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Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. Geocaching Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the Internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache. www.geocaching.com Geocache Rules & Regulations All placements of proposed caches will be evaluated by Forest Preserve District staff. The evaluation will include: Sensitivity of the area. Land classification (recreational, restoration, sanctuary, dedicated nature preserve, or land & water reserve). Potential impacts to habitats or rare, threatened, and endangered species. Current development or restoration efforts at preserve. Public safety concerns. Other issues related to the specific preserve. Nonregistered caches will be removed by District staff. All Geocaches to conform to existing preserve codes and regulations. Once approved for placement the Geocache must meet the following requirements. Violation of any of these requirements will necessitate immediate removal of Geocache by District personnel. 1. Permit number on each cache. 2. Location of caches must be given to office with coordinates and location placed on preserve maps in office. 3. Container must be made of clear (see through) material, with a size no greater than 4″x8″x12″. 4. Geocache must not contain any food items. 5. Geocache must not contain any inappropriate, offensive, or hazardous materials. 6. Geocache will not be attached or buried and no vegetation or natural features will be disturbed in any manner. 7. Geocache must be checked at least every 30 days. Proof of check will be by e-mail, letter, or personal communication by the geocache owner with the office. 8. There will be a limit of three (3) caches at each preserve. 9. All caches must be removed by end of year or renewed prior to beginning of the next calendar year. No geocaches or letterboxes in golf courses or Macktown Forest Preserve.

< Back Two Rivers 12251 Harrison Road, Durand, IL 61024 Two Rivers is one of the District’s smaller preserves and is used primarily for canoe access to the Pecatonica and Sugar Rivers. Other recreational opportunities include picnicking and fishing. Accessible from Harrison Road. Acres: 6.5 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: Small non-reservable shelter Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 0.0 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: 1 Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: No Donated Land: No Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

The scenic beauty and outstanding wildlife within the forest preserves makes them extremely popular destinations for photographers. Nature photography is a great way to connect with and learn about our natural communities and the plants and animals they support. Commercial Photography and Videography Policy The scenic beauty and outstanding wildlife within the forest preserves makes them extremely popular destinations for photographers. Nature photography is a great way to connect with and learn about our natural communities and the plants and animals they support. We hope you will visit year round to enjoy and capture special moments. To protect the quality of the preserves and the visitors’ experiences, undertaking commercial photography and videography projects in the preserves requires a permit and compliance with the rules below . Photography Permit Personal Photography - Where photos captured in the forest preserves are for personal enjoyment and will not be copied, distributed, or offered for the purpose of payment. This does not require a permit. Commerical Photography - Where photos captured in the forest preserves are used for commercial or re-sale purposes. This type of photography might consist of; family portraits, student or school event pictures, wedding pictures, where a photographer is being compensated for their work or work is being offered for sale, which was performed on forest preserve property. This requires a permit. Photography Rules Photography must be conducted during normal preserve use hours. No photographer has exclusive rights to any preserve location. Be courteous to other preserve users. Do not block or obstruct roadways, bridges, parking lots, paths, trails, buildings, or structures in any ways that prevents normal use by people and vehicles. The use of temporary ground blinds is permissible as long as they are occupied and clearly marked with a permit copy affixed to the outside, viewable by staff and the public. No blinds may be left unattended. Do not disturb, move, or cut any plants, trees or bushes, regardless of whether they are living or dead. Do not disturb, chase or pursue wildlife. Any wildlife nesting season or caring for their young must be avoided. No baiting. Nothing in photograph should be recognizable as a Forest Preserve logo, sign, vehicle, structure, building, or employee without prior approval by Executive Director. Recognize that all other forest preserve rules and ordinances, State and Federal laws are in effect and apply at all times while conducting this activity in the forest preserves. All other requests may be considered by the Executive Director

