Photos: Celebrating a century at Hononegah Forest Preserve

On Saturday, May 14, 2022 the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC) celebrated its 100th year with live animal exhibits, interactive games and giveaways, food trucks, and activities for all ages. The event was held at Hononegah Forest Preserve in Rockton, Illinois, which is its oldest forest preserve, purchased in 1924. Our photographer Indigo Sterud has the pictures.

The celebration featured:

• Raffles for exclusive 100 year anniversary merch, golf vouchers, camping passes, and more;
• Tree sapling & native seed packet giveaways;
• Live aquatic exhibit;
• Craft activities and face painting;
• Photo station with Critter Cutouts and the historic 1924 Hononegah Arch;
• Golf chipping challenge;
• Build your own s'more station.

Organizations which were present at the celebration:

• Severson Dells Nature Center
• Wild Ones
• Macktown Living History
• Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
• Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab
• Sand Bluff Bird Observatory
• 815 Outside

Created by a public vote in 1922, the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County now encompasses 11,500 acres of woods, wetlands, rivers, prairies, and ponds. Hundreds of species of plants and animals inhabit these restored and managed lands. It was the third forest preserve district to be created in the state of Illinois.

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is celebrating 100 years of protecting, conserving, enhancing and promoting Winnebago County's natural heritage for the environmental, educational, and recreational benefit of present and future generations.

Click or tap on the photo below to view Indigo's image gallery.