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Events:

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July 6, 2024  | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Backpacking with Burpee

Join us for the next Backpacking with Burpee program at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve! 

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For this adventure, we are focusing on aquatics! Seward Bluffs boasts woodland, a healthy stream and dolomite cliffs. It is home to many northern relic species and a beautiful undulating restored prairie and oak-savanna. 

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We will explore Grove Creek and see what creatures we can find!

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This class is open to all ages. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Cost: $7/person. Register online (link below).

Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve
16999 Comly Road, Seward, IL 61077

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July 13, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

R.E.A.P Volunteer Work Day

Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! This month, we will be collecting native seeds at Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve.

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Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.

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Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve
7901 Kishwaukee Rd, Stillman Valley, IL 61084

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July 24, 2024 | 5:30 pm

Guided Hike at Funderburg

Join our Natural Resource Department for a fun and educational guided hike at Funderburg Forest Preserve! You will see a variety of restored prairie and woodlands, plus the wildlife that thrive in those habitats.

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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.

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This is a free guided hike. Leashed dogs allowed. Please plan on 1-2 miles of mixed terrain - grass/wooded trails with various inclines. Please RSVP below.

Funderburg Forest Preserve
4551 S. Meridian Road, Rockford IL, 61102

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August 3, 2024  | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Backpacking with Burpee

Join us for the next Backpacking with Burpee program at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve! 

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For this adventure, we are focusing on art in the environment! Walking the trails here will lead you to an exploration of flower-filled prairies, cool shady woodlands, the glistening Kishwaukee River, and a lovely little bubbling natural spring.

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This class is open to all ages. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Cost: $7/person. Register online (link below).

Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley, 61016

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July 6, 2024 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Walk With U - Guided Walk

Start your Saturday off on the right food with a guided walk at Headquarters Forest Preserve! 

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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. Enjoy the picturesque quarry pond where you will see a variety of waterfowl species and other wildlife!

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This is a free walk. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP needed!

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Headquarters Forest Preserve
5500 Northrock Dr, Rockford, IL 61101

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July 14, 2024 | 1:00 pm

Guided Butterfly Hike at Kieselburg

Join Alan Branhagen, Natural Land Institute Executive Director, for a butterfly focused guided hike at Kieselburg Forest Preserve! 

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Kieselburg showcases several types of habitat including gravel prairie, wet prairie and a restored wetland which is classified as a calcareous seep, an uncommon wetland type in Winnebago County.  Both the seep and prairie support a diversity of birds, butterflies and other pollinators.

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This is a free guided hike. Leashed dogs allowed. Meet at front parking lot by Black Willow Springs shelterhouse.

Kieselburg Forest Preserve
5801 Swanson Road, Roscoe, IL 61073

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August 17, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

R.E.A.P Volunteer Work Day

Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! In August, we will be collecting native seeds at Funderburg Forest Preserve.

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Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.

Funderburg Forest Forest Preserve
4551 S Meridian Rd, Rockford, IL 61102

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August 3, 2024 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Walk With U - Guided Walk

Start your Saturday off on the right food with a guided walk at Fuller Memorial Forest Preserve! 

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A true hidden gem in Winnebago County, Fuller Memorial is comprised of 135-acres featuring a variety of woodland and prairie habitats. A portion of its oak woods is designated as a bird sanctuary.

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This is a free walk. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP needed!

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Fuller Memorial Forest Preserve
6700 Fitzgerald Road, Rockford, IL 61102

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July 13, 2024 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Happy Birthday, Hononegah!

Celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Hononegah Forest Preserve! Established in 1924, it is our oldest and one of our most loved forest preserves in Winnebago County.

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Enjoy an evening of music, ice cream, yard games, kids crafts, and an outdoor movie! Go on a guided hike to learn about the history and natural features of our oldest forest preserve.

 

Bring your own: lawn chairs or picnic blanket, food, drinks, yard games. This is a free, family-friendly event. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP needed!

Hononegah Forest Preserve
#80 Hononegah Rd, Rockton, IL 61072

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July 20, 2024 | 8:30 pm

Howl at the Moon Hike at Blackhawk Springs

Here is your chance to experience the preserves at night! FPWC Deputy Eiten will guide this full moon hike at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve.

 

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This preserve offers many opportunities to hear many nocturnal critters - owls, coyotes, raccoons, and more!

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This is a free guided hike. Please plan on 2-3 miles of mixed terrain - paved, grass trail, some include/decline. Leashed pets allowed. Please RSVP below.

Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016

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September 14, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

R.E.A.P Volunteer Work Day

Become a R.E.A.P. Volunteer and make a difference! this month, we will be planting nursery plugs at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve.

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Experience is not required! Our natural resource experts offer hands-on ecological restoration training, such as invasive plant removal and native seed collection, plus enriching conservation activities when our work is done.

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Please wear appropriate attire; long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes, hat, and gloves. RSVP below.

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Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve
16999 Comly Rd, Seward, IL 61077

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