Wild Roots Nature Center

10/22/2026

We've got another AmeriCorps Volunteer for you to meet! Sawyer is bringing hometown pride to our team. As a Rockford native, you may recognize them from places like Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens or the Discovery Center Museum. This year, they'll be helping our team with science communication!

Please help us welcome Sawyer in the comments and learn more about them through their blog: https://www.WildRootsNatureCenter.org/Meet-Sawyer

10/21/2026

We love reflecting on and celebrating the 50 years that we've been serving the community. Each day, our nature center and the forest preserve is filled with smiling faces ready to learn, grow, and play.

So many of our patrons share these memories, including this participant at our 50th anniversary celebration back in June!

What's your most memorable moment at Wild Roots Nature at Severson Dells? Share in the comments!

10/20/2026

Our phone lines are down!

If you need to get in contact with us, please call our back-up phone at (779) 256-1120 or email us [email protected]. We'll update this post when our phones are back up and running!

10/20/2026

Get ready to party as you explore what makes an animal a predator or prey! Our next installment of Science Saturday is happening on November 7th, 10am-2pm. Drop in and explore nature's creatures!

Science Saturday is free! To learn more, visit https://www.WildRootsNatureCenter.org/Science-Saturdays

Join us at our Severson Dells location for these family-friendly, open-house style events. Each month will have a different nature theme full of hands-on, nature based activities for guests of all ages to participate in. Weather permitting, there will also be guided hikes. Science Saturdays take pla...

10/17/2026

Don't forget, Spook the Dells is TONIGHT at 6pm! We can't wait to see you!

Costumes are welcome but not required for this event. Please dress for the weather and walking along the trails. This is a candy-free event, but we will have s'mores!

10/16/2026

Fall field trips are well underway and we are having a blast! Over the last two weeks, we've spent 4 days with students from Rockton, exploring the trails and learning what it means to be a predator or prey animal.

One teacher said "We have done this field trip for several years and it's always so engaging for the students. Great staff and age appropriate."

Learn more about our field trips here: https://www.WildRootsNatureCenter.org/Field-Trips

10/15/2026

Meet Ethan! Ethan is another new AmeriCorps Volunteer, helping us with environmental education. Hailing from Ohio, Ethan brings a spunky energy to this team. We can't wait for you to meet him!

Help us welcome Ethan in the comments below and get to know him better through his blog! https://www.WildRootsNatureCenter.org/Meet-Ethan

10/14/2026

Do you have commentary that you need to get out into the world but not sure how? Our upcoming Perspectives Workshop is for you! WNIJ will be hosting an interactive workshop at Wild Roots Nature Center on Saturday, October 24th, 10am-11am. This is a FREE event where you'll learn about "Perspectives" and start crafting your own for submission.

To learn more about Perspectives, visit https://www.northernpublicradio.org/perspectives

While this event is free, registration is required. To let us know you're coming, visit https://wildrootsnaturecenter.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/event-detail?event=9746

10/13/2026

Ready to hit the trails? Join us for a casual stroll through Severson Dells Forest Preserve on Tuesday, October 20th, 10am-11:30am. Tuesday Walking Group is a great opportunity to meet someone know, get some exercise, and enjoy a beautiful day in nature. We hope to see you there!

This is a free event, but please register so we know you're coming! https://wildrootsnaturecenter.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/event-detail?event=9767