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< Back Pecatonica Wetlands 5750 Best Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Pecatonica Wetlands is made up of 1,048 acres of flood-plain forest, oxbow ponds, marshes and upland forest along the Pecatonica River. The site has outstanding spring flora and birdlife. Includes fishing access, hiking trails, picnic areas, a shelterhouse and wildlife areas. An excellent bird watching location! This preserve consists of two sections. The western section is the largest section and is low floodplain land, ox-bow ponds and wetlands. A winding trail provides an easy hike with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The eastern section, further north on Best Road, offers one of the most beautiful and popular picnic shelters in the county, as well as 100 acres of prairie and woods. Noteworthy birds and wildlife in the lower wetland area: Sandhill Cranes nest at the edges of some of the oxbow lakes and marshes. Tree Swallows and Red-headed Woodpeckers nest in the standing dead trees in the marshes throughout the preserve. The more heavily wooded marshes have nesting Prothonotary Warblers and Wood Ducks. A heron rookery is at the west end of an oxbow visible from Pecatonica Road near the preserve entrance and parking area. American White Pelicans use the oxbows during late summers and migration. Migration brings a wide variety of birds such as Scarlet Tanagers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Blue-headed Vireos, Northern Waterthrushes, five species of swallows and many other songbirds. Waterfowl stop off on migration and Bald Eagles hunt up and down the Pecatonica River. Acres: 1,048 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Arrowhead: Stone shelter, 300 max. people, 16-12ft. tables, 192 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access, 2 grills. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 6.5 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: No Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Hononegah #80 Hononegah Road, Rockton, IL 61072 Hononegah is FPWC’s oldest preserve and one of its most popular. Purchased in 1924, the preserve is located on the north bank of the Rock River and bisected by Dry Run Creek. The preserve was once a camping area of Stephen Mack, the county’s first European settler, and Hononegah, his Native American wife. Upon entering the preserve, visitors will enjoy the drive over the Rainbow Bridge and up into the cool maple grove. The campground has campsites interspersed in a mature stand of white oaks and hickories. A launch for fishing boat access to the Rock River is available. Hononegah’s majestic woods make it a popular spot to enjoy fall color displays and woodland wildflowers in spring. Acres: 228.2 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 3 Bird Grove: 70 max. people, 7 tables, 42 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, Stone shelter with fireplace. Indian Rest: 200 max. people, 21 tables, 126 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access. Towering Pines: 300 max. people, 21 tables, 126 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access. Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: Yes Soccer Fields: Yes Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.7 Campground Sites: 57 Boat Launch: 1 Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Bike Path Access, Youth/Scout Camp Donated Land: No Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Colored Sands 10602 Haas Road, Rockton, IL 61024 306-acre Colored Sands Forest Preserve on the Sugar River is known for its birds – and the bird banding at Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, its unique geology, and wonderful wildflowers. It offers outstanding panoramic views of the pristine Sugar River. Because of its sandy soil, Colored Sands Forest Preserve supports many plants, and their associated wildlife, that are not found anywhere else in the county. This preserve has nesting Henslow’s, Lark and Grasshopper Sparrows. On spring evenings in suitable weather, Whip-poor-wills can be heard singing and American Woodcocks heard displaying from the parking lot. Barred Owls are year-round residents. In fall, the preserve is a good place to look for migrating hawks. The Sand Buff Bird Observatory operates a bird banding station on weekends through the spring and fall. Visitors can observe the birds being banded. Seasonal Highlights: In May the sand prairie displays acres of blue lupine and shooting stars, and hoary and fringed pucoon in the summer. Look for birdsfoot violets in the spring woods. Acres: 306.3 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): 2.8 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes Special Facilities: Bird Banding Station, Scenic Overlook Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE Previous Next

< Back Deer Run 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 675.6-acre Deer Run offers over 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, which connect with Oak Ridge Forest Preserve to the south. It offers a mosaic of high-quality prairie, river and floodplain forest natural areas. This preserve is aptly named; deer are often seen here, and its diversity of habitat makes it a prime wildlife viewing spot. Deer Run contains a segment of the Kishwaukee River, hundreds of acres of restored prairie, floodplain wetlands and ponds, as well as woods. The “Blue Hole” on the northern edge is a floodplain oxbow pond frequented by frogs, turtles, dragonflies, beavers and herons. The preserve is bordered by the Kishwaukee River on the west and the south branch of the Kishwaukee meanders through the southeast portion. One of the highest quality streams in the state of Illinois, the Kishwaukee provides habitat and food for many aquatic and terrestrial species. The “Kish” also provides great recreational opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Seasonal Highlights: In spring, Deer Run is a prime spot to see floodplain woodland wildflowers including a spectacular sea of Virginia Bluebells. Mid-summer brings a tapestry of diverse blooms and grasses to the vast expanses of waving prairie. Wildlife viewing opportunities also peak in summer as insects, birds, butterflies, turtles, deer and beavers populate the preserve. Don’t miss the prairie’s burnished fall colors, herbal aromas and rich textures. Deer Run’s extensive system of wide flat trails offers and easy and refreshing hike or equestrian ride at any time of year. Acres: 675.6 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: Yes Equestrian Trailer Parking: Yes Equestrian self-registration: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 7.5 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Conservation Area Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE Previous Next

