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Severson
Notes Dells The Dells
From
Nature Center Calendar & Newsletter
May - August 2022 | Volume 43 No. 2
Severson Dells
Nature Center
Rockford, Illinois
Dance at the Dells Sponsored By
A Site-Specific Dance
page 14
Photo by Jessie CrowMermel
Explore This Issue ROCK
CITY
3 | Note from the Director NATURE
CHALLENGE
RIVER Apr 29- May 02
4 | Supporter Spotlight: Joy and Steve Vee 2022
VALLEY
6 | The Subtle Beauty of Gravel Prairies
WE NEED YOUR HELP
8 | Drinks for the Dells City Nature Challenge is an international
competition between cities to document
10 | Wildflower Walkabouts plants and wildlife on iNaturalist, a free
and easy app and website.
12 | Calendar of Events
1. OBSERVE NATURE
12 | City Nature Challenge anything counts, from plants to animals to fungi!
13 | Canoe Convoys 2. TAKE PHOTOS
of nature in your backyard, local park, forest preserve, or
15 | 815 Outside Hikes & Bikes natural area between April 30 and May 3.
16 | Summer Camp 3. UPLOAD PHOTOS TO INATURALIST
to automatically add them to our project! Your observations will
18 | Annual Report be shared with scientists around the world.
Rock River Valley team is City Nature Challenge is
25 | Business Supporters organized by organized by
26 | Memorials & Honorariums
27 | Quick-View Calendar Questions? Contact Andrea at 815-335-2915 or
andrea@seversondells.org, or visit
www.seversondells.com/city-nature-challenge
On the cover: Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) by Jessie Crow Mermel 2
Note from the Director
It’s that lovely time of year when mother nature June 18th, at Severson Dells this year. There will be
starts to green the world around us. This is a great multiple breweries serving, live music in The Grove and
opportunity to slow down and appreciate the little games all to help raise funds for the free and low-cost
things happening in nature -- woodland ephemeral education programs at Severson Dells Nature Center.
flowers budding, trees leafing out and the some of our
favorite birds returning. I hope the beginning of 2022 has treated you and your
family well and we look forward to seeing you out on the
A perfect opportunity to make these observations trails soon.
count is by participating in the City Nature Challenge.
This four day worldwide event collects millions of Happy
observations that help researchers and land managers trails,
get a snapshot that allows them to better understand
phenology, species distribution and so much more. It’s a Ann
great way to get outside, enjoy nature and support local
science.
There is an expansive list of other opportunities to
get outside this spring and summer. Wander your way
through 10 weeks of Wildflower Walkabouts with
Severson Dells and the Natural Land Institute. Celebrate
the centennial of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago
County at Hononegah Forest Preserve on Saturday, May
14th. Lastly, join us for Drinks for the Dells on Saturday,
Ann Wasser, Director
September 10 | 5 to 7:30 pm
Bask in the beauty of the golden light at this
exclusive down-to-earth fundraising gala. Explore
The Grove, our unique Nature Playscape, on this
late-summer evening just for adults. With your
ticket, enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres by The
Norwegian, a signature cocktail or mocktail by
VeeDubs Mobile Cocktail Bar (cash bar also
available), a gourmet s’more station by the fire, fun
games, and live music by Trillium. in The Grove
3
Supporter Spotlight:
Joy and Steve Vee
By Jessie Crow Mermel
For many people, Steve started
visiting Severson Dells volunteering with
becomes a deeply-rooted Severson Dells 15 years
family tradition. That is ago as a nature hike leader
the case for Steve and for school groups. As a
Joy Vee, who have been former professor, Steve
visiting the nature center loves to instruct, but he
and forest preserve feels that entertainment is
since their adult children equally important on field
were little sprouts. Their trips — he wants students
kids loved family hikes to get over their fears and
through the woods and assumptions about bears
prairie and summers or lions in the woods and
spent at camp playing have a great time. Steve
in the creek. A sense goes on to explain the joy
of gratitude for all that he gets from students,
comprises Severson especially underserved
Dells pervades Joy and kids: “Their enthusiasm is
Painting of the dells by Steve Vee
Steve’s attitude and it infectious, you just can’t help but have a good time.”
reflects in their stewardship. They are always eager
and enthusiastic to help out, whether it is stuffing Ten years ago, Steve joined Severson’s board, serving
envelopes, hacking honeysuckle on the Conservation stints as Secretary, Vice President, and President.
Crew, or serving on the Board of Directors. He is also a dedicated member of our Conservation
Crew and enjoys picking invasive garlic mustard and
Joy and Steve are rooted in the midwest. They moved cutting and burning honeysuckle. When asked why he
to Rockford in the 1970s from Dekalb and Minnesota, enjoys restoration work, he explained that he enjoys
respectively, and became active in the community. the challenge of the hard work, and also, he hates
Joy spent the majority of her career as the Emergency honeysuckle! Joy jumps in to lend a hand with whatever
Room Unit Clerk and Supervisor at Swedish American is needed, always with a smile on her face. Last fall, they
Hospital (now UW Health). She has been a long-time helped sponsor our first-ever Golden Hour in The Grove
member and volunteer at Bethesda Covenant Church, event. Naturalist Andrea Wallace Noble says of the two,
and tutored elementary children for many years through “Steve and Joy are special because they have supported
IRead. Steve taught Biology (mostly Environmental Severson in so many different ways. I’m grateful for their
Science and Zoology) at Rock Valley College for 30 dedication, dependability, and good humor.”
years, serving as Division Chair for the last 19 years.
While a professor at Rock Valley, Steve, along with his In addition to their service at Severson Dells Nature
co-conspirator, Joy, led tropical marine biology trips Center, Steve and Joy serve the community in a
for Rock Valley College students in Jamaica and Belize myriad of ways, while still finding time to indulge in
for many years. They would take 12-22 students for 12 their retirement hobbies. Joy has an honorary taxi
days for a hands-on intensive. Some of his students service helping people with limited mobility get to
went on to receive PhDs in Marine Biology after this appointments. She also enjoys a large network of friends
transformative experience. Steve also coached men’s and tending to the Earth with gardening. When Steve
tennis for 34 years and women’s tennis for 10 years at the isn’t out at Severson Dells, you can usually find him at
college, his teams winning 4 national championships. He the golf course or painting. He has a large collection
was named national coach of the year 4 times. of Van Gogh reproduction paintings (lovingly called
VanVees) and paints original works, as well (see his
4
Volunteer Opportunities
at Severson Dells
Be like the Vees! Volunteer with us at Severson
Dells. We have positions for many different skills
and abilities, as well as to suit different time
availability. We would love to have you join our
wonderful team of volunteers!
