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Stay up to date on upcoming forest preserve events! Events: April 9, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. Nature Nook Spring Clean Up with Burpee Museum of Natural History Join the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and Burpee Museum of Natural History to help prepare the Nature Nook exhibit for spring! The morning will start with an educator-led learning session, followed by hands-on work in the Nature Nook, including weeding, removing fallen leaves and debris, and working in the native prairie bed. This program is for all ages and is a great way to get the kiddos outside and getting their hands dirty! No experience is necessary to participate—guidance and tools are provided! Terrain for this program is a mix of paved sidewalk, a short flight of steps, and level unpaved grass. Burpee Museum of Natural History Nature Nook Outdoor Exhibit 737 North Main St, Rockford, IL 61103 REGISTER April 24, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. City Nature Challenge Hike with Severson Dells Nature Center Join a global team of citizen scientists and help document the diverse flora and fauna found at Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve! The group will search for spring ephemerals like spring beauties, mayapples, and bloodroot, as well as migratory birds, early insects, and signs of life in Kilbuck Creek. All data collected during this free guided hike will join the observations recorded during the 2026 Rock Valley City Nature Challenge ! Click here to find even more City Nature Challenge events! Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve North entrance (click here for a map ) REGISTER May 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Wildflower Walkabout: Colored Sands Forest Preserve with Severson Dells Nature Center Join Severson Dells Nature Center, FPWC Natural Resources Manager Mike Groves, and FPWC Natural Resources Technician Sandra Vaughn-Pottorff for an evening at birding and wildflower hotspot Colored Sands Forest Preserve! Known for its sandy soil, Colored Sands is a great spot to see wild lupines and a variety of milkweed species. Located on Haas Road in Shirland Illinois. Easy hiking. Colored Sands Forest Preserve 10602 Haas Road, Rockton, IL 61024 REGISTER April 9, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. Bumblebee Monitor Training with Xerces Society Join us for bumblebee monitor training led by Michelle Boone, an entomologist from Xerces Society! During this training, you will learn how you can help the preservation of bee diversity and enhance pollinator appreciation. Great for new or returning volunteers! Photo credit: Julie Smith VIRTUAL The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training. REGISTER May 6, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. From Backyards to Boardrooms: Building Community Led Climate Resilience at Every Scale with Illinois Extension Make sense of what climate change means for our state today and what we can do together to prepare for tomorrow during this 90‑minute interactive workshop with University of Illinois Extension Climate Resilience Specialist, Jessica Rudnick, PhD. This session will explore how climate change is already shaping daily life in Illinois communities, and participants will learn practical steps that individuals, organizations, and local leaders can take to strengthen resilience across the state. This program is free to attend, and pre-registration is requested. Headquarters Forest Preserve Administrative Building Conference Room 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 REGISTER May 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. REAP Day: Bluebell Seed Collection with Illinois Extension Enjoy an educational hike about the spring ephemerals found at Deer Run Forest Preserve before helping collect bluebell seeds for our greenhouse! Participants are welcome to take some seeds home with them at the end of the program! Participants should plan to hike 1-1.5 miles on mowed trails (some incline/decline). This program is free to attend, and pre-registration is requested. Photo credit: @Moonlit Meadow Deer Run Forest Preserve 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 REGISTER April 22, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. Bat Monitor Training with Urban Wildlife Institute at the Lincoln Park Zoo Join us on Wednesday, April 22 for our Community Science Bat Monitor Training! During this training, Liza Lehrer, the assistant director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at the Lincoln Park Zoo, will discuss the impact monitoring has on local bat populations, as well as the process of monitoring and the equipment used. Great for new and returning volunteers! VIRTUAL The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training. REGISTER May 6, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Wildflower Walkabout: Deer Run Forest Preserve with Severson Dells Nature Center Join Severson Dells Nature Center, FPWC Natural Resources Manager Mike Groves, and FPWC Natural Resources Technician Sandra Vaughn-Pottorff for an evening at Deer Run Forest Preserve. We will be on the lookout for Virginia bluebells, trout lilies, red trillium, spring beauties, rue anemones, wild ginger, May apples and more as we enjoy the forest and wetland at Deer Run. Located 3 miles southeast of Rockford city limits on River Road. Easy hiking. Deer Run Forest Preserve 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 REGISTER June 13, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. Hooked on Fun Kids' Fishing Derby with Muskies, Inc. - Flatlanders Chapter 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. Highlights include: - The first 100 kids receive a free rod and reel courtesy of Muskies, Inc. - Flatlanders Chapter! - Free t-shirt for participating kids! - Raffle drawings! - Big fish trophy! - Grilled hotdog lunch & s'mores provided by Winnebago County Sheriff's Office! All bait provided. Limited loaner poles are also available (please bring your own if you can.) Ages 3-16. Free drop-in event. Four Lakes Forest Preserve 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 LEARN MORE

