Recreate Responsibly: Winter Edition
Our friends at Recreate Responsibly have winterized their guidelines. Make this your go-to checklist before heading outside this season! For information on outdoor winter hours and offerings across Winnebago County, check out our Winter Activities page. ...
Family Gathering: Hike Edition
Keep the family healthy this holiday season with a nature walk or hike! Spending time together outside is a great alternative to indoor gatherings. Learn about child and parent approved trails from these local families! Family last name: Mayfield Favorite outdoor...
Find Joy in hitting the “repeat button” in Nature
By Therese Oldenburg, Executive Director, Nature At The Confluence If we've learned anything from 2020, it's that there is a lot of beautiful places to visit and experience not far from home that can lift your spirit. What I've found most rewarding is walking...
Review: Explore 20 in 2020
"Explore 20 in 2020" was a challenge coordinated by 815 Outside to encourage folks to get outside and explore new places over the summer of 2020. Those who visited 20 local parks, preserves, trails and outdoor attractions and shared on social media were...
Indigenous History in Winnebago County
Territory Acknowledgement for Winnebago CountyWe acknowledge that Winnebago County resides within the traditional homelands of many Indigenous nations:Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk, formerly Winnebago)Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo)Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Odawa, and Ojibwe...
Orchards and the Great Outdoors
Apple orchards are one of the best parts of autumn! Embrace this fall by bringing your favorite local cider and snacks to a nearby natural area and soak in the fresh air and open space. Here are the closest trails to four local orchards, so you can turn...
Best Hiking in the 815
Learn about the best trails in the area from local hikers who participated in the Explore 20 in 2020 Challenge! Name: Linda Niemiec Age: 67 Favorite hiking spot: Kishwaukee Gorge North Comments: It’s a hikers paradise of diverse woodlands,...
Must-See Prairies in Bloom
Northern Illinois prairies in summer are a paradise for wildflower lovers. Local naturalists recommend these five preserves for breathtaking views and blooms. Kieselburg County Forest Preserve 5801 Swanson Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Kieselburg...
Six Ways to Celebrate the Sun in Winnebago County
The Summer Solstice is an annual astronomical phenomenon that brings the longest day of the year and the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice was an important cultural event in many ancient societies, and it remains one for some...
Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared!
Practice these simple guidelines to maximize your fun outside What to BringSun protectionBug sprayFull water bottleFirst Aid KitWhat to WearWear long pants and long sleeves to avoid getting poison ivy, bug bites, and sunburnTuck your pant legs into your...