< Back Pecatonica River 7260 Judd Road & 14960 Brick School Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Pecatonica River is 466-acres of woodlands and oxbow swamps and is an Illinois Dedicated Nature Preserve. This preserve is divided into two parts, an upper and lower. The upper contains a 130-year-old limestone barn, hardwood forest, upland prairie and a shallow creek meandering between steep slopes. The upper area’s is one of the few spots in the county to experience a mature black maple forest. The lower half is flatter, larger and contains vast swaths of restored prairies, floodplain woods, oxbow ponds, and extensive river access. Within its 55-acre Nature Preserve lies an oxbow lake with a minimally disturbed mesic forest with several species of unique flora. A nature trail and observation deck overlooking the pond provide easy access through this area. Pileated woodpeckers and bald eagles have been sited along the river in or near the floodplain woods. This forest preserve displays outstanding spring wildflowers, including bluebells. Acres: 466 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Highview: Wood shelter, 300 max. people, 25 tables, 150 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access, 2 grills. 100 amp electricity (lights & plug-in). Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 5.5 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: 1 Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes Special Facilities: Youth/Scout Camp, Shop Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Klehm Forest Preserve 2715 S. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102 Klehm Forest Preserve is home to Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden which is known as Rockford’s living museum. This beautiful property in southwest Rockford, formerly a tree nursery, was donated by the Klehm family in 1985. Klehm offers 155-acres of spectacular gardens and rare trees, fountains and sculptures, a visitor’s center, and abundant walking trails. A 1.8 mile, handicapped-accessible paved path winds through the arboretum and gardens, plus there are many secondary, chipped trails. Kids will have fun navigating the maze in the Children’s Garden. Klehm is dog-friendly and any leashed dog is welcome. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden offers many educational programs and events for the public throughout the year including Garden Fair and the Woodsong outdoor concert series in summer. Filled with four season beauty, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is an endlessly fascinating place to explore. Seasonal Highlights: Klehm is a feast for the senses in every season from fragrant magnolia trees in spring and a butterfly garden in summer to the brilliant colors of fall and snow-capped evergreens in winter, when trails are cleared for walkers, cross-country skiers and snowshoeing. For information on Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens classes, field trips, tours, special events and concerts visit klehm.org or call 815/965-8146. Acres: 158.2 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): 6.2 Paved Trail:2.2 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Arboretum Botanical Garden, Shop, ADA accessible Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Atwood Homestead 8990 Old River Road, Rockford, IL 61103 Atwood Homestead is a 338-acre preserve along the Rock River. The majority of the preserve is comprised of the golf course and clubhouse. The general recreation portion of the preserve offers two picnic shelters, boat ramp, canoe access, and two docks. Atwood Homestead extensive river frontage offers scenic views of the river. A major attraction at this preserve is the beautiful 18-hole golf course and historic limestone club house. Atwood Homestead’s player-friendly golf course opened in 1971 on land donated by Seth B. Atwood. The large stone family homestead has been remodeled and serves as the clubhouse and pro shop. The course was designed by Charles Maddox to present a variety of golf alternatives so that golfers may select the tees most appropriate for their ability. Tee times may be reserved online at playthepreserves.com. Acres: 338 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 2 Old Settlers: Wood shelter, 300 max. people, 24 tables, 144 seats, No electricity, Vehicle access. River Oaks: Wood shelter, 300 max. people, 21 tables, 126 seats, No electricity, Vehicle access. Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: Yes Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 0.2 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: 2 Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: Yes Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: 18 Hole Golf Course, Historic Clubhouse Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back County Line 7530 Ipsen Road Belvidere, IL 61008 The preserve is a natural area suitable for bird-watching. Access to the preserve is located on Ipsen Road. To get to the preserve, follow the trail from the parking area under overhead electric transmission lines, across private property and under the I-90 bridge. Acres: 158.7 Access Road: Yes. Located on Ipsen Road in Belvidere Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: No Shelterhouse: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.2 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Special Facilities: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Natural Area: Yes Previous Next

