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Events:
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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
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
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May 6, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Wildflower Walkabout: Deer Run Forest Preserve
with Wild Roots 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
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
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May 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Wildflower Walkabout: Colored Sands Forest Preserve
with Wild Roots 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 61072
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