Embrace winter's beauty through outdoor exploration and indoor inspiration at University of Illinois Extension’s Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales will be held at the Torstenson’s Education Center located at 13735 Cook Road in Pecatonica and will include three "naturalist tales," an opportunity for hiking/bird watching, and lunch. “We have offered this winter event for 14 years and see it as a way for participants to learn about their natural surroundings, while also being able to connect with like minded individuals,” states Margaret Larson. Extension Director and coordinator of the event.

Connie McIntosh, long time Extension Master Naturalist and wildlife photographer, will be presenting her talk Myth Busting Nature, clearing up many misconceptions people have about wildlife and nature in an interactive presentation. Tricia Bethke, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator with Morton Arboretum, will address the stresses oak trees experience due to climate events in her talk Too Much of Not Enough Water: What’s Wrong with My Oak Trees.

Joni Decker, who serves as the conservation specialist at the Rockford Park District, will share information about the many, largely unknown natural areas that are part of the park district in her presentation More Than Playgrounds: Natural Areas of RPD.

The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/WTNT2024 or call (815) 986-4357. Pre-registration is required by January 24. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Winnebago County Extension office at (815) 986-4357.