Natural Land Institute will present Family Nature Day on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, Ill. The free family themed event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees can arrive and depart anytime during the four-hour event.
All ages will enjoy exploring the prairies, wetlands, streams and forests found in this 721-acre wildlife refuge owned by Natural Land Institute. 12 stations feature hands-on learning experiences about prairies, forests, butterflies and seeds, wetlands, birds, mammals, pollinators, invaders, archeology and living history, water protection, soil ecology, and raptors. Kids can earn a Nygren Wetland Junior Naturalist badge and certificate if they visit 6 out of 12 learning stations. They will receive a passport that includes a map, questions to answer and suggested activities. Adults earn a prize if they get their map stamped at 6 or more stations. There will also be wagon rides and guided prairie tours for everyone to enjoy.
Partner organizations include Boone County Conservation District, Macktown Living History, Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education, Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries, Welty Environmental Center, and Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.
This program is partially funded by a grant from The Kjellstrom Family Foundation and a grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois with support from the Dr. Louis and Violet Rubin Fund.
Family Nature Day Event Sponsors are PALE PURPLE CONEFLOWER ($1,000): Bugler Design, Inc.; COMMON MILKWEED ($500): Rockford Litho Center; WILD PETUNIA ($250): Nicor Gas.
FREE admission. Registration is requested by Fri., June 22, 2018. Register at: www.NaturalLand.org. For more information call 815/964-6666 or email: info@naturalland.org.