Rockton Pelican Fest 2022
On May 21, more than 150 community members, many from Rockton, gathered in Settler's Park and downtown Rockton to visit this year's Rockton Pelican Fest-- an event celebrating the American White Pelican. Local businesses provided specials and activities themed around...
Zach Grycan Receives Spark Award
Zach Grycan was recognized for high achievements in prescribed burning with the Spark Award, presented by the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council on May 5, 2022.
$1 billion America the Beautiful Challenge
Announced on April 11, 2022 Big news! The Biden-Harris administration just announced a $1 billion America the Beautiful Challenge that will leverage federal conservation and restoration investments with private and philanthropic contributions to accelerate locally-led...
Jess Formea: 20 Years of Vital Support
Someone you don’t see every often, but her presence is vital to her teammates and to Natural Land Institute functioning well, is Jess Formea. She just celebrated 20 years this month as the part-time administrative and IT assistant. Jess’ primary role is to help Jill...
Kimberly Wheeler Johnsen Celebrates 10 Years at NLI
Kim W. Johnsen celebrated her 10-year anniversary last September as NLI’s Director of Marketing & Membership. When she started in the fall of 2011 she knew she had a huge learning curve. Her background was in theater and downtown association management. However,...
Natural Land Institute Receives Grant to Support Family Nature Adventures 2022
$6,800 from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Natural Land Institute (NLI) is pleased to announce that it has received a $6,800 grant for Family Nature Adventures. The grant was awarded by the Dr. Courtney J. and Margaret Hutchins Hamlin Family Fund of the...
Don’t Let These Hiking Scenarios Derail Your Adventure: How to Deal with the Unexpected
We’ve all heard the old saying, “Expect the unexpected,” but it seems that we never truly take it to heart until we are in a sketchy situation. Hiking is no different. Read on for some advice on how you can enjoy and stay safe during your next hiking excursion. The...
Winter Tree & Shrub ID Workshop 2022
Have you ever wondered what tree or shrub you are looking at when there aren't any leaves on it? Well, now is your chance to learn how to identify trees and shrubs in the midwest during winter! Take a workshop led by our very own Director of Stewardship, Zach Grycan,...
Casper Creek Natural Cemetery Protected
New Casper Creek Natural Cemetery Protected by Natural Land Institute “An alternative to traditional burial that memorializes and honors your loved ones and leaves a conservation legacy on the land.” The new Casper Creek Natural Cemetery, located at 870 South Pilot...
NLI’s Statement about temporary halt to construction on Bell Bowl Prairie
Natural Land Institute Statement about Temporarily Halting Development and Construction on Bell Bowl Prairie Natural Land Institute is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached through the US District Court with the Greater Rockford Airport Authority,...