When you hike, do you find yourself looking down? Some body language experts say that looking down while walking is a sign of low confidence, depression or being defensive. Harvard University says it’s better for your health if you keep your “eyes...
Have you hiked at Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve? The lovely landscape is surrounded by a glowing prairie, comforting trees and a crystal clear creek. Songbirds flit in and out of the prairie while birds of prey soar in the skies. As you trek along the...
If you have kids or grandkids, helping them create a loving relationship with winter increases their chances of having a healthy relationship with nature, not just all year long, but for the rest of their lives! Hiking in the cold builds resilience, boosts moods and...
Hikers, hello! I’m Connie Kuntz. I am the newest 815 Outside AmeriCorps member and I am so excited to be here. Like you, I love exploring the outdoors in the region’s forest preserves, green spaces and parks. I can’t wait to meet you in person and go hiking with you!...
[Image description: a horseshoe shaped bend in the creek that runs through Barrick Oaks Homestead Preserve. Along the bank is ice and small amounts of snow. Tall grasses line the banks on either side. In the distance, trees line the horizon. On the right of the image,...
[Image description: a view of the Sugar River with trees lining the shoreline. In the center is a slightly transparent brown box with the words “Know Your Preserves: Colored Sands” in the center.] Colored Sands Forest Preserve is 306 acres of land along...
[Image Description: the rocky shoreline of the Kishwaukee River with trees lining the riverbanks. The trees display an array of fall colors.] Kishwaukee Gorge Forest Preserve (North) is located on 127.6 acres of land, nestled in the southern end of the county, along...
Nature At The Confluence is a unique urban environmental center situated on 72 acres of greenspace in South Beloit, IL, just across the street from Beloit, WI. Since opening in 2017, staff and volunteers have worked to restore the land back to nature after decades of...
Hello everyone! I’m Holly Hansen and I am the new AmeriCorps Member for 815 Outside! I am super excited to be in the position. I know there are so many great outdoor opportunities for the residents of Winnebago County to enjoy, and I’m excited to share them with the...
Sugar River Alder Forest Preserve is located on 537.8 acres in the north-western part of Winnebago County. This preserve sits right across the street from Colored Sands Forest Preserve, and the combination of these two beautiful preserves has created a safe-haven for...