Education Programs Volunteer - Our education
volunteers help lead programs for school groups
participating in our onsite education programs,
which serve approximately 4,000 students each
year. Group size ranges from 10 to 20 students,
and are mostly preschool through 5th grade.
Lessons can include, but are not limited to,
Joy and Steve Vee. Photo by Jessie Crow Mermel. predator-prey relations, aquatic studies, general
nature hikes, animal adaptations, outdoor skills,
remarkable painting of the dells). They also enjoy and ecosystem dynamics.
spending time in Florida, walking along the seashore
and dunes. Fortunately, they always return back Nature Center Host Volunteer - Nature Center
to Rockford and get back to the trails at the Forest Host Volunteers staff the front desk on Saturdays
Preserves of Winnebago County. and Sundays in 4-hour shifts. Volunteers are also
needed occasionally during the week when all staff
Joy and Steve are dedicated to promoting nature are out of the office for various functions.
appreciation in the community. They explained why
they support Severson Dells Nature Center: “We Conservation Crew - Help remove invasive plants,
are inspired by the commitment to environmental collect native seed, and plant new seedlings with
education shown by the staff and volunteers at SDNC the Severson Dells Conservation Crew. Restoration
to all age groups, but especially to children, impacting volunteers meet the second Saturday and fourth
most of them for a lifetime.” They love that Severson Monday of each month from 9:00 AM to noon.
Dells “serves as a sanctuary for all ages to escape to
nature, meeting a growing need,” they expressed. Community Science - Community Science
They look forward to seeing how Severson Dells Nature Volunteers help us collect valuable data on wildlife
Center grows and develops in the years to come. that we use to inform our land management
practices and secure grant funding. Our
The Vees’ adore walking through Severson Dells volunteers can participate in many projects,
prairie in the autumn when the goldenrod are in bloom, including: Bat Monitoring, Bluebird Monitoring,
but they love hikes through the Dells at any season. Bumblebee Monitoring, Calling Frog Monitoring,
They love to take the “high road” to the dells where a and Plant Monitoring.
bench offers a panoramic view that they say is perfect
for quiet contemplation. If they have kids in tow, they AmeriCorps Service Opportunities - Severson Dells
never skip the pond. The addition of The Grove has partners with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago
made it even harder to end their trips, as the kids never County, Boone County Conservation District,
want to go home. Dekalb County Forest Preserves and the Natural
Land Institute to offer opportunities for AmeriCorps
We are so grateful that Steve and Joy have been such an volunteers to engage in environmental education,
integral part of supporting Severson Dells over the years habitat restoration and community science.
in so many different ways. They have touched many lives, For more information, visit:
both here and in the community beyond. We find their seversondells.org/americorps-opportunities
spirited and good-natured enthusiasm to be infectious as seversondells.org/volunteer
well, and absolutely love it when they are around.
5
The Subtle Beauty of
Gravel Prairies
By Megan Bertucci, AmeriCorps Member
If you aren’t local to the area, you might look at a of these amazing geological features, starting roughly
prairie and think “What’s so special?” It doesn’t have the 8,000 years ago.
soaring mountain peaks, gushing waterfalls, or towering
trees that we often associate with the beauty of nature. Kames and eskers make gravel prairies hilly and the
You don’t often see a prairie on the cover of a magazine soil gravely. Before the glaciers moved through Illinois,
(except maybe this one!) or as a calendar background. I our region consisted largely of limestone bedrock; as a
didn’t grow up around prairies. I wasn’t taught about the result, the gravel that makes up these prairies is primarily
incredible ecosystems they support or their picturesque limestone. Limestone is interesting because it has a
floral blooms. I had no idea why they were special. high pH, which makes the gravel alkaline (similar to dish
soap), and full of calcium carbonate. The loose granular
That was until I moved to the Rockford area this nature of gravel also helps the soil drain water quickly.
winter, during the heat of the Save Bell Bowl Prairie Therefore, the plants that colonized these gravelly soils
movement, which inspired me to learn more about had to be tolerant of drought, high alkalinity, and have
prairies and what a preference for raised
makes them unique. calcium levels For
Over the last few instance, plants found
months, I have learned in gravel prairies have
about the incredible to compete for limited
biodiversity of prairies, water. To combat
especially gravel this, many have deep
prairies, and have come roots, which help them
to appreciate their to reach water deep
importance and beauty. below the soil surface.
If you have a great love They also tend to have
of prairies, I hope this specialized leaves that
article validates your help prevent them from
love for them and gives losing what water they
you a new appreciation do have. The leaves of
for what makes a gravel gravel prairie plants
prairie so special. And tend to be narrow,
if, like me, you never upright, thick, and/or
really gave prairies hairy. A few of these
much thought, I hope species include Prairie
Bell Bowl Prairie in late September, 2021. Photo by Jessie Crow Mermel
I will inspire you to go Smoke, Pasqueflower
out and explore one (or more). and Hill’s thistle. The
nature of these special plants create a healthy habitat for a
Let’s start with what makes a prairie a prairie. A variety of animal species, many of them rare or threatened.
prairie is defined as a large, generally flat, area that
is dominated by grasses (as opposed to trees). What Whether plant or animal, these prairie species are
makes a gravel prairie different? The first thing is the so specialized that they often cannot survive outside
geology! Long ago, when glaciers moved through Illinois, of gravel prairies, meaning they cannot be moved into
they left behind glacial till, which is made up of the new habitats. Therefore, it is important to protect what
smaller rocks that glaciers moved as they traveled across little gravel prairie we have left and to keep it intact.
the landscape. When the glaciers melted, this till was When larger habitats are broken up and separated by
deposited in mounds, which we call kames, and ridges, development, such as roads or buildings, we end up
which we call eskers. Our gravel prairies grew on top with habitat fragmentation, which limits species’ ability
6
to find the resources (food, shelter, water) they need to
survive and reduces their ability to successfully reproduce Rare Flora and Fauna of Gravel Prairies
and maintain healthy genetics.
Some people view gravel prairies as prime real estate
for urban development. The thick, gravel soils are a great
base for supporting structures, but gravel prairies are
much more than that. I have often heard the phrase that
beauty is in the details, and I believe that gravel prairies
are a perfect example of that. Even when the iconic
compass plants and pale purple cone flowers aren’t
in bloom, there is beauty in the safety they provide to
animals. There is beauty in the nutrients they give to the
rare plants that call these habitats home. I cannot wait for
the weather to warm and the flowers to bloom so I can Rusty-patched bumblebee. Photo by Ellen Rathbone.
see the subtle beauty of gravel prairies firsthand.
