Wander at the Wetland is Winter Fun!

ROCKFORD – Natural Land Institute will host the 6th annual Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike on Monday, Jan. 25, 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, Ill.

This FREE family themed outdoor winter event is for all ages to enjoy the natural setting of the prairies and wetlands as they hike, snowshoe or ski the trail set with hundreds of luminaries (Sponsored by NorthPointe Health & Wellness Campus) under the full moon. Guests can take self-guided walks along the

trail or hike with a volunteer guide to hear about the history of the preserve and Natural Land Institute.

Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike guests will be able to warm up by two bonfires or in the greenhouse “winter lodge” which will serve as the check in station and place to fill up with hot beverages and delicious cookies and snacks.

Registration is requested for this free event. Call (815) 964-6666 or email: [email protected] by Sunday, Jan. 24. For a $10 donation to Natural Land Institute guests may rent snowshoes (Sponsored by Rocktown Adventures) on site that evening or they may bring their own snowshoes or skis.

About Nygren Wetland Preserve:

The Carl & Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary, at 721 acres, that is owned by NLI. There are upland sand prairies, lowland prairies, wetlands, bottomland forest, oxbow lakes and ponds in the preserve.

Raccoon Creek runs through the preserve and the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers flow along its borders. The Dianne Nora Nature Trail is a free 2.5 hiking

trail around the wetland. Get the Prairie State Hike app for 99 cents at the Apple or Android Store.

About the Natural Land Institute

The Natural Land Institute is a 501(c)3, non-profit land trust and conservation organization based in Rockford, Illinois, which has protected more than 16,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. NLI’s current service area covers twelve counties in northern Illinois. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals.

The President of the Board of Trustees is Dan Williams. For more information and to donate: www.NaturalLand.org.

Courtesy photo

The Natural Land Institute will host Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike on Monday, Jan. 25 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, Ill.