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< Back Roland Olson 9669 Atwood Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Roland Olson’s 127-acres was once a polo complex. Today it is a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. A paved recreation path is accessible directly from the Roland Olson preserve. Hikers and equestrians will find a variety of landscapes to explore in Olson’s restored prairie, upland woods, and remnant pine plantation. This site was historically used primarily for equestrian activities and remains a popular destination for horseback riding. Acres: 127 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Stuga: 300 max. people, 24 tables, 144 seats, Electricity, Vehicle access, Electricity plug-in only. Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: Yes Horseback Trails: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 1.5 Soccer Fields: No Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Horse Area Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Ferguson 8602 West Winslow Road, Shirland, IL 61079 Ferguson Forest Preserve’s 529 acres provides valuable wildlife habitat and is home to several threatened plant species and about 150 species of birds. Located at the confluence of the Sugar River and Pecatonica Rivers, it is one of the best migratory bird locations in the county. A diversity of waterfowl can be seen including Sandhill cranes, and several different species of ducks. Bald eagles, owls and songbirds are often seen here. There are many wet and open water areas, restored prairie, and some woodland. Ferguson’s low-lying floodplain habitat often floods after heavy rain and snowmelt. At present there is one perimeter hiking trail which offers interpretive signage about the ecology, history and wildlife of this river confluence. Acquired in 2014, the preserve is under development. Seasonal Highlights: Ferguson Forest Preserve is a prime spot for observing waterfowl and wading birds during spring and fall migrations. In spring a frog chorus calls fill the air and in summer the prairie blooms with an array of native flowers and shelters nesting grassland birds. Acres: 529.3 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: No Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 3.1 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: Yes Previous Next

< Back Severson DellsⓇ 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, IL 61102 Severson DellsⓇ is 369-acres of woodland, stream and dolomite cliffs. Severson DellsⓇ offers three miles of hiking trails and 2/3 of 1 mile of paved trail. Severson DellsⓇ is an ideal place to experience the beauty and serenity of restored prairie and woodland and the diverse birds and wildlife they support. You won’t want to miss the clear-running Hall Creek meandering through the shadows of the dramatic limestone cliffs which give the preserve its name. Dogs are prohibited at Severson DellsⓇ Forest Preserve. SEVERSON DELLS NATURE CENTERⓇ This preserve is home to the Severson Dells Nature CenterⓇ (SDNC) which provides many educational programs and events for students and families. Interactive programs are offered weekly to people of all ages and interests. SDNC contains nature exhibits, library, and bookstore for the general public. Hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1:00-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The professional environmental education staff at SDNC also provides school field trips at the nature center and in-school programs on a wide variety of natural science topics. Learn about Severson Dells Nature CenterⓇ activities and events at seversondells.org or by calling 815/335-2915. Don’t miss The Grove, a nature playscape that provides children with many opportunities to explore, climb, build and create. Local artists and sculptors constructed this innovative space to foster creative expression and outdoor exploration. Nestled among the trees, The Grove is built primarily of natural materials that provide children with free play opportunities to climb, build, hide, perform and make music. The Grove is the only recreational facility of its kind in the Rockford area. Watch this video to get a glimpse of the fun that awaits at The Grove! Acres: 369 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Prairie Knoll: Wood shelter, 200 max. people, 25 tables, 150 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, 1 large grill. Playground Equipment: outdoor nature playscape Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.8 Paved Trail:0.5 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Access: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes Special Facilities: Nature Study Center, The Grove outdoor nature playscape Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

Four Lakes Forest Preserve has a sporting dog training area that is open year round located at 10180 Trask Bridge Road (Highway 70), Pecatonica, IL 61063. Required on-site day use registration at no charge. Sporting Dog Training Four Lakes Forest Preserve has a sporting dog training area that is open year round located at 10180 Trask Bridge Road (Highway 70), Pecatonica, IL 61063. Required on-site day use registration at no charge. Follow rules and regulations posted. • Dogs may be off leash for training. • Open sunrise to sunset year round. • No motorized vehicles allowed beyond parking lot except to load & unload and must stay on road or trails. • Blank guns may be use. ABSOLUTELY NO LIVE AMMUNITION OR HUNTING ALLOWED. • Dogs must stay within the marked training boundaries. • Owners are soley responsible for their dog(s) and their behavior. • This property is unsupervised and is to be left in its naturalized state Dogs should be kept within training posted boundary signs. 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

