Experience winter wonder at Nygren Wetland Preserve
Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike will be Monday, January 13, 2025 under the moon.
The public is invited to the free Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike on Monday, January 13, 2025, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Nygren Wetland Preserve (3190 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL). Nygren Wetland Preserve is Natural Land Institute (NLI)'s largest preserve, a 721-acre wildlife refuge and birding hotspot. This family friendly event showcases the prairies and wetlands at Nygren. Guests may come and go at their own pace during the event time.
All ages will enjoy walking, snowshoeing or skiing on their own along a trail lined with hundreds of luminaries. The trail is under a mile and folks can warm up at the start of the trail with a bonfire and about halfway around it at the wetland bonfire. Guides will be stationed at four spots along the trail to share information about what they are seeing, to encourage guests to listen and look for signs of wildlife, and to notice the full moon glow on the prairie and wetland.
Luminaries on the path are sponsored by NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus. Snowshoes, sponsored by Rocktown Adventures, are available to rent at the event for a $10 donation to NLI. Or you may also bring your own snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Snow or no snow, this event will take place - and it's outdoors. Everyone is encouraged to dress for the weather and wear boots. Refreshments such as hot cocoa, cookies and snacks will be available at the red barn where the check-in is located.
Registration is requested for this FREE event by January 12, 2025. To register visit the calendar at www.Naturalland.org or call the NLI office at 815-964-6666.
About Nygren Wetland Preserve: The Carl & Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve is a 721-acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the Natural Land Institute. There are prairies, wetlands, bottomland forest, oxbow lakes and ponds in the preserve. Raccoon Creek runs through the preserve with the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers forming the southeast corner of it. The Dianne Nora Nature Trail is a free 2.5 mile hiking trail around the wetland and is part of the Prairie State Hike app (99¢ in the Apple or Android Store).
About the Natural Land Institute: The Natural Land Institute, an accredited land trust, is a 501(c)3, non-for-profit land conservation organization based in Rockford, Illinois and has protected 18,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. Their current service area covers twelve counties in northern Illinois. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals. For more information and to donate: www.NaturalLand.org.