We invite you to play the preserves and discover more choices and better value at three outstanding golf courses situated in the heart of northern Illinois, conveniently reached from southern Wisconsin and the greater Chicago area. Golf We invite you to play the preserves and discover more choices and better value at three outstanding golf courses situated in the heart of northern Illinois, conveniently reached from southern Wisconsin and the greater Chicago area. The Ledges, Macktown and Atwood Homestead offer three distinctive course designs in beautiful forest preserve settings. Golfers enjoy incredible beauty and a challenging game from April until the end of October. Relish the great outdoors while enjoying the fun of the game. Atwood Homestead 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/atwood Ledges Scenic and challenging 18-hole golf course. Built as a private course in 1966, this course was purchased by the District in 1978. Fairway bunkers and sand traps test your skill and accuracy. In addition, water hazards are featured on 10 holes. Area golfers are now enjoying this challenging course that often requires the use of every club in your bag. Tee times may be reserved online at playthepreserves.com/ledges Macktown 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/macktown

2026 Job Application - Campground Host (Hononegah) 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 (Hononegah)!

Stay up to date with the Forest Preserve's of Winnebago County's quarterly digital publication - Nature's Notebook! Welcome to Nature's Notebook, the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County's quarterly publication! Click the cover of the issue to read. 2026 2025 Click the cover of the issue to read. 2023 Click the cover of the issue to read. 2022 Click the cover of the issue to read.

< Back Sugar River 10127 Forest Preserve Road, Durand, IL 61024 Sugar River Forest Preserve, nestled among beautiful woods and prairie on the banks of the Sugar River, is one of the most scenic in Winnebago County. Its 529 acres comprise one of the most serene and unspoiled spots in northern Illinois. Ecological features include a braggingly pure river filled with wetland creatures (many endangered) and sandy bluffs that create small beaches along it. As well as dense forest with tall pines, and sandy prairie, all of this surrounded by the quiet countryside of northern Illinois makes Sugar River Forest Preserve a popular place for humans and animals alike! This quiet preserve offers a variety of habitats to hike and canoe. Explore woodlands, sand prairie, wetlands and river. Sugar River is the site of FPWC’s primitive camping area for tent camping right along the river, and offers a campground with electric sites and showerhouse, as well. The 5.9-mile trail system at Sugar River Forest Preserve travels the entire preserve from the south end with restored prairie, up through forest and wetland, with such a mesmerizing array of colorful birds it could make anyone consider taking up birding as a hobby. Acres: 529 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 2 River View: Stone shelter with fireplace, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, vehicle access. Sand Bluffs: Wood shelter, 132 max. people, 16 tables, 96 seats, No electricity, Vehicle access. Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 5.9 Campground Sites: 82 Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Youth/Scout Camp Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Trask Bridge 11532 Trask Bridge Road, Rockford, IL 61101 Trask Bridge is 15-acres along the Pecatonica River and is a favorite for picnicking and fishing. Also provides a boat launch and canoe access to river but not in the oxbow. Acres: 15 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Coffee Tree: Wood shelter, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 0.0 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: 1 Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Fishing Area, Artesian Well Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE Previous Next

Bicycling is a great way to enjoy outdoor recreation. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County encourages you to read the general use regulations to stay up to date on important guidelines for bicycling within the forest preserves. Bicycles are permitted; On the paved Kishwaukee River Recreation Path ; On the paved path at Headquarters Forest Preserves; Paved roads at all Forest Preserves. Off-pavement bicycling is not permitted; which includes hiking trails and equestrian trails. Forest Preserve Use Bicycling No person shall, upon or in connection with any property of the District: Fail to ride a bicycle as closely as possible to the right-hand side of any open paved roadway. Ride a bicycle on any path, trail, or other area not designated and posted as permitting bicycles. Carry another person on the handlebars, frame, or finder, or so ride on a bicycle except on a suitable seat attached to such bicycle for such purpose, or operate a bicycle in a reckless manner so as to endanger pedestrians. Ride a bicycle more than two abreast on any designated path or trail, or in any other manner than single file on any roadway or road used by the public for regular motor vehicle access. General Use Regulations

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

2026 Report Your Volunteer Service Hours First Name Last Name Email Are you a group volunteer associated with a specific school, company, or organization? If so, please enter the name here. If you are an individual volunteer, simply leave this blank. Volunteer activity for which you are reporting (please select all that apply * Required Trail Steward Native Nursery Citizen Science-Bat Monitoring Citizen Science-Bluebird Monitoring Citizen Science-Bumblebee Monitoring Citizen Science-Calling Frog Monitoring Citizen Science-Budburst Citizen Science-Other Eagle Scout Project Litter League Macktown Living History Sand Bluff Bird Observatory Severson Dells Nature Center Special Event Continuing education/training for your volunteer role Other If you selected 'other' please explain here Where did your volunteer activity take place? Please enter the month(s) and year for which you are reporting (e.g. March 2026) Total number of hours for the month(s) listed above So that we may improve our program, we encourage volunteer feedback! Tell us about your volunteer experience here (optional) THANK YOU FOR HELPING US NURTURE NATURE! Submit

