November 20, 2008 5:30 PM parks open at 7:00 AM and close 1/2 hour after sunset Light Snow 24 F (-4 C) Wind From the North at 15 Gusting to 26 MPH
	Eighteen of the District's preserves are designated areas to be utilized for a variety of passive recreational activities. The District actively manages these areas to provide critical habitats for a wide array of our unique flora and fauna. In some of the preserves, native prairies have been restored. Others offer mature woodlands, wildflowers, wetlands, dolomite cliffs and streams. The Kishwaukee, Sugar, Pecatonica and Rock Rivers, as well as smaller streams, run through several preserves. These waterways provide homes to native wildlife, beautiful scenery and opportunities for canoeing, rafting and fishing.
	DESIGNATED NATURAL LAND PRESERVES
	Andrews, Clayton A coldwater creek flows through this wetlands preserve of willow-dogwood thickets; home to our rarest and most dazzling butterfly, the Baltimore Checkerspot. No public access is currently provided. Blackhawk Springs The District’s largest contiguous tract of forest, home to many birds that require large tracts of forest for their survival (hooded warbler, acadian flycatcher, broad-winged hawk, veery). Public access is provided off Perryville Road, and a hiking trail extends through the forest. Colored Sands Woodlands, sand prairie, savanna; a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve (in part), home to several endangered, threatened and special concern species. Most of the sand prairie near the Banding Station was previously plowed but has recovered through restoration and management, now harboring many unique plants and insects. A trail from the Banding Station provides easy public access. Deer Run Offers relatively undeveloped natural areas including oxbow ponds, wetland habitat, access to the south branch of the Kishwaukee River, over 9 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Fuller Memorial The oakwoods are designated a bird sanctuary, open to public use only by permission of the Director. Hartley Memorial Mature oak-hickory woodland; a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, with an unexcelled spring wildflower display. Public parking is provided on the north side of the preserve, off Campbell Road. No trails are provided. Kieselburg Sedge meadow, fen, and gravel prairie; home to rare plants and animals and the focus of the County’s largest prairie restoration. (Four habitat-restricted butterflies, grass-of-parnassus, valerian, cotton-topped sedge, bog goldenrod) The meadow trail circles the restoration area and a boardwalk crosses the headwaters of the sedge meadow. Kilbuck Bluffs Woodlands with a beautiful display of spring woodland wildflowers; many mature sycamore trees are located along the creek. Existing preserve roadways provide easy access. Kishwaukee Gorge North Maple-basswood and woodland in the protected ravines, oak-hickory woodland on the uplands, and floodplain woodland along the river; beautiful displays of shooting stars, and birdsfoot violets on prairie openings. The trails provide access to all woodland types; a small observation deck overlooks one of the deep ravines. Kishwaukee Gorge South Woodlands of high quality with an understory of fall blooming witchhazel trees which are found only on the south side of the Kishwaukee River's gorge in Winnebago County. No public access is currently developed. Kiswaukee River This 30-acre oakwoods is an Illinois Natural Area Inventory site of notable natural quality. A hiking trail provides public access. Laona Heights Mature woodland; a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve. Harbors a mature forest of oak, hickory, walnut, and white ash. The preserve contains a good display of wildflowers and can be accessed by existing roadways. No trails are provided. Pecatonica River Woodlands and oxbow swamps; a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, displays an example of outstanding Pecatonica bottomland spring wildflowers with carpets of Virginia bluebells and many other wildflowers. Contains mature black maples which are "sugared" in spring, and unique birds such as the swamp-loving Prothonotary warbler. A self-guided interpretive trail and an observation deck overlooking the oxbow provide easy access through this area. Pecatonica Wetlands Floodplain forest, oxbow ponds, marshes and upland forest; the site has outstanding prevernal flora, birdlife and concentration of wetlands. Site development is still in progress but when completed will include fishing access, hiking/equestrian trails, picnic areas, wildlife observation areas and a group camping area. Rockford Rotary Woodlands; an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site and home to the widest diversity of trees and shrubs in the District. Parking is provided off Rotary Road and hiking and equestrian trails lead through the preserve. Severson Dells Woodland and dolomite cliffs, a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve which harbors many unique species commonly found north of here. Beaver have dammed the creek in several spots and their tree removal work is in evidence. A self-guided interpretive trail provides access through this unique area. Seward Bluffs Woodlands and dolomite cliff; home to many northern relic species as well as a good spring wildflower display. Existing roadways provide easy access to this area. Sugar River Woodlands, sand prairie, wetlands; an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory Notable Area, contains an incredible diversity by existing roadways and an excellent trail systems. Birders regularly visit to observe yellow-throated warblers in spring and summer. Sugar River Alder Floodplain forest, sedge meadow, upland forests and savanna and dry dolomite prairie; a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve. Home to many state threatened and endangered species. Local naturalists have observed the state endangered species. Local naturalists have observed the state endangered Cooper's hawk as well as sandhill cranes during breeding season. Access to the site is made by a short drive through Wisconsin. A self-guided interpretive trail provides access through this unique area.
	© 2008 Winnebago County Forest Preserve District