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Forest Preserves of Winnebago County | 44 forest preserves, 3 campgrounds, 3 golf courses | Endless exploring. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County News Updates The results from the Community Survey implemented from February 1 - April 30, 2026 are now available. To view the results, click here or visit www.winnebagoforest.org/communitysurvey . 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 . 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

Stay up to date on upcoming forest preserve events! Events: July 23, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. Bat Hike - FULL Learn all about everyone’s favorite flying mammal—the bat! Stewardship Coordinator Keith will discuss the bat species that are native to our area, the challenges they face, and how our Community Science volunteers track them with sound-monitoring techniques. Then we’ll break out the “bat pack” and hike the trails in search of bats! This is a free family-friendly event. Participants should plan to hike about three-quarters of a mile on mostly flat terrain (mowed trail). A few headlamps will be available for loan, but participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight or phones. Limit 15 participants. Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve 4643 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 REGISTRATION FULL

Since December 2010, the Forest Preserve District has been governed by an independent elected Board of Commissioners. Governance Since December 2010, the Forest Preserve District has been governed by an independent elected Board of Commissioners. Information may be mailed to Commissioners at the Forest Preserve District Headquarters mailing address: 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103. As of December 2024, Commissioners include: Judith Barnard jbarnard@winnebagoforest.org Jeff Tilly jtilly@winnebagoforest.org Mike Eickman meickman@winnebagoforest.org Emily Porter eporter@winnebagoforest.org Gloria Lind glind@winnebagoforest.org Cheryl A. Maggio cmaggio@winnebagoforest.org Jerry Paulson jpaulson@winnebagoforest.org 2026 Schedule of Board of Commissioners Meetings Every Board Meeting is held at The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Headquarters, in the Conference Room, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford 61103 unless otherwise stated. The meetings begin at 5:30 PM and occur on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. 2026 dates: January 21 February 18 March 18 April 15 May 20 June 17 July 15 July 23 - 3:30pm at 10178 W. Winslow Rd, Durand, Illinois 61024 August 19 September 16 October 21 November 18 December 16 If you require assistance while attending our meetings, please call 815-877-6100 or email ewendlandt @winnebagoforest.org no less than 48 hours prior to the Board meeting. Anyone wishing to address the Board may call 815-877-6100 or email ewendlandt @winnebagoforest.org in advance of the meeting. Meeting Agendas & Minutes Meeting Agendas Meeting Minutes June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 March 2026 *Special Call February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 October 2025 - Budget Hearing September 2025 August 2025 June 2025 July 2025 June 12 2025* June 11 2025* May 21 2025 May 15 2025* May 13 2025* May 12 2025* April 2025 May 20 2026 March 18 2026 April 15 2026 March 2 2026 - Special Call Meeting January 21 2026 February 18 2026 December 17 2025 November 19 2025 October 22 2025 October 22 2025 - Budget Hearing September 17 2025 August 20 2025 July 16 2025 Board Governance Training 2025 April 16 2025 May 21 2025 Executive Director Interviews (5/12/25-6/12/25) June 18 2025 February 6 2025 March 19 2025

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC) derives its working capital from two primary sources. The District’s tax levy is distributed into the corporate, debt service, botanic garden, retirement, liability reserve and development funds. Finance Annual Budget The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC) derives its working capital from two primary sources. The District’s tax levy is distributed into the corporate, debt service, botanic garden, retirement, liability reserve and development funds. The 2025-2026 tax rate is expected to be .07936 cents per one hundred dollars of assessed real estate valuation, which means that the Forest Preserve District has the lowest tax rate of any taxing body within Winnebago County. The second source of income is the service fees generated by campgrounds, shelterhouses, equestrian permits, golf courses, etc. The District also utilizes private, federal and state grant programs to supplement its funds for land acquisition and development. Since its inception, the District has been awarded over eleven million dollars in land acquisition grants from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, State of Illinois OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development) program and other programs. The District also receives funds through programs such as the Depart ment of Natural Resources to fund construction of canoe launches, trails, parking and restroom facilities as well as fund restoration work. 2024-2025 Budget 2025-2026 Budget 2024-2025 Audit Report 2023-2024 Audit Report Public Act 101-0504 FPWC is a member of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and compliant with Public Act 101-0504 for IMRF employer cost and participation information and related reports. Total Compensation Package Information Pursuant to the requirements of 5 ILCS 120/7.3, we have made available in our Human Resources department at FPWC Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103, a list of all employees having a total compensation package that exceeds $75,000 per year. For the purpose of this statute, “total compensation” includes salary, health insurance, housing allowance, vehicle allowance, clothing allowance, bonuses, loans, vacation days and sick days.