Plan your picnic or family reunion now. Schedule your summer event in the beautiful, relaxing, natural setting of a forest preserve. Twenty-three shelterhouse facilities are available in 17 different preserves. A shelterhouse reservation requires a fee and covers the entire day, from 7:00 AM until sunset. Shelterhouses Shelterhouse rentals close for the season on November 19, 2025. Schedule your event in the beautiful and natural setting of a forest preserve! Twenty-three shelterhouse facilities are available in 17 different preserves. A shelterhouse reservation requires a fee and covers the entire day, from 7:00 a.m. until sunset. Shelterhouses can be reserved below or at the Forest Preserve District office at 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103. Reservations open on the first Monday in February online and at the Forest Preserve District office starting at 8:00am for the following season. Shelter house Policy A credit card convenience fee of 3% will be applied to all transactions Atwood Homestead River Oaks Resident Fee: $110.00 Non-Resident: $135.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 24 Seating: 144 No Electric Reserve Atwood Homestead Old Settlers Resident Fee: $110.00 Non-Resident Fee: $135.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 21 Seating: 126 No Electric Reserve Blackhawk Springs Indian Springs Resident Fee: $125.00 Non-Resident Fee: $155.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 25 Seating: 150 Electric Reserve Espenscheid Memorial Shady Oaks Resident : $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 80 Tables: 8 Seating: 48 No Electric Reserve Four Lakes Lake View Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 80 Tables: 4 - 12ft Seating: 48 No Electric Reserve Hononegah Bird Grove Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: 110.00 Max People: 70 Tables: 7 Seating: 42 No Electric Reserve Hononegah Indian Rest Resident Fee: $125.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 200 Tables: 21 Seating: 126 Electric Reserve Hononegah Towering Pines Resident : $125.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 21 Seating: 126 Electric Reserve Kieselburg Black Willow Springs Resident: $110.00 Non-Resident: $135.00 Max People: 200 Tables: 24 Seating: 144 No Electric Reserve Kieselburg Redcedar Ridge Resident: $110.00 Non-Resident: $135.00 Max People: 200 Tables: 21 Seating: 126 No Electric Reserve Kilbuck Bluffs Edgewood Resident: $110.00 Non-Resident: $135.00 Max People: 100 Tables: 10 Seating: 60 No Electric Reserve Kishwaukee River Fort Vincennes Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 80 Tables: 8 Seating: 48 No Electric Reserve Kishwaukee River Sleepy Hollow Resident: $110.00 Non-Resident: $135.00 Max People: 150 Tables: 22 Seating: 132 No Electric Reserve Laona Heights Ironwood Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 50 Tables: 4 Seating: 24 No Electric Reserve Macktown Highland Resident: $125.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 200 Tables: 21 Seating: 126 Electric Reserve Pecatonica River Highview Resident: $125.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 25 Seating: 150 Electric Reserve Pecatonica Wetlands Arrowhead Resident: $125.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 16 - 12ft Seating: 192 Electric Reserve Roland Olson Stuga Resident: $125.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 300 Tables: 24 Seating: 144 Electric Reserve Severson Dells Prairie Knoll Resident: $110.00 Non-Resident: $155.00 Max People: 200 Tables: 25 Seating: 150 No Electric Reserve Seward Bluffs Oak Ridge Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 80 Tables: 8 Seating: 48 No Electric Reserve Sugar River River View Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 80 Tables: 8 Seating: 48 No Electric Reserve Sugar River Sand Bluff Resident: $110.00 Non-Resident: $135.00 Max People: 132 Tables: 16 Seating: 96 No Electric Reserve Trask Bridge Coffee Tree Resident: $85.00 Non-Resident: $110.00 Max People: 80 Tables: 8 Seating: 48 No Electric Reserve