Rusty-patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis) -
- Federally endangered
Prairie dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata)
- Endangered in IL
Black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
- Threatened in IL
Large-flowered beardtongue (Penstemon
grandiflorus) - Endangered in IL
Regal fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- IL threatened species
Ottoe skipper (Hesperia ottoe)
- State threatened
Red-tailed Prairie LeafHopper (Aflexia rubranura)
- Globally imperiled, but not listed in US
Franklin’s Ground Squirrel (Poliocitellus
franklinii) - IL threatened
Hill’s thistle (Cirsium hillii) - rare
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
Pasqueflower (Anemone patens) at Stone Bridge
- Endangered in IL
Forest Preserve. Photo by Jessie Crow Mermel
Did you know?
Bell Bowl Prairie was part of Camp Grant (1917-1946)
and served as a remount station. Horses and mules were
brought to Bell Bowl to be transported for use in World
War II. This brought in non native plants that found Bell
Bowl to be a great habitat. Although they are not native,
they exist to this day in Bell Bowl, reminding us of our rich
history.
If you are interested in learning more about the Save
Bell Bowl Prairie movement, please visit http://www.
savebellbowlprairie.org. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Photo by Steve Berardi,
Wiki Commons: https://www.flickr.com/photos/33017468@
N07/5580490317
7
JOIN US FOR TRAILS AND ALES AT
SEVERSON DELLS NATURE CENTER
ROCKFORD, IL
JUNE 18, 2022 | 12 PM TO 4 PM Thank you to our Sponsors
This year, we are partnering with
Prairie St. Brewhouse and several
regional micro breweries to offer
great brews with awesome views
Featuring Beer by
right here at Severson Dells!
Featuring Musical Guests
Groove Hotel & Swingbilly RFD
Food available by
Big Jon's Dogs N' More
Severson Dells Nature Center connects people to nature through
education and research.
Support Nature Education
8786 Montague Rd. Order your $35 tickets online today!
Rockford, IL seversondells.com/drinks-for-the-dells
Ahoy! Join us for a summer of
canoeing adventures!
Staff instructors and volunteers will help you
learn to be a more skillful and confident
paddler while answering questions about
local flora and fauna. Equipment and
guides are provided. You must register to
find out the location for the evening’s
paddle. Ages 10 and up.
Canoe Convoys
www.seversondells.org/canoeconvoy
Saturday, May 14, 2022 | 10am-2pm
Hononegah Forest Preserve
food | activities | games 80 Hononegah9 Rd, Rockton, IL
guided hikes & more www.winnebagoforest.org
Wildflower Walkabouts
Wednesday, April 27 | Howard D. Colman Tuesday, May 17 - Funderburg
Dells Nature Preserve Forest Preserve
Zach Grycan and Jerry Paulson will lead this hike Join Forest Preserves of Winnebago County staff,
on property owned and managed by NLI. This 96- Mike Groves and Steve Hornbeck, for an exploration
acre Nature Preserve is located along Hall Creek, of one of the newest forest preserves. We will be
southwest of Rockford. One of the attractive on the lookout for many of our favorite woodland
features of this preserve is a series of cliffs known wildflowers and learn more about the dramatic
as the dells. Many unique plants restricted to restoration plans for the 868-acre preserve on the
limestone and dolomite outcrops are found here, southwest side of Rockford. Please park at the
as well as some northern relict plants. Located near trailhead on Meridian Road, roughly a mile south of
the intersection of East Severson Road and North Montague Road. Moderate hiking.
Weldon Road. From Meridian and Montague Road,
drive south and turn west onto McGregor Road, turn
north onto Weldon Road. Moderate-difficult hiking.
Tuesday, May 3 | Pecatonica Wetlands
Forest Preserve
Connie McIntosh and Kathy Martinez will take us on
a tour of the Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve,
which includes river edge floodplain forest,
oxbow pond marshes and upland forest along the
Pecatonica River. The site has outstanding spring
flora and birdlife. Please meet on Blair Road on the Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) and Dutchman’s breeches
north side of the forest preserve. Hiking will be easy (Dicentra cucullaria) growing on a dolomite cliff at at Burr Oak Valley
to moderate.
Wednesday, May 25 | Burr Oak Valley
Wednesday, May 11 | Kinnikinnick Creek Nature Preserve
Conseration Area Zach Grycan and Tyler Pellegrini, Natural Land
Aaron Minson, Boone County Conservation District, Institute staff, will lead us through some of this 99-
and Brian Hale, Conservation District Volunteer, acre property that is owned and managed by NLI.
take us through the recently restored prairie The natural communities we will visit include mesic
and basswood, hickory and white oak forest to upland forest, dolomite prairie, dolomite cliff and
explore the wildflowers in northern Boone County. intermittent stream. Expect to see blue-eyed grass,
Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area is located 3.2 Columbine, maidenhair fern, and the rare kittentails.
miles north of Route 173 on Caledonia Road. The Please park at the northern entrance of the preserve
entrance is just north of North Boone School Road. at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 7404 Elevator
Moderate hiking. Rd. in Roscoe. Moderate hiking.
10Join Severson Dells and the Natural Land Institute staff and volunteers on an exploration of many of the
local wildflower hotspots. Wildflower Walks showcase what is currently in bloom at various woodland and
prairie preserves around Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties. All walks will begin at 6:00 p.m. There is no
fee for the walks, but membership in Severson Dells and/or the Natural Land Institute is encouraged.
Registration for all of the walks will be required this year through EventBrite. Each walk has two leaders, and
each group will allow reservations for 15 people.
For more information, please call 815/335-2915 (SD) or 815/964-6666 (NLI).
Tuesday, May 31 | Cedar Cliff
Forest Preserve
Explore one of the newest forest preserves with Mike
Brien and Steve Hornbeck from the Forest Preserves
of Winnebago County. We will walk through a fourth
year restored prairie and head to the forest full of
Chinquapin, Bur and Red Oaks on the cliffs over-
looking the Rock River. Take Highway 2 south, turn
right on Kishwaukee Road and drive for 3.8 miles.
Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve will be on the right side of
the road at 7901 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley.
Moderate-difficult hiking.
Wednesday, June 8 | Jarrett Prairie
Nature Preserve
Join Byron Forest Preserve naturalists Russell Wildflower Walkabout hikers examining a Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum)
Brunner and Austin Webb to search the prairie for
early summer wildflowers. We will meet at the Wednesday, June 22 | Searls Prairie
Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Rd., Byron and
Nature Preserve
explore the Indigo Trace Trail. This will be an easy
Joni Denker of the Rockford Park District and Jack
hiking adventure. Please bring comfortable hiking
Armstrong, Severson Dells and Rockford Park District
shoes and binoculars if you’re interested in seeing
board member, will lead this hike through mesic and
some of our summer resident beauties.
wet-mesic prairie where prairie dropseed, Indian grass,
and big bluestem grow. This site is one of the highest
Tuesday, June 14 | Deer Run quality wet prairies in the state. Meet at Searls Park
Forest Preserve on Central Avenue in Rockford across from the soccer
Join us for an evening with fields. Easy hiking, but the area may be wet.
Mike Groves and Richard
Benning from the Forest Tuesday, June 30 | Pecatonica Ridge Prairie
Preserves of Winnebago NLI staff Zach Grycan and Laura Helmich lead a tour
County. We will be on through this beautiful upland prairie, located east
the lookout for a variety of Winnebago. From U.S. Route 20, turn north on
of milkweeds (and the Conger Road and drive one mile. Keep driving straight
Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
monarchs that love them), where Berglund Road meets Conger Road. Prairie
lupines and more as we enjoy smoke, leadplant, birdsfoot violet and New Jersey tea
the prairie at Deer Run. Located 3 miles southeast of may be seen at this native prairie. Easy hiking.
Rockford city limits on River Road. Easy hiking. Photos by Jessie Crow Mermel
11Calendar of Events
Register for programs at seversondells.org/events or call 1-815-335-2915
For the most up-to-date information on potential program postponement or cancellations, please visit
our website at www.seversondells.org. Registration is required for all programs.
DIY Field Guide
City Nature Challenge Saturday, May 7, 2022 | 9:30 a.m. to Noon
April 30 to May 3 Observation Period Celebrate spring by creating your very own field guide
May 4 to 9 Identification Period to the season. Each participant makes their own “map
4/29 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Aldeen Park fold” booklet and fills the diamond-shaped pages with
4/29 9 - 11 a.m. LIB Conservation Area illustrations and notes of what we discover along the
4/30 7 - 8:30 a.m. Ipsen Road/ Newburg trails. Birds, flowers, insects, and poetry are examples of
Village Conservation Area what you might put in your book. We provide the paper,
4/30 9 - 11 a.m. Flora Prairie glue, colored pencils, magnifiers, binoculars, sit-upons and
nature. Optional items you can bring with you include: pen
Conservation Area
and ink; watercolors and brushes. Bring a refillable water
4/30 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Nicholas Conservatory bottle. Ages 14+. Members/$15, General Admission/$20.
4/30 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Nygren Wetlands Preserve
4/30 12 - 3 p.m. Atwood Park Forest Preserves 100th
4/30 6:30 - 8 p.m. Howard Colman Hall Anniversary Celebration
Creek Preserve Saturday, May 14, 2022
4/30 8 - 9 p.m. Severson Dells Nature Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5/1 2 - 4 p.m. Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve Location: Hononegah
5/1 9 - 11 a.m. Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area Forest Preserve
5/2 1 - 2 p.m. Spencer Conservation Area Celebrate a century of
5/2 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Harlem Hills Nature Preserve protecting and enhancing
Winnebago County’s natural heritage at the FPWC 100th
For more information, please visit our website: anniversary event. Enjoy interactive activities, food, and
http://bit.ly/CityNatureChallenge22 giveaways at our county’s first forest preserve.
Activities Include: Guided Hikes, Golf, Make your own
hiking stick, Live birds with Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab
& Education, Face painting, S’mores station, Learn about
the plants and animals that call your forest preserves home,
Crafts, Drawings for free shelter house rentals, rounds of
golf and camping, and Food Trucks: Disco Chicken and The
Olive Branch. Free event.
Conservation Crew Restoration Workdays
May 14, 23, June 11, 27, July 9, 25, August 13, 22
9 a.m. to Noon
Our volunteer crew helps to restore and maintain balance
in the ecosystem by removing invasive plants like Asian
bush honeysuckle and garlic mustard, and by collecting
native seeds for propogation. Working alongside fellow
volunteers in the beauty of the outdoors is both gratifying
and invigorating. No experience necessary; training and
tools are supplied. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Dress in layers and expect to get dirty! RSVP to Andrea,
DIY FIELD GUIDE andrea@seversondells.org.
12Photo by Ellen Rathbone
Full Moon Hike
Monday, May 16, 2022 | 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Join us to wander the woods and prairie during
Canoe Convoys
the Flower Moon. You’ll get the opportunity to
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 18, 25
tour the forest preserve after dark and learn about
Join Severson staff and volunteers for a Monday
moon lore, nocturnal animals and their adaptations, sunset paddle and experience nature from one of
and experience the wonder of nature at night! our canoes!
Members/$3, General Admission/$5.
Drinks for the Dells
Saturday, June 18 | 1 to 4 p.m.
This year, we are partnering with Prairie St.
Brewhouse and several regional micro breweries
to offer great brews with awesome views right
here at Severson Dells! Featuring Musical Guests
Groove Hotel & Swingbilly RFD. Food available by
Big Jon’s Dog N’ More. $35/ticket.
Family Frog Adventure at Pecatonica Wetlands 5:20 p.m. - Quickstart Sign-In
Preserve 5:45 p.m. - Regular Sign In
Saturday, June 4, Before each paddle, we offer an introductory
2022 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. canoeing lesson, our “Quickstart Program,” for
Join us at Pecatonica paddlers* who have not participated in a Canoe
Forest Preserve as Convoy before.
we learn about our
local frogs: their life
cycles, their calls,
Due to high demand for this program, please only
and where they register for two evenings. Please RSVP online
live. Members/$10, or call. If you are interested in attending more
General Admission/$15 than two, please call us at 815-335-2915 to be put
per family. on the waitlist. We require a $10 deposit for all
paddlers because of the high rate of no-shows the
Readings from the Rookery last couple of years. If you show up or cancel your
Fridays, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22 reservation by the Friday before the paddle you will
9 to 10:30 a.m. receive a full refund. You can donate your deposit
Severson Dells staff lead this fun and engaging to help keep this program going. Donations help
program that introduces children and their parents keep this program afloat and allow us to offer our
to great nature books. After our story, everyone program for “free” to those who may not be able
participates in outside activities that relate to the to afford a trip elsewhere.
theme of the week. This program targets 5-to 9-year-
olds and focuses on the importance of getting kids *Due to safety considerations, this program suitable
outside. Free event, registration required. for children 10 and up. People under 18 must be
accompanied by an adult.
13Calendar of Events
Register for programs at seversondells.org/events or call 1-815-335-2915
For the most up-to-date information on potential program postponement or cancellations, please visit
our website at www.seversondells.org. Registration is required for all programs.
