preserve offers an alluring little shady woodland trail just long enough to stretch your legs and relax your mind. The 1.70 mile trail starts off with a few hills some twists and turns, but is primarily flat and wide. On your hike you will discover a handful of mature oak trees, so beautiful and statuesque they ask you to stop and stare. There is a quick loop off the trail that goes to a high bluff overlooking dense forest and floodplain about fifty feet down, and a bench for you to sit and enjoy this unique view of the Rock River. The rest of the trail walks through walnut tree plantation, and a tall white pine forest that allows the sun to peek in through the skinny pine needles. Acres: 49.5 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 1.70 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Conservation Area Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Blackhawk Springs 5360 Mulford Road & 5801 Perryville Rd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 One of Winnebago County’s largest forest preserves, this 629.9-acre tract is heavily wooded, and provides a wealth of fishing and hiking activities. Blackhawk Springs has 7.5 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails, and a 2.3-mile scenic, paved recreation path. Walking the trails here will lead you to an exploration of flower-filled prairies, cool shady woodlands, the glistening Kishwaukee River, and a lovely little bubbling natural spring. The beautiful and healthy Kishwaukee River makes this preserve a favorite destination in summer. Whether you want to enjoy the flowing stream as you hike, bike, jog or push a stroller on the paved path, or sit on the shady bank and fish, this is an ideal spot to enjoy rippling waters. And don’t forget to visit in the winter when the paved trail is cleared of snow offering a nice opportunity for walkers and joggers to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Seasonal Highlights: Woodland wildflowers are a spring treat in the mature woods on the east side of the preserve. May is the best time to see trilliums, jack-in-the-pulpits, may apples, and other shade-loving early blooms. Blackhawk Springs is an excellent site for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Look for Osprey and Bald Eagles fishing in the river. Acres: 629.9 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Indian Springs: 300 max. people, 25 tables, 150 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access, 30 more tables in the area for a total of 300 people. Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: Yes Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 7.5 Paved Trail:2.3 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Paved Recreation Trail Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act provides the public with access to public records to promote government transparency and accountability. Freedom of Information Act Requests The Illinois Freedom of Information Act provides the public with access to public records to promote government transparency and accountability. The principle mandate of the act provides that upon submission of a written request, each public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying any requested records that are subject to disclosure under the act. Not all records are subject to disclosure. The act provides a number of exemptions. The Act does not require the District to create new records or to answer questions other than through the production of records. The act is not intended to be used to violate individual privacy, nor for the purpose of furthering a commercial enterprise, or to disrupt the duly undertaken work of any public body independent of the fulfillment of any of the rights of the people to access to information (5 ILCS 140/1). The Act provides that a request for public records within a category not be “unduly burdensome” to the public body. Under subsection 3(f), a public body need not comply with a request if compliance “would be unduly burdensome,” there “is no way to narrow the request and the burden of the public body outweighs the public interest in the information.” The public body must generally respond to the request within five (5) working days (5 ILCS 140/3) following the date the request is received, except in the instance when the request is for commercial purposes. The five (5) day count begins the day after the receipt of the FOIA request by the District. Certain exceptions allow an additional five (5) days. Fees and costs may apply to reproducing or certifying public records. If a fee is due, you will be contacted about the cost, which must be paid prior to receiving the records. Filing a FOIA Request All FOIA requests must be in writing and should contain a detailed description of the desired records. Requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act, response letters and responsive documents are themselves public records. FOIA requests may be filed electronically by completing a Public Records Examination Request form . If you prefer, written requests for information are also accepted. Once a Public Records Examination Request form has been printed and completed, please submit it to the Freedom of Information Officer . The foregoing information is provided as a courtesy and is not intended as legal advice. Legal questions regarding FOIA should be answered by referencing the FOIA statute or legal counsel of your choice. For additional information, please contact: Forest Preserve of Winnebago County Freedom of Information Act Officer Kristine Knapp 5500 Northrock Drive Rockford, IL 61103 forestFOIA@winnebagoforest.org 815-877-6100 Fax: 815-877-6124