We are hiring! Click here to view open job positions within the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. Employment Opportunities Employment The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is dedicated to protecting, conserving, enhancing, and promoting Winnebago County's natural heritage for the environmental, educational, and recreational benefit of present and future generations. Full-Time Employment There are no full-time employment opportunities at this time. 2026 Seasonal Employment Campground Host (Hononegah Forest Preserve) Serves as an informational source to the public with respect to the preserve, activities within the preserve, and community attractions. Represents the Forest Preserve District in a positive manner and maintains a working knowledge of rules and regulations. The typical season is mid-April to mid-November. Minimum stay requirement of four weeks (although hosts may stay longer if desired) with the ability to be on duty an average of 30 hours per week, the majority of these being weekend hours. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Campground Attendant (Sugar River Forest Preserve) Serves as an informational source to the public with respect to the campground, activities within the preserve, and community attractions. Represents the Forest Preserve District in a positive manner and maintains a working knowledge of rules and regulations in order to effectively communicate and educate campground customers. Processes Point of Sale (P.O.S.) transactions with campground customers, monitors reservations and campground activity. The typical season is mid-April to mid-November. Weekends and Holidays required, with scheduled hours falling primarily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, between 7:00am and 10:30pm. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Natural Resource Assistant Works to restore the ecological conditions that promote and preserve native plant and animal communities in the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County's prairies, wetlands and woodlands. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed and is dependent on weather conditions and workload. Typical workdays are Monday – Friday, 6:00a.m. - 2:30p.m., although an occasional Saturday or overtime work may be required. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Food & Beverage Associate - Atwood Homestead, Macktown, Ledges Golf Courses Promotes and maintains proper food handling and preparation procedures at District golf courses (prepping, cooking and/or storing food) following rules and regulations as set forth by the State of Illinois and the Winnebago County Health Department. Work hours may vary, and include weekdays, evenings, weekends and holidays. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed, and is dependent upon weather conditions and workload. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Golf Course Maintenance I - Atwood Homestead, Macktown, Ledges Golf Courses Performs routine manual labor tasks at the golf course as assigned. Work hours may vary, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed, depending on weather conditions and workload. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Golf Course Maintenance II - Atwood Homestead, Macktown, Ledges Golf Courses Performs routine manual labor tasks at the golf course as assigned. Work hours may vary, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. A minimum of thirty-five hours per week is required. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Golf Course Cashier - Atwood Homestead, Macktown, Ledges Golf Courses Registers golfers for play; rents District golf carts; sells golf merchandise; operates computerized point of sale system; performs all duties in a helpful and courteous manner. Work hours may vary, and may include weekdays, evenings, weekends and holidays. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed, depending on weather conditions and workload. View the complete job description here. Apply for the position here . Golf Outside Attendant - Atwood Homestead, Macktown, Ledges Golf Courses Performs routine manual labor tasks as assigned. Work hours may vary, and may include weekdays, evenings, weekends and holidays. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed, depending on weather conditions and workload. View the complete job description here. Apply for the position here . Preserve Maintenance - South Performs routine unskilled manual labor tasks as assigned. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed and is dependent on weather conditions and workload. Some weekend and holiday work required. Typical hours are weekdays 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m./rotating weekends 5:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Preserve Maintenance - North Performs routine unskilled manual labor tasks as assigned. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed and is dependent on weather conditions and workload. Some weekend and holiday work required. Typical hours are weekdays 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m./rotating weekends 5:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. View the complete job description here . Apply for the position here . Follow Us on Instagram: Find Us On @winnebagoforest ©2023 by Off The Hook. Proudly created with Wix.com Site Rules FAQ 5500 Northrock Drive | Rockford, IL 61103 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Tel: 815-877-6100 Email: FPWC@winnebagoforest.org

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.

Seasonal Application First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* Address - line 2 City* Zip / Postal code* Position(s) - Select all that apply* Food & Beverage Associate - Atwood, Ledges, Macktown Golf Course Cashier - Atwood, Ledges, Macktown Golf Course Maintenance I - Atwood, Ledges, Macktown Golf Course Maintenance II - Atwood, Ledges, Macktown Golf Course Outside Attendant - Atwood, Ledges, Macktown Natural Resource Assistant Preserve Maintenance - North Area Preserve Maintenance - South Area Resume Upload File Accepted formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx Desired Hourly Rate* Start Date* Month Month Day Year Are you 18 years old or older? (Some maintenance positions allow a minimum of 17 years old.)* Yes No Are you 21 years old or older? (Food & Beverage positions require a minimum of 21 years old.)* Yes No Do you have a valid 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* Multi-line address Country/Region Address Address - line 2 City Zip / Postal 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* Multi-line address Country/Region Address Address - line 2 City Zip / Postal 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* Multi-line address Country/Region Address Address - line 2 City Zip / Postal 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(s) 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 online signature shall substitute for and have the same legal effect as an original form signature.* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit