WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Nature lovers of Northern Illinois area are invited to uncover some of nature’s hidden tales and trails on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Illinois Extension’s annual program, Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenes, Torstenson’s Education Center in Pecatonica will hold the day filled with four educational sessions and an opportunity to hike scenic winter trails.
The day will begin with first naturalist tale, Galls Gone Wild! by Tricia Bethke, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator at The Morton Arboretum. Tricia will lead us through the fascinating and often hidden world of galls. Learn how they form, their ecological roles, and the surprising diversity they bring to our landscapes.
The second naturalist tale, Invasive plants: What’s New? by Stanley (Jay) Solomon, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator at Illinois Extension. Invasive plants have a drastic impact on our environment, so staying in the know is crucial. Join Jay 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.
Lunch will be followed by the third naturalist tale, also by Tricia Bethke, Why and When Is a Pest a Problem?. Join for a lively conversation about new and emerging pests—and why some become real trouble while others don’t. Attendees will 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, and Illinois Extension & Board President of Sand Bluff Bird Observatory. Mike will cover what raptors frequent our area. You will learn which raptors nest in Winnebago County and which are just visitors. Sand Bluff Bird Observatory has seen them all.
During lunch, which will be provided, participants will have the opportunity to take a Winter Hike led by a Master Naturalist with Illinois Extension.
Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales will take place 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. Registration is $15 and will include four educational sessions, an opportunity for a winter hike, and lunch. Register by January 23rd by visiting go.illinois.edu/WinterTrails2026 or call our office at (815) 986-4357. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Winnebago County Extension office at (815) 986-4357.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.