Family Creek Walk Dance at the Dells
June 11, 2022 | 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 | 5 to 7 p.m.
This camp classic is Join us for the fourth and final year of this beloved
now available for event that celebrates performing art in nature! At
the whole family! 5:00 PM, we will embark on a journey through the
Get your feet wet Dells, interspersed with site-specific choreography
as we walk through by professional dancers and sisters, Meghan and
Hall Creek and Caitlyn Baylor. The hike will culminate at 6:30
along the towering PM with a performance at The Grove Nature
cliff faces of the Playscape. If you are unable to join us on the
Dells. This is your moderately challenging hike, please join us for
chance to explore the performance in The Grove. Raindate: August
parts of Severson 27. Members/$15, General Admission/$20, Children
that very few under 12 are $5. Register by 8/18. Space is limited,
people get to encounter! This Photo by Ellen Rathbone so please register early.
adventure is great for families Sponsored by Gibbons Electric, LawnCare by
with children 6 and up. We will be walking on uneven Walter, and Workplace
ground and in a moving current. Closed-toed shoes
required. *Due to the fragile aquatic environment,
we do not recommend taking a creek walk unless
accompanied by a Severson guide. Ages 6 and up,
anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by an
adult. Members/$3, General Admission/$5.
Kindred Spirits Camp
Saturday, July 7 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For those adults who want a summer camp
experience, come and join us for a day of camper
fun. Games, crafts and exploration will fill our hours.
Members/$35, General Admission/$45. Photo by Jessie Crow Mermel
Paint Night
Full Moon Hike
Thursday, August 25, 2022 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 13, 2022 | 8:30 to 10 p.m. Learn how to paint elegant, wall-worthy leaf prints
Join us to wander the woods and prairie during
with the cheerful guidance of Andrea Wallace
the Buck Moon. Learn about nature at nighttime!
Noble! Join us for a night of creativity and fun
Members/$3, General Admission/$5.
and learn about local trees along the way. No
experience necessary and all materials provided.
Full Moon Hike This includes light snacks and drinks in addition to
Thursday, August 11, 2022 | 8 to 9:30 p.m. a casual, cozy atmosphere. Ages 10+. $30.
Join us to wander the woods and prairie during the
Sturgeon Moon. Learn about nature at nighttime!
Members/$3, General Admission/$5.
14Hikes &
Bikes
Photo by Jessie Crow Mermel
815 Outside is continuing with regular hikes and bike rides. All events are free and require registration. See details
and sign up at www.815outside.com under Events. Email info@815outside.com with questions.
05/13 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Guided Hike at Nygren Wetland 07/02 | 10 a.m. to noon | Newburg Village
Join us for a hike, led by Tyler Pellegrini of the Natural Conservation Area
Land Institute, during peak bird migration. Join us for a beautiful summer walk.
05/18 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Spencer Conservation Area 07/06 | 10 a.m. to noon | Hike at Cedar Cliff
Join us for a hike along the beautiful trails that border the Forest Preserve
Kishwaukee River in Spencer Conservation Area. Join us for a hike and enjoy the views over the Rock River.
5/26 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Guided Pollinator Walk at 07/14 | 10 a.m. to noon | Hike at Jensen
Atwood Park Forest Preserve
This walk, led by Joni Denker of the Rockford Park District, Enjoy the beauty on this calming summer hike in Rockton.
takes us through the beautiful prairie at Atwood Park and
teaches us about some of the amazing native pollinators 07/23 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Short Walk at Aldeen Park
in our region. This short walk is the perfect way to get outside and enjoy
our beautiful local woodlands.
05/28 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Hike at Sugar River Forest Preserve
Join us for a calming hike through the woods along 07/27 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Bike Along the Winnebago
Sugar River. County Section of the Stone Bridge Trail
Get outside and enjoy the sunshine on this beginner-
06/01 | 2 to 4 p.m. | Nardi Equine Prairie Preserve friendly bike ride along the Stone Bridge Trail.
Join us for a walk through the sandy soil prairies and oak
savannas at this Byron Forest Preserve. 08/06 | 10 a.m. to noon | Hike at Atwood Park
Join us for a fun hike through the woods at Atwood Park.
06/09 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.| Bike Along the Rock River
Recreation Path 08/10 | 10 a.m. to noon | Howard Coleman Hall
Enjoy the beauty of Rockford as we bike along the Rock Creek Preserve
River Recreation Path. Enjoy a stunning hike and observe the bluffs and restored
prairies that make this site unique.
06/15 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Kid’s Monarch Walk at Nature at
the Confluence 08/20 | 10 a.m. to noon | Guided Hike at Pecatonica
Join us at Nature at the Confluence, to learn all about Ridge Prairie
the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, view the Monarch Join us for a guided hike and learn about the biodiversity
exhibit, and meet munching caterpillars. Then we head of this unique preserve.
outdoors to learn about their habitat and how you can
help monarchs in your own backyard or community. 08/27 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Bike Along Boone County
Section of the Stone Bridge Trail
06/25 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Short Walk at Baumann Park Join us for a bike through part of the Boone County
Take a break and get outside on this short stroll. section of the Stone Bridge Trail!
15SUMMER CAMP 2022
Photo by Ellen Rathbone Photo by Jessie Crow Mermel
JUNE Wild Things Camp - Little Heroes | Ages 4-6 | 9am-noon
Embrace your inner hero as we learn how to save nature, tackle fun challenges,
06-10 and train to be the best versions of ourselves along the way! $90 (Members)/$105
JUNE Amazing Adventures Camp | Ages 7-11 | 9am-3pm
Each day is a new adventure. This year our adventures include Survivor
13-17 Day, Cave Man Day, and Nature Hero Day. $120 (Members)/$150
JUNE Wild Things Camp - Little Creators |Ages 4-6 | 9am-noon
Paint, dance, sing, craft! Your little creator will learn more about nature through
20-24 the arts and deepen their appreciation for the outdoors. $90 (Members)/$105
JUNE-JULY Peek-in-the-Creek |Ages 7-11
Our daily creek adventures include boat races, getting muddy, and
27-01 catching crayfish. $120 (Members)/$150
JULY Grandparents Camp - Aquatic Habitats | 9am-noon & 1-4pm
Make boats, catch crayfish, explore the creek, and spend time making priceless
06 memories. Prices vary, see website.
JULY Grandparents Camp - Terrestrial Habitats | 9am-noon & 1-4pm
Roam through the prairie, sweep for insects, and create your own nature
07 craft! Prices vary, see website.
JULY Blazing Paddles Canoe Camp | Ages 12-16 | 9am-3pm
Explore the rivers of Winnebago County by canoe, build teamwork and
11-15 leadership skills, and partake in crazy fun camp traditions. $180 (Members)/$210
JULY Kindred Spirits Adult Camp | Ages 18+ | 9am-3pm
For those adults who want a summer camp experience, come
09 and join us for a day of camper fun. $35 (Members), $45
JULY Call of the Wild | Ages 7-11 | 9am-3pm
Campers get in touch with their inner cave people, minus the cave. Each clan
18-22 builds a home base from which they sally forth to explore. $120 (Members)/$150
JULY Robin Hood Camp | Ages 8-12 | 9am-3pm
After building our hide-out in the woods, our band of merry campers do
25-29 good (nature-themed) deeds throughout the week. $120 (Members)/$150
For more
AUGUST Wild Things Camp - Little Pirates | Ages 4-6 | 9am-noon information on
our camps and to
Our pirate crew will be sailing the “high seas” of Hall Creek as we catch
01-05 critters, make boats, and search for lost treasure! $90 (Members)/$105
register, visit
seversondells.org/campPlanning
summer
travel?
Take Severson Dells with you
and you could win!
How to participate:
Take a photo of yourself on your travels with your
Severson Dells gear on, post on social media and tag us,
along with #SeversonTravels (or send the photo to us at
info@seversondells.org) and be entered to win a new
Severson t-shirt and a guided hike for you and up to 10 of
your friends! For more info, visit
17
www.seversondells.org/severson-travelsAnnual Report
2021
Good day, Severson Dells Over the past two years, the Severson Dells organization
supporters and community. I has embodies these statements. We are resilient
hope this day finds you well, and through the strong network of relationships that our
that you’re as excited about the organization has cultivated over the decades. More
beginning of springtime as I am. recently, Ann’s leadership and her team have excelled
Observing nature greening up at fostering these relationships that have allowed
again after the winter always Severson Dells to successfully navigate pandemic-related
offers a sense of renewal and challenges. We are resilient because of people like
resilience of the natural world. YOU who support us and help nurture our mission even
through difficult times.
Photo by Alizé Jireh
My name is Chris Samuelson, and I’m excited to be Considering our mission, we can also learn from nature
part of the Severson Dells board, currently serving as and what it teaches us about resilience. This past
Board Chair. It’s an honor to be part of this wonderful summer our family and a close group of friends visited
organization whose mission is to connect people to Yosemite National Park. We did all the park things,
nature through education and research. I am a Rockford but one trip stands out above all. Our rental home
native, having graduated from East High School and was located in a small town just south of the park and
Rockford University. I’m celebrating my 25th year with we were told to travel up a rustic road and observe an
Thermo Fisher Scientific where I currently support a area that locals refer to as “moonscape.” It was the
global Operations team. My wife Courtney has been aftermath of the Creek Fire (2020) that destroyed nearly
an early childhood special education teacher for over 400,000 acres of land. Despite the utter devastation
20-years, and we have two boys, Landon and Wes, who and loss of life, it was incredible to see nature once again
are 14 and 11 respectively. We truly find spending time making a comeback. Beautiful yellow flowers dotted
outdoors centers our family, which is why the mission of the landscape and made for striking images against the
Severson Dells is so near and dear to my heart. backdrop of charred pines.
Now that you know something about me, let’s talk From the Severson Dell’s staff to the community
Severson Dells and an important attribute of our and our donors, thank you. Your support has
organization: resilience. The definition of resilience, been overwhelming, sincerely appreciated, and
simply put, is the ability to bounce back from setbacks unprecedented. We hope that despite our recent
or failures. Often resilience is framed as an individual challenges,
attribute. These individuals have a certain amount of recent
“grit” that allows them to struggle through the pain and events have
ultimately overcome challenges. We often use resilience taught us all
or grit as a barometer of success. However, according how to be
to a recent Harvard Business Review article titled, “The a bit more
Secret to Building Resilience”, the author states, “that resilient.
resilience is not purely an individual characteristic,
but is also heavily enabled by strong relationships and Best,
networks. We can nurture and build our resilience Chris
through a wide variety of interactions with people Samuelson,
in our personal and professional lives” (Cross, Dillan, Board
& Greenburg, 2021). The author goes on to say that President
“resilience is a team sport.”
The Samuelson Family: Courtney, Landon, Wes, and Chris
Annual Report 2021 18On March 17, 2022, the Sikich LLP accounting firm completed
an audit of Severson Dells Education Foundation’s records
for the FYE 12/31/21. The following is the condensed balance
sheet as of 12/31/21. A copy of the complete audited financial
2021
statements is available on request. SEVERSON DELLS
ASSETS PROGRAMS
CURRENT ASSETS:
$ 205,062 Cash and cash equivalents
8,417 Grants receivable
2,664 Pledges receivable, current
23,220 Inventory TOTAL PEOPLE
413 Prepaid expenses SERVED IN 2021
0 Investments 10725
up from 5819 in 2020
239,776 Total current assets
PUBLIC
PROGRAMS
NONCURRENT ASSETS: 2795
2,474,183 Investments up from 1354 in 2020
102 Pledges receivable, long term, net
39,612 Equipment SCHOOL ON-SITE
- Construction in progress 1427
(25,431) Less: Accumulated depreciation up from 278 in 2020
14,181 Property and equipment, net
81,058 Endowment investments
IN-SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
2,569,524 Total noncurrent assets 226
up from 82 in 2020
$ 2,809,300 TOTAL ASSETS
OFF-SITE
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS WITH STAFF
CURRENT LIABILITIES: 2021
Accrued expenses due to Forest up from 736 in 2020
- Preserves of Winnebago County
$ 9,268 Payroll liabilities USE OF FACILITIES
2,550 Accounts payable 1470
5,336 Deferred revenue up from 1133 in 2020
17,154 Total current liabilities
WALK-IN
NET ASSETS: VISITORS
$ 2,677,968 Without donor restrictions 4624
114,178 With donor restrictions up from 2236 in 2020
2,792,146 Total net assets
$ 2,809,300 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
19 Annual Report 2021Members & Supporters
Severson Dells Education Foundation
When Fannie Severson donated 369-acres to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve
District, she dreamed of having a nature center in the family’s “Deer Lodge.” The
Severson Dells Education Foundation was created to make that dream come true. Since
1976, donors to the non-profit foundation have financed great programs at Severson
Dells Nature Center that have helped teach more than a half million people about the
natural world. The Foundation and Forest Preserve District are partners: the foundation
pays for educational programs and the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
maintains the property and the facility. It’s a relationship that has improved the quality
of life for area residents by linking them to the forests, rivers and prairies of the region.
Financial Supporters
We have made every effort to list the individuals and groups who have supported Severson Dells Nature Center
through memberships, donations, sponsorships, memorials and other gifts during the period January 1, 2021
through December 31, 2021.
In 2021, Memorials and Honorariums were given in honor of:
Jessie Crow-Mermel, Jason Edlen, The Moore/Kusner Family, John and Jean Frana, Dan Kasten, Paulette Matthews
Don Miller, Jillian Neece, Ellen Rathbone, Captain Rusty Claw Rough Bottom, Rich and Mary Anne Toppe, Judy Anderson,
Barbara Bates, Jason Biwer, Keith Blackmore, R. A. Brandys, Anthony J Capriola, Sr., Robert E Carlson, Glenwood “Glenn”
M Crull, Peter J Damby, Fran Kerns Dewey, Anna Francik, Richard Freeman, Shirley Henley, Fred and Betty Kalivoda,
Paula Jean Kalivoda Furniss, Carol Mcknight-Foster, Anne Davis Meyer, Dawn and Lee Miller, Phil Schwab, John and Jan
Severson, Doris Elaine Smith, James E Smith, Florence G. Swinson, Jude C. Torre, Barbara Whitsitt
2021 Board of Directors Lifetime Members Susan Severson Barbier
Dan Huntley - President The Barrett Family Susan T. Weeg
Chris Samuelson - Secretary Craig and Teena Burdick
Jakob Loescher - Vice President Robert C. Burress Members
Dan Zeigler - Treasurer Robert E. Carlson Brittany and Josue Almonaci
Jack Armstrong Sandy Carter Chris Alvarado and Priya
Katie Eickman Reneé and Joe Chauncey Ramaswamy
Jarrod Hennis Paula Christensen and Roger Tor Andaas
Jessie Madl Benedict Donna Anderson and Ray
Patty Oliveri David Clay Hodowanic
Cathy Ott Gretchen Diab Erin and Douglas Beto
Margaret Archer
Catherine Povalitis Nada Geddes Laura Biby
Lindsay Arellano
Hans Rupert John and Colleen Holmbeck Matt and April Blager
Jack and Joyce Armstrong
Steve Vee Elaine Hutchcroft Lauren Blager
Becky Asher
Lenae Weichel Richard T. Leighton Thuy Blair
B. David and Rana Baddour
Martha and JJ Manning Caroline Borsini
Nabil and Liljana Baddour
The Keister and Wolff Family Melissa Bradbury
Suzanne Ball
The Mattis Family Juliana Brandys
Donna Ballard
Dean and Amy Olson Larry and Lee Bridgeland
Judith Barnard
Jim and Pat Olson Alan and Janet Bridgeland
Tim and Deb Bauch
Anne Remington Joseph N. Brien and Teri R. Schlub
Baylor Household
Wayne Rohde Shelly Bueche
James Beam
Marilyn Schweisberger Cindy Bunk
Wendy Bennett
Doug Severson and Miriam Jennifer Burkholder
Jon Bertram
Geraghty Brenda Byrne
Jennifer Beto
Annual Report 2021 20Craig G. Campbell Michael Johnson Thomas A. and Ann M. Austin
Kay Caster Eugene Jordan and Cindy B. David and Rana Baddour
Toy Cesar Schwartz Eric and Rebecca Baeverstad
Megan and Tom Chennell Jason Judd Carolyn K. Bailey
Dan Cole James and Pamela Keeling Paul and Teri Baits
Susan Cooling Sandra and Daniel Kelly Dick and Sally Baker
Matt Cordonnier Pamela Kennedy-Williams Randall and Sharon Ballard
Prudence Court Orin Keplinger Donald Balsam
Laurie Creek Julia Kindler Judith Barnard
Sherry King Nancy Rainwater Francie C. Barnes
Patti and Robb Klinger Leanna Reidy Jim and Helen Barrett
Kerry David Knodle Elaine and Terry Ressler Rick and Bonnie Barton
Doug and Melissa Knorr Mark Robinson Caitlyn Baylor
Knuth Household Joshua Rollins Meghan Baylor
The Kuehl Family Earle and Joy Rowe James F. Beam
Erica Leming Karyn and Kevin Schwitters Bob and Beverly Beebe
Janaan Lewis Mark and Julie Seger
The Lindquist Family Alyssa Seivert
Stephen and Lorrie Liphart Doug Severson and Miriam
Linda DalFratello Dan and Amy Loescher Geraghty
Jerry and Lois Davis The Loescher Family Corinne A Shotliff
Christi DeSpain Jeff and Kelly Lowary Lora McClelland and Michael
Dominick and Diana DiCello Mark and Laurie Luthin Simmons
Susie Douglas Madl Household Karen Matz and John
Mychael Drews Katie Maringer Skowronski
Eickman Household James and Lori Marshall Tim and Teresa Smith
Susan and Jim Epperson Kathy Martinez Nichole Smith Christopher and Angela Behling
Andy Fahrenwald Anne McCoy Veronica Soria-Martinez Lon G. Behr
John and Janice Ferguson Thomas McCullough Erin Spedding Susan Bender
Jennifer Ferris Jim and Carol McFarlane Bob and Linda Spelman Paula Christensen and Roger
Dan Fraker McKenzie-Swafford Household Heather and Kerry Steines Benedict
Kristin and Bill Frank Ashley Stickler Richard Benning
Jenny Frew Mr. and Mrs. Brad and Christy Ben and Mary McNamara
Don Fuller Stott Bernsten
Roberta Gambrel Lyndi Toohill Jon Bertram
Kelly Garay Lynne and Dale Townsend Brubaker Trust
Thomas and Gail Giglio Ed and Judy Uchno Julie Bishop
Debra Gille Aly Vavra Katherine Clare Bland
Paul Goddard and Leah Krippner Janet and Matthew Vincent Marilyn Bland
Grasse Household Ann Wasser Nancy Bleile
Brett and Margret Hanson Virginia and Walter Watson Stephen and Mardon Blomgren
Brian Hale and Ruth Hanson Hale Randy Mermel and Jessie Kelly and Eric Weiand David and Nancy Bloomstrand
Kelly Hawkins Crow-Mermel Ryan and Rachel Welden David M. and Anne C. Boccignone
Kendra Helvey Linda Meyer Kate and David Whitacre Jared Boeke
Ray and Nina Herzer Tammy Meyer-Peterson Heather White
Donna Anderson and Ray Amanda Milazzo Sara Wykes