View trail maps of all 44 forest preserves in Winnebago County! Forest Preserves Trail Maps Click on the name of the Forest Preserve to find a printable trail map! Atwood Homestead Blackhawk Springs Cedar Cliff Clayton Andrews Colored Sands County Line Crooked River Deer Run Espenscheid Memorial Four Lakes Ferguson Fuller Memorial Funderburg Grove Creek Hartley Memorial Headquarters Hinchliff Memorial Hononegah Indian Hill Jensen Kieselburg Kilbuck Bluffs Kishwaukee Gorge North Kishwaukee Gorge South Kishwaukee River Klehm Laona Heights Macktown McKiski Millrace Isle Oak Ridge Pecatonica River Pecatonica Wetlands Rockford Rotary Roland Olson Severson Dells Seward Bluffs Stone Bridge Sugar River Sugar River Alder Trailside Trask Bridge Two Rivers

Please see below to view the current open bids Forest Preserve Bids OPEN BIDS, QUOTES OR RFP'S TABULATIONS RFP - Development and Implementation of Two Websites (FPWC and FPWC Golf) - Under Review RFP - Preparation of a Nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Holt House and Barn in Winnebago County, Illinois - Under Review RFP - Strategic Planning Facilitation Services for the Forest Preserve District of Winnebago County, Illinois - Under Review AWARDED 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 26-0401 Ledges Asphalt Paving Project 26-0402 Atwood Homestead Asphalt Paving Project 26-0403 Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve Asphalt Paving Project 26-0404 Sugar River Forest Preserve Asphalt Paving Project PURCHASING POLICY

< 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

< Back Crooked River 16394 Anderson Road Pecatonica, IL 61063 This preserve is mostly tall grass prairie that frequently floods. It is an excellent waterfowl habitat. It is well suited for fishing along the banks of the Pecatonica River. Acres: 221.5 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: No – nearby at Pecatonica Wetlands Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles):0.2 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Natural Areas: Yes 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

< Back Four Lakes 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Four Lakes is 186.1-acres containing four small man-made lakes. This is the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s most popular fishing area. Fish stocked include: bluegills, channel catfish, largemouth bass (catch & release on bass at this location), brown bullheads, redear sunfish, northern pike. No minnows are allowed for bait use to prevent diseases and invasive fish species. This preserve annually hosts Hooked On Fun, a free kids fishing event! The entrance at 10180 Trask Bridge Road (Highway 70), Pecatonica, IL 61063 has a sporting dog training area that is open year round. It requires on-site day use registration at no charge. Rules and regulations are posted. Dogs should be kept within training posted boundary signs. There are 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. Acres: 186.1 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: 1 Lake View: Wood shelter, 80 max. people, 4-12ft. tables, 48 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access. Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Sporting Dog Training Area: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 0.0 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Fishing Areas, Sporting Dog Training Area Donated Land: No Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Indian Hill 7061 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, IL 61109 49.5-acre Indian Hill Forest Preserve is a favorite for an easy yet engaging hike through some of Winnebago County’s most picturesque woodlands. This forest preserve offers an alluring little shady woodland trail just long enough to stretch your legs and relax your mind. The 1.70 mile trail starts off with a few hills some twists and turns, but is primarily flat and wide. On your hike you will discover a handful of mature oak trees, so beautiful and statuesque they ask you to stop and stare. There is a quick loop off the trail that goes to a high bluff overlooking dense forest and floodplain about fifty feet down, and a bench for you to sit and enjoy this unique view of the Rock River. The rest of the trail walks through walnut tree plantation, and a tall white pine forest that allows the sun to peek in through the skinny pine needles. Acres: 49.5 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): 1.70 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Conservation Area Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: No All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Clayton Andrews 8399 Kiowa Crossing, Roscoe, IL 61073 Clayton Andrews is an 88-acre undeveloped natural area of low-lying wetland terrain. Acres: 88 Access Road: No Restrooms: No Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: No Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.1 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Wildlife Conservation Area Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next