Please see below to view the current open bids Forest Preserve Bids OPEN BIDS, QUOTES OR RFQ'S BID TABULATIONS 26-0401 Ledges Asphalt Paving Project - Under Review 26-0402 Atwood Homestead Asphalt Paving Project - Under Review 26-0403 Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve Asphalt Paving Project - Under Review 26-0404 Sugar River Forest Preserve Asphalt Paving Project - Under Review AWARDED 25-0301 - Atwood Homestead Golf Course Driving Range Tee Complex 25-0302 - Tow Behind Rotary Roller Mower for Ledges Golf Course 25-0303 - Tow Behind Contour Finishing Mower for Macktown Golf Course 25-0401 - Atwood Homestead Asphalt Paving Project 25-0402 - Pecatonica River Asphalt Paving & Demolition Project 25-0403 - Severson Dells Farm Building Demolition 25Q-2399 - Architect Services 25-1101 - Forestry Mowing at Funderburg Forest Preserve 25B-2442 - New Natural Resource Building for Forest Preserves of Winnebago County 26-0101 - Klehm Arboretum Gazebo Roof Replacement 26-0201 - Turf Fertilizers, Herbicides, Fungicides and Insecticides PURCHASING POLICY

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County | 44 forest preserves, 3 campgrounds, 3 golf courses | Endless exploring. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County News Updates We are excited to introduce our 45th forest preserve, Paula Swanson Forest Preserve! Learn more about our newest preserve and its namesake, Paula Swanson, on our blog . Share your vision for the future of your forest preserves! FPWC is gathering input from the community to shape its Strategic Plan through a Community Survey. Click here to take the survey . Click here to learn more about the Community Survey and planning process. We are hiring! Both seasonal and full-time positions available. Click here to learn more. Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out! Email Join Thanks for subscribing! Reservations and Purchases Click Here! Explore The Forest Preserves 45 preserves, over 100 miles of hiking trails, three campgrounds, three golf courses. Endless possibilities . The Preserves District Map Camp with us! Campgrounds provide paved access roads, running water, electric hookups, restrooms, and dump stations. Camping 2026 Events! Discover the nature of life and get outside with us! Events Golf with us! Enjoy your round amongst the best golf experiences in Illinois! Play the preserves: Atwood | Ledges | Macktown Golf Our Mission Statement: "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." Follow Us on Instagram: @winnebagoforest

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.

Seasonal Employee Orientation WELCOME 2026 SEASONAL EMPLOYEES! Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Headquarters (5500 Northrock Drive in Rockford, IL): Your attendance at a Seasonal Employee Orientation is mandatory (for new and returning employees). Please note that all employment paperwork must be completed and turned into us prior to attending orientation. You will be paid for this time. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions listed, kindly contact Human Resources Manager at 815-877-6100. RSVP First Name Last Name Email Phone Position Work Location Choose an option I will attend the following orientation at Headquarters (choose only one) Choose an option Submit Thanks for submitting!

