Embrace winter's beauty through outdoor exploration and indoor inspiration at the University of Illinois Extension's Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales will be held at Torstenson's Education Center, 13735 Cook Road, Pecatonica, and will include four sessions led by three keynote speakers, each presenting a "naturalist tale" as well as an opportunity for a winter hike. 

The first naturalist tale, Galls Gone Wild! by Tricia Bethke, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, The Morton Arboretum
Discover the fascinating and often hidden world of galls. These unique plant growths are caused by insects, mites, fungi, or bacteria. Learn how they form, their ecological roles, and the surprising diversity they bring to our landscapes. Join us for an engaging session that will leave you amazed by the wonders of nature!

The second naturalist tale, Invasive plants: What’s New? by Stanley (Jay) Solomon, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, Illinois Extension
Invasive plants have a drastic impact on our environment, so staying in the know is crucial. Join Educator Jay Solomon as he leads an active discussion on how homeowners and communities can engage in the fight against invasive plants, and how our efforts can benefit our natural and urban landscapes. In this session, we will be brought up to date on new plants added to the Invasive species list and learn how they end up there.

The third naturalist tale, Why and When Is a Pest a Problem? by Tricia Bethke, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

Join Tricia Bethke, forest pest outreach coordinator, for a lively conversation about new and emerging pests—and why some become real trouble while others don’t. We’ll look at what makes a species invasive, what signs to watch for, and simple actions we can all take to help protect our trees and landscapes. Come learn how to identify potential pests like the elm zigzag sawfly, understand their impacts, and contribute to the effort to prevent their spread.

The fourth naturalist tale, Eagles, Owls, and Raptors by Mike Eickman, Master Naturalist, Illinois Extension & Board President of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory

What Raptors frequent our area? Learn which raptors nest in Winnebago County and which are just visitors. Sand Bluff Bird Observatory has seen them all.

During lunch, participants will have the opportunity to take a Winter Hike led by Dawson Minsch, Master Naturalist with Illinois Extension. 

Tricia Bethke is the Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator for the State of Illinois. Her position is funded through a cooperative grant with USDA APHIS. Tricia’s responsibilities include statewide training of key stakeholders on invasive species, forest pest identification, regulations and quarantines, and reporting protocols. Tricia coordinates and instructs programs on tree identification, pest detection, and tree health monitoring. Her passion is all things related to galls, especially tree galls.
Stanley (Jay) Solomon is an Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Environment & Energy, serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. Solomon provides leadership in environmental and energy programs in northwest Illinois for landowners, homeowners, and residents. His areas of focus include: energy conservation, development of alternative energy sources, and enhancement and protection of natural resources.
Mike Eickman is a Master Naturalist with Illinois Extension as well as the Station Manager and Board President of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory. 

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Torstenson's Education Center

13735 Cook Road, Pecatonica, IL
 

8:30 a.m.        Registration and coffee/tea

9:00 a.m.        Welcome by Margaret Larson, Extension Director

9:05 a.m.        Naturalist Tale: Galls Gone Wild by Tricia Bethke, Illinois Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator
10:00 a.m.      Naturalist Tale: Invasive plants: What’s New? by Stanley (Jay) Solomon, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, Illinois Extension
11:30 a.m.      Lunch
11:50 a.m.      Winter Trail: Winter Hike led by Dawson Minsch, Master Naturalist, Illinois Extension 
12:30 p.m.      Naturalist Tale: Why and When Is a Pest a Problem? by Tricia Bethke, Illinois Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator
1:30 p.m.        Naturalist Tale: Eagles, Owls, and Raptors, Mike Eickman, Master Naturalist, Illinois Extension & Board President of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory 

Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales costs $15 per person, including three speakers and a self-guided outdoor hike. Pre-registration is required by January 23, 2026
 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Winnebago County Extension office at (815) 986-4357.

13735 Cook Rd

Pecatonica | IL 61063-9034

https://www.mapquest.com/us/il/pecatonica/61063-9034/13735-cook-rd-42.348612,-89.305400
 

The Torstenson Center is located off Telegraph Road, east of Pecatonica, in western Winnebago County. From downtown Pecatonica, take 3rd Street east and follow it out to town, where it becomes Telegraph Road. Look for the signs for Weigert Road, which is on the left.

Turn LEFT onto Weigert Rd. Wiegert Road is gravel and resembles a driveway more than a road. You are not lost! Take Weigert to Cook Rd, and turn left onto Cook. (Neither Weigert nor Cook goes to the right.) Follow Cook Road past a few houses on your left and then through an entrance gate. You will pass by another house on your left, a shed on your right, and then the Education Center, which is located on your right (with a circular driveway).