March by Master Naturalist Pam Johnson. Last month we explored trees by observing bark and leaf scars. This month we will explore buds forming and flowers starting to bloom – springtime indicators. The natural world is waking up and birds are beginning their...

Big sky nature reserve Main Parking Lot/5557 S Massbach Rd, Stockton, IL Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary Lot/5559 E Rush Creek Rd, Stockton, IL The almost 900-acre Big Sky Nature Reserve is divided into two sections, the Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary and the Home Farm...

Buehler Preserve 102 Jefferson St, Galena, IL. Thanks to the generosity of former Galena Mayor, Robert Buehler, and his 1999 land donation, the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation owns this 25-acre property. The Galena River Trail, a favorite of bikers, hikers, and...

Casper Bluff Nature Reserve 870 S Pilot Knob Rd, Galena, IL. The Thunderbird trail at Casper Bluff is closed from now until on or around April 1, to protect the burial and effigy mounds from being impacted by foot traffic during the muddy season. This is part of...

Horseshoe Mound 1679 N Blackjack Rd, Galena, IL. Due to Jo Daviess County zoning regulations, Horseshoe Mound cannot be used as a wedding location. The preserve is now closed for the winter season due to poor conditions on the entrance lane.  It will reopen on or...