< Back Headquarters 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 Headquarters Forest Preserve is the home of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County administration office and central maintenance shop. This preserve includes a paved trail that connects to the Sinnissippi Recreation Trail and a quarry lake and picnic area. Whether you are walking, biking, jogging, pushing a stroller, or walking your dog, the Headquarters paved loop trail is an extremely popular year round destination. A restored prairie, wetland area, and floodplain forest provide opportunities to encounter a variety of birds, insects and other wildlife. The eastern boundary is the Rock River and provides views of the river and access for fishing. Fishing is not allowed in the quarry lake. Acres: 44.5 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 1.25 Paved Trail:0.8 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: FPWC Office, Maintenance Shop Donated Land: No Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

REAP Day: Bluebell Seed Collection - 5/23/2026 First name* Last name* Email* Phone* How many people will be attending with you? Please enter 0 if you are attending alone.* Submit

< Back R. Robert Funderburg 4551 S. Meridian Road, Rockford IL, 61102 Funderburg Forest Preserve’s 868.6 acres provides valuable wildlife habitat and is home to a variety of plant species and numerous species of birds. Located adjacent to Severson Dells Forest Preserve and also connecting to the Byron Forest Preserve District’s Howard Coleman Hall Creek Preserve and Natural Land Institute’s Coleman Dells Nature Preserve. This area offers a unique opportunity for three land organizations to preserve and manage one large contiguous piece of land where plant and wildlife can thrive in an uninterrupted habitat area. Currently there is a network of hiking trails, offering preserve users opportunities for shorter or longer hikes based on available time and abilities through mild to moderate terrain. Acquired in 2020 with financial assistance provided by and in cooperation with the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, the preserve is under development. Future plans for the preserve include converting crop farmed areas to prairie and savannah type habitat and preservation of the existing woodlands. Seasonal Highlights: R. Robert Funderburg Forest Preserve is a prime spot for observing birds during spring and fall migrations as well as viewing spectacular autumn colors in the forested areas. Acres: 868.6 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: No Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: No Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails (miles): 8 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes Previous Next

< Back Espenscheid Memorial 4800 South Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve is accessible from Perryville Road. This 114.7-acre tract of mature bur oaks and brushy woodlands was donated to the District in 1979. Attractions at this preserve are hiking trails, picnic areas, a shelterhouse and canoe access. Acres: 114.7 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Shady Oaks: Wood shelter, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, 1 large grill. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 1.6 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

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

< Back District Map - Forest Preserves of Winnebago County View all 44 preserves on our District Map! Previous Next

< Back Seward Bluffs 16999 Comly Road, Seward, IL 61077 Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve is one of FPWC’s most picturesque and most popular. It boasts woodland, stream and dolomite cliffs. It is home to many northern relic species as well as a good spring wildflower display. The 400 acres in the western portion is beautiful undulating restored prairie and oak-savanna. Because of its dramatic scenery and varied landscape, it is a favorite for hiking and horseback riding. Seward Bluffs is one of three preserves which offers a campground. The overlook on the eastern edge provides one of the most beautiful views in the county. Seasonal Highlights at Seward Bluffs: Summer delights abound. Explore beautiful Grove Creek and cool shade of old oaks and maples in the mature woods. The restored prairie is a sea of waving grasses and flowers with peak bloom in early July. Seward Bluffs is famous for its display of colorful fall foliage. Don’t miss the show in October! Much of the hiking trail system can be used for cross-country skiing in winter. All FPWC cross-country ski trails are ungroomed. The access road allows room for skiers to park their cars off the roadway in front of the locked gates. Acres: 636.6 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 2 Grove Creek: Stone shelter no longer in use. Oak Ridge: Stone shelter on north side of preserve, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, Vehicle access. Playground Equipment: Yes Ball Fields: Yes Horseback Trails: Yes Equestrian Camping: Yes Self-registration for Equestrians: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 8.5 Campground Sites: 47 Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 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