< Back Four Lakes 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Four Lakes is 186.1-acres containing four small man-made lakes. This is the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s most popular fishing area. Fish stocked include: bluegills, channel catfish, largemouth bass (catch & release on bass at this location), brown bullheads, redear sunfish, northern pike. No minnows are allowed for bait use to prevent diseases and invasive fish species. This preserve annually hosts Hooked On Fun, a free kids fishing event! The entrance at 10180 Trask Bridge Road (Highway 70), Pecatonica, IL 61063 has a sporting dog training area that is open year round. It requires on-site day use registration at no charge. Rules and regulations are posted. Dogs should be kept within training posted boundary signs. There are 25 acres of upland field training area and 1/2 acre pond for retriever training. This is a great area for those wanting to run and train their sporting breed pointers, flushers, and retrievers. Acres: 186.1 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Lake View: Wood shelter, 80 max. people, 4-12ft. tables, 48 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Sporting Dog Training Area: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 0.0 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Fishing Areas, Sporting Dog Training Area Donated Land: No Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Clayton Andrews 8399 Kiowa Crossing, Roscoe, IL 61073 Clayton Andrews is an 88-acre undeveloped natural area of low-lying wetland terrain. Acres: 88 Access Road: No Restrooms: No Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: No Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.1 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Wildlife Conservation Area Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

Introduce your kiddos to the outdoor fun of fishing at Hooked on Fun Kid's Fishing Derby! Young anglers will learn how to fish under the guidance of Forest Preserve staff and volunteers while competing for the biggest fish! Hooked on Fun Kid's Fishing Derby Saturday, June 13 starting at 9:00* a.m. *Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Four Lakes Forest Preserve 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 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. Ages 3-16. Free drop-in event. PARKING MAP EVENT FLYER Free t-shirt! Raffle drawings! Free rod & reel to first 100 kids! provided by Muskies, Inc. - Flatlanders Chapter Grilled hotdog lunch & s'mores! provided by Winnebago County Sheriff's Office All bait provided. If you or your child require accessibility assistance, please call 815-877-6100 in advance to arrange assistance or let someone know at your time of arrival. Additional loaner poles available (limited). All bait provided. Thank you to our sponsors HUGH C. BECKER FOUNDATION TRY-BETA FOUNDATION LOVES PARK FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE Presented by

Bat Monitor Training - 04/22/2026 First Name Last Name Email Phone Submit Thank you for registering for the virtual Bat Monitor Training on 04/22/2026!

< Back Macktown 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, IL 61072 Macktown, the first settlement in Winnebago County founded in the 1830’s, gives this forest preserve its name, but this unique site is rich with Native American history as well. And it’s home to Macktown Golf Course opened in 1931. This unique spot at the confluence of the Pecatonica and Rock Rivers has attracted people throughout history and still draws thousands of people each year for historical reenactments, golf, boating and picnicking. The Macktown historic settlement is programmed by Macktown Living History which provides interpretive programs. The area around the 1839 Stephen Mack Home and the Whitman Trading Post is designated a National Historical District. Original buildings have been restored as historic museums. Macktown historic site also offers two Native American Indian Villages. The Macktown Living History Visitor’s Center and the historic village are open for special events throughout the year and for tours by appointment. Learn more at macktownlivinghistory.com Macktown Golf Courses’ mature trees and established conditions make it a popular course for all levels of golfers. This sporty course was built in the 1930s to present a variety of golf alternatives so that golfers may select the tees most appropriate for their ability. Enjoy lunch or a cool beverage in the charming historic clubhouse. Tee times may be reserved online at playthepreserves.com Acres: 280.8 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Highland: Wood shelter, 200 max. people, 21 tables, 126 seats, Electricity, Vehicle access, 30 more tables in area for a total of 300 people. Electricity, plug-in box only. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 0.2 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: 1 Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: Yes Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Historical District, Clubhouse, Pro Shop, Education Center Donated Land: No Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

