The Natural Land Institute (NLI) revealed the winning name of its new preserve on the Pecatonica River. “Pecatonica Woodlands Preserve” was selected after a month long contest inviting the public to submit a name for the section of land along the Pecatonica River that was purchased in July by the NLI.

“We were stumped about what to call this new area that we acquired and wanted to create a separate identity for it from other preserves along the river. We thought it would be fun to invite the community to help us name this new place protected by NLI”, said Kim Wheeler Johnsen, Director of Membership & Marketing.

Criteria for submitting a name was that it had to reflect the area’s flora, fauna, or geology; a personal name and the phrases, “Nature Preserve” or “Forest Preserve” could not be used. NLI’s Membership & Marketing Committee chose the top 7 names out of 39 that were submitted through Facebook, emails, in person and over the phone. Then they invited NLI members and the public to choose their favorite out of the top 7. Survey results revealed 54 out of 200 votes for “Pecatonica Woodlands Preserve”. The winning name was submitted by Jim Johannsen. He will receive a baseball cap with the NLI logo, bragging rights and a private tour of the preserve with 3 best friends for suggesting the winning name.

“Pecatonica Woodlands Preserve” is located about 2.5 miles northeast of Pecatonica, Illinois, next to the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve along the Pecatonica River. The 142 acres of land is designated as “Critical/Sensitive Area Priority Acquisition” in the Boone & Winnebago Greenways Plan & Map. NLI is grateful to the private donors and for the grants from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Grand Victoria Foundations Vital Lands Illinois program for making the acquisition possible.

A restoration and management plan has been created for the marshes, ox-bow lakes and bottomland forest of “Pecatonica Woodlands Preserve” by NLI’s Director of Land Stewardship, Greg Keilback. Educational programs will be available in the future at this site and will showcase the walnut, oak, and ash trees of the woodlands.