Nygren Wetland Preserve

Nygren Wetland Preserve Nygren Wetland Preserve is a 721-acre wildlife habitat owned and managed by Natural Land Institute. Rockton Rd.). Hours vary: Open daily sunrise to sunset.
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The public 2.5 mile Dianne Nora Nature Trail starts at the overlook (3714 W. The Natural Land Institute, a non-profit land trust and conservation organization, owns and manages Nygren Wetland Preserve. NLI is restoring prairies, woodlands and wetlands to this beautiful land west of Rockton, Illinois along Raccoon Creek and the Rock and Pecatonica rivers. In the summer, blossoms of wild bergamot, s

unflowers and gray-headed coneflower create a purple and yellow ocean of color stretching from the scenic bluff in the north to the rivers in the south. Wildlife species, including migrating waterfowl and songbirds, are returning in abundance. NLI purchased the 721-acre preserve in 2000 using a generous gift left to us in Carl Nygrens will. Get the Prairie State Hike App (99 cents) for the Dianne Nora Nature Trail that begins at the intersection of West Rockton and Hansberry Roads (3714 W. Rockton Rd.) where you will see a parking lot and overlook platform to view the large wetland area. HOURS for the overlook platform and trail are SUNRISE to SUNSET. Rockton Township owns and operates the parking lot and overlook and will lock the gate one half hour after sunset. We invite you to share your experiences at Nygren Wetland Preserve here through stories about what you see and photographs.

It's a great time to get outside! So many places to visit.
04/16/2026

It's a great time to get outside! So many places to visit.

03/24/2026

Attention Visitors to Nygren Wetland Preserve - Prescribed Fire activities will be taking place at the preserve on Tue., March 24, 2026. All trails south of the "berm trail" will be closed for the day. Trails will be marked with "trail closed" signage. For your safety and ours, please respect all trail closures.

Migration season has started and Sandhill Cranes are back at Nygren Wetland. Thank you to Dave Watts for sharing these p...
03/02/2026

Migration season has started and Sandhill Cranes are back at Nygren Wetland. Thank you to Dave Watts for sharing these photos with us today. Happy Spring!

Welcome Kyle!
01/24/2026

Welcome Kyle!

12/15/2025

During the annual Christmas Bird Count at Nygren Wetland yesterday 2 short eared owls were seen at 4:15 p.m. Let us know if you see them and if you get a photo of them.

It's pretty cool that there is a mural in Rockton that reflects birds that use Nygren Wetland Preserve as a refuge. The ...
11/20/2025

It's pretty cool that there is a mural in Rockton that reflects birds that use Nygren Wetland Preserve as a refuge. The mural is beautiful! Thank you to Sinnissippi Audubon Society for coordinating this project, thank you to Justin Suarez for his vision, thank you to Frosted Farmhouse for allowing it on your building and thank you to Village of Rockton for supporting this endeavor.

Location: Frosted Farmhouse, 112 Hawick St, Rockton, IL 61072

Now is a beautiful time to take a hike at Nygren Wetland Preserve. The yellow late summer wildflowers are in full bloom ...
09/08/2025

Now is a beautiful time to take a hike at Nygren Wetland Preserve. The yellow late summer wildflowers are in full bloom from goldenrod to sawtooth sunflowers. Many butterflies are still around and of course birds are starting to migrate through the area.

Address

3190 W Rockton Road
Rockton, IL
61072

Telephone

+18159646666

Website

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