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Kieselburg Forest Preserve Radio Controlled Flying Field Metal Detecting Rules & Regulations Useless detected items must be disposed of properly. Use the available waste cans if possible. Carry a small plastic sheet as one of your tools. Lay any earth removed from the hole on this sheet for easy return to the hole. Metal detecting cannot interfere with any other forest preserve activity, planned or unplanned. Metal detector users must cooperate fully with all forest preserve personnel and all law enforcement officers. No shrub, tree, or flower may be destroyed when detecting for metal objects Metal detector users must have their permit on their person when metal hunting. The permit must be shown to forest preserve personnel or law enforcement officers upon request Metal detector users must observe all other Forest Preserves of Winnebago County regulations when using any forest preserve grounds. Metal detecting permits are issued for a period of one calendar year only Permits may be revoked by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and must be surrendered upon request. Golf course, Paula Swanson Forest Preserve, and Macktown Forest Preserve may not be used as metal detecting areas. Indemnity: Permitee hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and their agents and employees from and against all claims, damages losses and expenses including attorney fees arising out of or be asserted by or in behalf of any person(s) whomsoever by reason of injury suffered or occasioned to the person or property of such person(s) growing out of said use of said preserve grounds/facilities by said permitees(s), pursuant to this permit. Fees Resident Non-Resident Yearly photo ID pass $25.00 $35.00 Click Here to Purchase! A credit card convenience fee of 3% will be applied to all transactions

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County General Use Rules & Regulations Forest Preserves of Winnebago County General Use Regulations Policies Tree Preservation Policy Shelterhouse Policy Camping Policy.

Having Trouble? With so many adventures to choose from, it's easy to get lost! That's why we've created these video tutorials to make sure you're on the right path. Just select what activity pertains to you and which device you are using to get started. Camping Laptop/Computer Mobile device Shelterhouses Laptop/Computer Mobile device Passes Laptop/Computer Mobile device Tee Times Laptop/Computer Mobile device

North Area Ranger Application First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* Address - line 2 City* Zip / Postal code* Cover Letter* Upload File Accepted formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx Resume* Upload File Accepted formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx Desired Hourly Rate* Start Date* Month Month Day Year Are you 18 years old or older?* 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 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

2026 Job Application - Campground Attendant (Sugar River) First Name Last Name Email Phone Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Country Country Resume Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Desired Hourly Rate 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 for the position of Campground Attendant (Sugar River)!

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!

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County provides unique and enriching opportunities for local citizens to explore and learn about our natural areas and the wildlife that inhabit them. Volunteer With Us! Current volunteers may report service hours here! Our Volunteers Nurture Nature! The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County provides unique and enriching opportunities for local citizens to explore and learn about our natural areas and the wildlife that inhabit them. Whether you assist at a one-time event, or commit to a long-term project, our volunteer program offers flexible opportunities that appeal to a wide variety of interests – for individuals and groups alike! NEW! Volunteer Site Steward Program The Volunteer Site Steward Program engages dedicated individuals in the care and restoration of Forest Preserve properties. Participants adopt a specific site and work alongside Natural Resource staff to monitor conditions, lead volunteer efforts, and support ongoing restoration goals. Through activities such as invasive species removal, native planting, and site monitoring, stewards play a vital role in maintaining the long-term health of these natural areas. APPLY HERE! R.E.A.P. (Restoration.Education.Appreciation.Preservation.) Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! Habitat restoration workdays are held at various forest preserves on the third Saturday of the month in late spring/summer. Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done. Weekly Restoration Work Days Join the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for our weekly restoration work days! Get your hands dirty while helping restore important habitats. Please dress for outdoor work (pants, long-sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, hats, and gloves.) Community Science (also known as Citizen Science) Become a part of a growing group of volunteers who observe and record information about the natural world! Volunteers help us collect valuable wildlife data that we use to make land management decisions and secure grant funding. Bats Bluebirds Bumblebees Butterflies Calling Frogs Fireflies (Firefly Atlas ) Odonates Plant Monitoring (Budburst ) General Monitoring (iNaturalist ) Duties vary depending on the project. Some projects are simple and beginner-friendly, while others are more technical. Choose what works best for you! All volunteers receive state-of-the art training to ensure confidence and comfort in their roles. No previous science experience is necessary – all that is needed is a general awareness and appreciation of nature! APPLY HERE! Trail Stewardship While workday volunteers care for the larger ecological health of our natural areas, a Trail Steward “adopts” a forest preserve trail and focuses on keeping it safe and pleasant for our visitors. Activities include litter control, clearing brush and debris from trails after storms, and reporting any inappropriate uses of the trail to the designated Area Manager. On-going training and education is provided. APPLY HERE! Native Nursery Our Native Plant Nursery is located at our Resource Center near Severson Dells Forest Preserve. Volunteers weed and water plant beds, install plugs, monitor and inventory plants, collect and clean seed, learn plant propagation techniques and more! APPLY HERE! Litter League Litter really BUGS us! Whether your participate individually, with a friend, or as part of a group – youth or adult – our Litter League is in action! Bring your work gloves, and we’ll supply the trash bags for you to pick up trash along the roadway to the entrances of Espenscheid and Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserves. APPLY HERE! Special Events Serve on a short-term planning committee or just support the activities of the day…the choice is yours! Special Event volunteers enjoy welcoming the public to nature by assisting with greeting visitors, special event activities, games, kids crafts and more! APPLY HERE! Volunteer Opportunities with Other Organizations Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens - Click HERE for volunteer opportunities or visit klehm.org . Macktown Living History - Click HERE for Volunteer opportunities or visit macktownlivinghistory.com . Sand Bluff Bird Observatory - Click HERE for volunteer opportunities or visit sandbluff.org .