< Back Oak Ridge 8322 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 This scenic forest preserve boasts beautiful views of the Kishwaukee River, lovely old oak groves and restored prairie. Oak Ridge Forest Preserve is considered the equestrian center for the entire county, offering 7.5 miles of trails that connect to nine miles of equestrian trails in Deer Run Forest Preserve. A spacious equestrian parking lot and camping area make a favorite horseback riding destination. A canoe ramp near the entrance provides convenient access to the south branch of the Kishwaukee River. 160 acres of prairie, 100 acres of sedge meadow and hundreds of acres of flood plain forest make it an ideal spot to enjoy nature’s serenity and view a variety of wildlife. Seasonal Highlights: The floodplain forest is an excellent spot for woodland flowers and the display of Virginia Bluebells around the first of May is stunning. The extensive grass trails through blooming prairie and shady woods offer a refreshing summer walk. Autumn’s burnished prairie and the stately old oaks make Oak Ridge a favorite destination for fall hikes. Acres: 653.6 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: Yes Equestrian Camping: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 7.5 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: No Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Kieselburg 5801 Swanson Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Kieselburg Forest Preserve is primarily a flat and open piece of land with some wooded areas. It is the site of one of FPWC’s largest prairie restoration projects. Kieselburg showcases several types of habitat including gravel prairie, wet prairie and a restored wetland which is classified as a calcareous seep, an uncommon wetland type in Winnebago County. The seep supports diverse wetland plants including peat moss, cotton top sedge, marsh blazing star, cord grass, tussocks, Culvers root and dozens of other high-quality wetland plants. Both the seep and prairie support a diversity of birds, butterflies and other pollinators. The long connected loops of grass trails and relatively flat terrain at Kieselburg make it a favorite with hikers. Other attractions are a model airplane flying field especially for radio controlled model airplanes and a soccer field. Acres: 211 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 2 Black Willow Springs: Wood shelter, 200 max. people, 24 tables, 144 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access. Red Cedar Ridge: Wood shelter, 200 max. people, 21 tables, 126 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: Yes Soccer Fields: Yes Flying Field: Yes Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.9 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Soccer Field, Model Airplane Flying Field Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Rockford Rotary 5390 Rotary Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61063 This 228-acre preserve was donated to Forest Preserves of Winnebago County in 1980 by the Rockford Rotary Club. The heavily wooded preserve is the site of the former Camp Rotary and overlooks the Kishwaukee River. A picnic area and equestrian access are provided at the preserve’s entrance off Rotary Road. Rolling terrain makes for adventurous and moderately challenging hiking. Trails afford scenic river views and access to nearly a mile of riverfront. Rotary is an excellent place to enjoy a diversity of native trees, shrubs, woodland wildflowers and ferns. Acres: 228.5 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 2.9 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Youth/Scout Camp Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Kishwaukee River 6303 Mulford Road & 5757 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve is a historic and scenic preserve bisected by the Kishwaukee River. Very popular for river access, it receives a lot of use for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. An excellent canoe put in and take-out site. Its low gently sloping banks offer many spots to sit and fish, picnic or just watch the flowing waters glide by. The Kishwaukee River is considered to be one of the highest quality streams in Illinois due to its clean water and the diversity of life it supports. This preserve provides access to the south end of a 2.25-mile paved recreation trail and is a great place to park and then jump on the path for walking, biking or jogging. The primary vegetation here is mature woods, which make it a prime great spot for woodland birds. Seasonal Highlights at Kishwaukee River: This preserve is a popular destination year-round for many people who want to enjoy the river and the paved trail. The paved trail is cleared of snow offering a nice opportunity for walkers and joggers to enjoy the outdoors in winter. In the warm summer months Kishwaukee River is a favorite because it is an ideal spot to enjoy the river. Fishing is excellent in the Kishwaukee and famous for smallmouth bass. Fall birding is excellent in this preserve as migrating birds use the mature forests as a stopover. Acres: 317.02 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 2 Fort Vincennes: West side of river. Stone with fireplace, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, Vehicle access, 1 large grill. Sleepy Hollow: East side of river. Wood shelter, 150 max. people, 22 tables, 132 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, 2 large grills. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 1.0 Paved Trail:0.3 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: No Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next