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Created by a public vote in 1922, the FPWC now encompasses 11,500 acres of woods, wetlands, rivers, prairies, and ponds. Hundreds of species of plants and animals inhabit these restored and managed lands. Our Mission Created by a public vote in 1922, the FPWC now encompasses over 11,500 acres of woods, wetlands, rivers, prairies, and ponds. Hundreds of species of plants and animals inhabit these restored and managed lands. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County was the third forest preserve district to be created in Illinois under the act which enabled counties to levy a tax and acquire land for recreation, education and preservation. As prescribed by the Downstate Forest Preserve Act, the District was governed by a board composed of the same individuals serving on the county board. The first forest preserve, Hononegah, was purchased in 1924. History A detailed and fascinating history of FPWC and each individual forest preserve was written by David Bishop and Craig G. Campbell in 1979. History of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County chronicles the district through from 1922 through 1979. Our Mission 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. Core Values • Protecting and preserving natural lands and natural communities. • Connecting people to nature. • Educating the community on the benefits and history of the land. • Being responsive to recreational needs while minimizing impact on the environment.

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.

Winter Preserve Road Status Winter vehicle access to preserves will be limited to select preserve locations once the roadways become snow or ice covered due to staff and equipment limitations and terrain. Signs are posted welcoming walk in use at all preserve locations. Some hard paths are kept cleared, but not all parking lots will be available and not all gates or roadways will be open. Below is a planned list of areas accessible by vehicles and hard paths for pedestrian use for the winter of 2021-22. Weather conditions may temporarily close some of these areas also. Atwood - front gate parking with select roadways open for walking Blackhawk Springs – Mulford Rd entrance ONLY with select parking lots open; portions of rec path Colored Sands – Yale Bridge parking lot open; front gate parking only at banding station Deer Run – front parking lot open Espenscheid – front parking lot open Ferguson- trailhead parking lot open Four Lakes – Main parking lot at South entrance open Fuller – front parking lot open Funderburg- trailhead parking lot open Headquarters – all parking lots and hard path open Hononegah – front parking lot open; walking areas on select roadways inside preserve Indian Hill – main parking lot open Jensen – front gate parking open Kieselburg – front parking lot open Kishwaukee Gorge – front parking lot open Kishwaukee River – front parking lot on west side of river open; portions of rec path Klehm - accessible Laona Heights – front gate parking open Macktown – Main roadway to shelter and visitor’s center Oak Ridge – main parking lot open Pecatonica Wetlands – front parking lot open on Pecatonica Road Roland Olson – front parking lot open; walking areas on select roadways inside preserve Severson Dells – front parking lot to preserve, all lots to nature center open; hard path open Seward Bluffs – front parking lot open Sugar River Alder – main parking lot open Sugar River – front gate parking open Trask Bridge – boat launch parking lot open Two Rivers – main parking lot open

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

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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)!

Non-motorized watercraft, canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or sail board, in Illinois are no longer required to be titled/registered in Illinois, unless the vessels have a motor or sail. Paddling Sugar River Fast with riffles and deep pools, the Sugar River flows through “wild” country of wooded banks and secluded backwater areas. Good fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish. Nelson Road canoe launch in Wisconsin to Two Rivers Forest Preserve in Shirland which is 15 miles and takes approximately seven hours in Wisconsin at Sugar River and County T, you have to portage down the grass bank. The Sugar River Park of Rock County is posted closed 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. The canoe launch from Colored Sands Forest Preserve to Two Rivers Forest Preserve is 7 miles and takes approximately three hours. Pecatonica River This river flows from the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve at the Pecatonica Village past Pecatonica River Forest Preserve, Trask Bridge Forest Preserve, and Two Rivers Forest Preserve up to Macktown Forest Preserve where it joins Rock River. Boat ramps in Sumner Park and Winnebago County Fairgrounds on both sides of dam in Pecatonica Village. The launch on Farwell Bridge Road over Pecatonica River in Stephenson County has a gravel road to the bank. Going from the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve to Two Rivers Forest Preserve is 16 miles and takes approximately five hours. Going from Trask Bridge Forest Preserve to Two Rivers Forest Preserve is 10 miles and takes approximately four hours. Pecatonica River Forest Preserve has a boat ramp Kishwaukee River This rocky bottomed stream flows through a beautiful, wooded valley and, with the exception of Belvidere, New Milford, and Cherry Valley, has little urban development near its shores. Except during heavy rainfall, the stream is relatively clear, and in the spring you can see smallmouth and rock bass hovering over their beds. Many rocky riffles and gravel bars characterize the 30-mile course from Belvidere, and during the last three miles to the mouth, the stream becomes abraded with many channels–some navigable and some not–but all are interesting and wild. Fishing on the stream is excellent. Going from Baumann Park in Cherry Valley to Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve is 4 miles and takes approximately two hours. An easy two + hour trip is from the canoe access at Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve to the ramp at Atwood Park (Atwood Outdoor Education Center). There are other canoe launches at Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve, Oak Ridge Forest Preserve (south branch). There are four canoe access launch sites in Belvidere and Atwood Park in New Milford. The Kishwaukee River south branch from Oak Ridge to Blackhawk Springs is definitely for only canoes–narrow, winding, trees down, and so shallow at times it is only inches deep where you have to get out on foot. After crossing under Perryville Bridge into Blackhawk Springs (posted on walk bridge), the south & north branches join and the river becomes deeper and wider. After entering Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve under Blackhawk Road, it becomes shallow again with islands and there is a “Rock” dam going across the river at the Sportsmen’s Park. Rock River Nearly all of the river’s 165 miles provide quality canoeing if a few simple rules are followed. The river has low head dams at Rockton, Rockford, Oregon, Dixon, Sterling (two dams), and Milan. Either plan your trip between a single pair or plan to portage around them. Never paddle near the dams during periods of low visibility. The Rock River sports the largest population of northern pike in Illinois. Diversity is its key, with strong currents, calm pools, turbulence below the dams, shallow sloughs and islands. Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve, Hononegah Forest Preserve, Macktown Forest Preserve and Rockton Village all have boat ramps. Hononegah Forest Preserve has a 57 site campground. Safety & Registration Non-motorized watercraft, canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or sail board, in Illinois are no longer required to be titled/registered in Illinois, unless the vessels have a motor or sail. Canoeists on Illinois rivers receive permission from landowners whenever utilizing private property. Many of the streams in Illinois are bounded by private land. Any stream that is not legally public and navigable is private and can only be used with permission from the landowners. Obtain permission from landowners before launching, take out, camping, picnicking, portaging, or parking vehicles on private land. Remember that your conduct will greatly influence the landowners attitude toward other canoeists.

Seasonal Application First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* Address - line 2 City* Zip / Postal code* Resume Upload File Accepted formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx Desired Hourly Rate* Position(s)* Campground Attendant - Sugar River Forest Preserve Campground Host - Hononegah Forest Preserve Food & Beverage Associate Golf Cashier Golf Outside Attendant Natural Resource Assistant Preserve Maintenance - South Area 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