2025 Job Application - Ranger (South Area) First Name Last Name Email Phone Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Country Country Cover Letter Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Desired Hourly Rate Resume Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Start Date * required Are you 18 years old or older? * Yes No Do you have avalid Driver's License? * Yes No Is there anything that would prevent you from performing in a reasonable and safe manner the activities involved in the position for which you have applied? * Yes No If you answered "Yes" above, please explain. Do you have any relatives who are employed with our agency? If so, please list their name(s) here. Are you currently authorized to work for all employers in the United States on a full-time basis, or only for your current employer? * All Employers Current Employer Federal laws require the hiring of individuals who are authorized to be lawfully employed in the U.S. In compliance with such laws, FPWC will verify the status of every individual offered employment with our agency. All offers of employment are subject to verification of the applicant's identity and employment authorization, and it will be necessary for you to submit such documents as required by law to verify your identification and employment authorization. Education Name of High School or GED, and location: Did you graduate? * Yes No Name of College and location: Did you graduate? * Yes No Degree and fields of study: List current certifications or licenses that would benefit the position for which you are applying: Employment Experience Are you currently employed? * Yes No Employment Experience #1 Employer Street Address Street Address Line 2 City State Postal / Zip code Title and responsibilities: This position was: Full Time Part Time Seasonal Employed from/to: Reason for leaving: Supervisor name and title: Supervisor phone and e-mail address: May we contact this supervisor for a reference? Yes No Employment Experience #2 Employer Street Address Street Address Line 2 City State Postal / Zip code Title and responsibilities: This position was: Full Time Part Time Seasonal Employed from/to: Reason for leaving: Supervisor name and title: Supervisor phone and e-mail address: May we contact this supervisor for a reference? Yes No Employment Experience #3 Employer Street Address Street Address Line 2 City State Postal / Zip code Title and responsibilities: This position was: Full Time Part Time Seasonal Employed from/to: Reason for leaving: Supervisor name and title: Supervisor phone and e-mail address: May we contact this supervisor for a reference? Yes No Military Service Have you ever served in the U.S. Armed Forces? If so, list service duties, including special training relevant to the position for which you applied: Professional References List three (3) PROFESSIONAL references with contact information: Disclaimer and Signature PRE-EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT (please read very carefully before signing below): I understand and voluntarily agree that the information I have provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Any misrepresentation or omission of any fact in my application, resume, or any other materials, or during any interviews, can be justification for refusal of employment, or if employed, termination from FPWC's employ. Any offer of employment I may receive is contingent upon my successful completion of the total pre-employment screening process, including FPWC receiving references that it considers satisfactory, and my satisfactory completion of any post offer medical examination that the agency may require. I understand that as a condition of employment, I will be required to undergo and successfully pass a screening for alcohol/drugs. I also understand and agree that, if employed, I will be required to submit to an alcohol/drug screening at any time at the discretion of FPWC. In processing my application for employment, FPWC may verify all the information provided by me, including my prior employment, military records, education, criminal and driving record. I authorize and request that all of my present/former employers and those individuals I have listed as references furnish information about my employment record, including a statement of the reason for the termination of my employment, work performance, abilities, and other qualities pertinent to my qualifications for employment, hereby releasing them from any and all liability for damages arising from furnishing the requested information. In consideration of my employment, I agree to comply with the policies, rules, regulations and procedures of FPWC and understand that my employment and compensation can be terminated with or without cause or notice, at any time, at the option of the either the agency or myself. I consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by FPWC of any and all photographs and any other audiovisual materials taken of me for promotional printed material, educational activities and exhibitions or for any other use for the benefit of the agency. My on-line signature shall substitute for and have the same legal effect as an original form signature* Clear Apply Thank you for applying! We will be in touch.