Families take in the bounty of nature in the wetlands
Kids and grown-ups hopped on the hay wagon for a ride through the wetlands, prairies, and woodlands of the Nygren Preserve.
Sure, it was a hot day on Saturday, June 28, 2025, but that didn't stop families from enjoying the wonders and scenery of Nygren Wetlands Preserve. Fifteen learning stations lined the pathway, each with hands-on learning experiences during the Family Nature Adventure event. Nygren is an environmental habitat for hundreds of species of birds, animals, and plants. The 721-acre reserve is situated near the confluence of the Rock River and the Pecatonica River at 3190 West Rockton Road, Rockton, Illinois.
Nygren Wetlands is a branch of the Natural Land Institute. It offers the opportunity to observe nature through walking the nature trails, hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. In the spring, visitors might see Sand Hill Cranes and pelicans on the shores or flying overhead.
The Family Nature Adventure program is a free event, held at the preserve each summer, offering families, and especially children, the opportunity to learn about the wonders of nature. This year, there were 15 nature stations along the trail. At each station, children listened, drew pictures, touched, and learned about animal habitats and the land in the preserve.
Children were challenged to earn a Junior Naturalist badge and certificate after visiting at least six nature stations
The next event at Nygren Preserve is a fundraising event: Wine and Brew at the Wetlands, July 12, 2025. For tickets and information, call 815-964-6666 or email info@naturalland.org.