There are 44 forest preserves in Winnebago County. Our District Map gives you a birds eye view of the preserves so you can choose where to go! Click HERE for a printable District Map

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, 2026 starting at 9:00* a.m. *Registration opens 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-shirts! while supplies last Raffle drawings! Free tackle box to first 200 kids! provided by Plano Molding Free rod & reel to first 100 kids! provided by Muskies, Inc. - Flatlanders Chapter Live animal exhibit! with Illinois Department of Natural Resources 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). Click here for a parking map. All bait provided. Thank you to our sponsors LOVES PARK FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE HUGH C. BECKER FOUNDATION TRY-BETA FOUNDATION Presented by

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County provides three campgrounds for general public use. The campgrounds provide paved access roads, running water, electric hookups, restrooms, and dump stations. Camping The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County provides three campgrounds for general public use. The campgrounds provide paved access roads, running water, electric hookups, restrooms, and dump stations. Winter Camping is no longer permitted. Campgrounds are now available for reservation! Campgrounds Sugar River 10127 Forest Preserve Road, Durand, IL 61024 All 70 sites in the main campground at Sugar River may be reserved online. Reservations MUST be made 7 days in advance. Primitive sites are on a first-come first-served basis. Please register at the attendant building, or in the absence of attendant, please use the self-registration station. Click here for the campground map Click here for the primitive campground map (non-reservable) Reserve Here Seward Bluffs 16999 Comly Road, Seward, IL 61077 **Due to issues with the well, water is NOT AVAILABLE at the equestrian-specific campgrounds at Seward Bluffs. In an effort to keep the equestrian campground open, we encourage equestrian campers to utilize the water pump at the regular Seward Bluffs campground. Campers are welcome to pull their rigs directly up to the water hydrants.** All 47 sites at Seward Bluffs may be reserved online. Reservations MUST be made 7 days in advance. Please register with the campground host or in the absence of a host, please use the self-registration station. Click here for the campground map. Reserve Here Hononegah #80 Hononegah Road, Rockton, IL 61072 No reservations available for sites at Hononegah, sites are on a first-come first-served basis. The host will register campers on a per unit basis after the units are established. Click here for the campground map. Fees A credit card convenience fee of 3% will be applied to all transactions Resident / Non-resident Sugar River Senior (62+) & disabled Electric hookup (additional) Primitive Primitive-Senior (62+) & disabled 3 unit per site maximum (Tent-max of 3; RV-max of 1 & up to 2 tents) Firewood from attendant/staff when available Non-camper dump station use fee $17/unit $27/unit $15/unit $25/unit $10/unit $10/unit $15/unit $25/unit $13/unit $23/unit $8/bundle $25 $35 Resident / Non-resident Seward Bluffs & Hononegah Senior (62+) & disabled Electric hookup (additional) 3 unit per site maximum (Tent-max of 3; RV-max of 1 & up to 2 tents) Firewood from attendant/staff when available Non-camper dump station use fee $15/unit $25/unit $13/unit $ 23/unit $10/unit $10/unit $8/bundle $25 $35 Resident / Non-resident Organized Youth Group Camping by reservation only (per weekend reservation) (Hononegah, Pecatonica River, Rockford Rotary, and Sugar River) 25 or less people Over 25 people (Rockford Rotary Only) $35 $45 $35+ $45+ (over 25 people - base rate plus $1.00 per person over 25 people) Reserve Here Camping Policy PLEASE NOTE: Water at the campgrounds will be shut off towards the end of the season when freezing temperatures arrive. There is not a specific date, the decision is made depending on weather conditions. Protect the Flora and Fauna The very name "Preserve" implies protection and freedom from harm. It is therefore unlawful to hunt, collect or injure any tree, shrub, flower, or wildlife. Fish, the only exception, may be taken in accordance with posted regulations. No nails or screws shall be driven into trees. :) Trash Rubbish or garbage must be wrapped and placed in waste receptacles.