Hodowanic Jennifer Miley Dan and Ann Zeigler
Lenae Weichel and Kevin Cynthia L. Miner
Holdmann Kathryn Moan
Daniel and Allison Huntley Greg and Christy Moore Donors
Joan Hurd Steve and Mitzi Muntz Skip and Sue Abare
Margaret Hurley John Andrew Newgren Jay and Sharon Adler
Aya Ivacic Patricia Nicolosi Linda L Allen
Connie Jeffrey Linda Niemiec Sue and John Altschwager
Malachi Jensen Jerry and Diana Ogren Cheryl and William Anderson
The Johnson Family Sam and Patty Oliveri Donna Anderson and Ray Peter Boline and Ann Bornor
Nathan Parkinson Hodowanic Boline
Ken Pearson Kara and Shawn Anderson Aaron Booker
Pellant Household Konnie and Rich Anderson John and Anna Borchers
Roger and Bev Peters Mary and Peter Anderson Regina K. Brenmark-French
Catherine Peterson Terry D. Anderson Larry and Lee Bridgeland
Lori Polkowski Dennis J. Anthony Joanne Broadus
Chris and Jessica Potter Jan Marie Aramini and Michael Ashley Brown
Nicholas and Catherine Povalitis Pettersen Sandra Brown
Lydia Quinones Robert and Carolyn Arevalo Paul and Carol Burkholder
Jason Peckels and Rebecca Quirk Jack and Joyce Armstrong Ron and Carol Burmeister
21 Annual Report 2021Karen Busser Brenda J. Falconer Patricia Ippen
John Buzzard Alyce and Harold Fath Donald Ivacic
Carolyn and Rufus Cadigan Cara Feller Daniel and Lisa Jacobson
Ray and Eva Camacho Paula A. Fitzpatrick Audrey S. Jansen
Lou and Linda Cambier Liz Foley Sue and Lynn Jansen
Stanley Campbell Gerry and Nancy Follmar Jeanette Jess
Lynell Cannell Graham and Fiona Fordyce Jeff Layng and Jamie Johanssen
Anthony J. Capriola, Sr. Edwin T. Foster Russ and Gin Johansson
Anthony J. Capriola, Jr. Jean and John Frana Barb Johnson
Edwin J. Carey, Jr and The Francik Family Bonnie Johnson
Pamela S. Carey Kristin and Bill Frank Darrell and Candy Johnson
Allan and Elizabeth Carlson Kay E. Freeman The Johnson Family
Joyce Friedman Herb and Lois Johnson Cynthia Linnabary
Claire Gallenz Janet and Doug Johnson Jake and Mackenzie Loescher
Kara and Robert Gallup Karen Johnson Jason Loescher and Tina Rittner
Catherine Gambino Mary E. Johnson Stephanie and Vincent Lombardi
Rita J. Gano Penny Johnson Tom Lombardo
Vanessa and Ryan Garnhart Gary and Sally Jouris Thomas Long
Nada Geddes Dustin Kaap Lee Ann and James Love
Nancy L. Geddes Dan and Diane Kane Leslie and Marna Lovett
Mary Geissman Janet and Timothy Keating Deborah A. Lucas
Bonnie and Dan Gesin James and Pamela Keeling Nancy and Roger Lundstrom
Rich and Joyce Gibbons The Keister and Wolff Family Mark and Laurie Luthin
Arnold and Catherine Carlson Julie Gibson Morgan, Justin, Linda & Bryan The Madl Household
Robert E. Carlson Thomas and Gail Giglio Keys Christopher and Cecilia Mann
David Carson Anne M. Godin Teisha Kimmons Faye Marcus
Mary B. Caskey Robert and Bonita Gosdick Mary A. Kisamore Kenneth D. Martin
Megan and Tom Chennell Thomas E. Gould Curtis and Laurie Kleckler Karen and Silvio Massetti
Cynthia and Mike Chmell Janet Graves Jane Klepp Bruce and Mary Mathwich
Holly Choppa John and Kaylene Groh Timothy Knauf Paulette Matthews
Robert Clark Mark and Jill Grove Frances and Arthur Kneller Skip and Kathie Mattison
Warren W. and Karen A. Clausing Lori Gummow and Phil Kerry David Knodle Jessica Maveus
Julie Cloghessy Caltagerone Julie Knutson Mary M. McCarty
Lee and Sue Clouse Maxine and Fred Hadley Diane Koch Stanley E McCord
Roberta L. Collamore Paul and April Haeflinger Kellie Koura Jim and Carol McFarlane
Mark and Amy Conklin Norm and Patricia Hagman Robert and Mary Kramer Connie and Phil McIntosh
Holli Connell Brian Hale and Ruth Hanson Hale Matt Krueger Gregory and Cindy McIntyre
Richard and Arlene Cook Steven and Keiko Hall Doug and Deb Kruger Gary and Joanne McIntyre
Susan Cooling Robert and Nadine Hallstrom Jack and Nancy Kubitz Eamon McKenna
Cynthia Coritz Ann E. Hanson The Kuehl Family Neil E. McLaughlin
Prudence Court Brett and Margret Hanson Leonard LaPasso and Virginia R. Brent and Kathleen Meade
Sherri Crawford Tom and Debra Hartley Noerr LaPasso Jay and Nancy Meehan
Philip and Shirley Davidson Paul C. Harvey Jay Larson Carolyn and Wolfram Meingast
Jackie Decort Drotar Kelly Hawkins Randy Mermel and Jessie
John Defenbaugh Alice and Bob Heath Crow-Mermel
Jenny DeLeo Doris and Larry Heibner Carrie Meyer and Ernest Carlson
Richard Deming Kathryn and John Heisel Virginia Meyer
Elizabeth Q. Dickinson Kathleen Helge Cindy Meyers
Deb S. Dietz Stefanie Herbert Don and Sue Miller
Jeff Donaldson Dan and Cathy Herdeman Robert Miller
The Doncheck Household Deena and Rodger Hergert David and Jan Mills
Ann Marie Doty Pam and Gregg Herrmann Robert and Co Leber Mirgain
Joe and Susan Doty Ray and Nina Herzer Martha and William Mitchell
Kirby and Dan Doyle Rita Highland Anthony and Lynn Moczynski
Susan and Joe Drennan Helen Hill Judith Larson Susan Molyneaux
Kimberly Driscoll Janet and Luther Hill Marilyn and Arne Larson Karen Montgomery
Robert Drobnik Tyler Hillman Peter and Joyce Larson Steve Montgomery
Scott and Mary Ellen Droy Connie and Dean Hinnerichs Ralph and Jeanine Larson Kathy J. Moore
John and Hazel Dyke Sally and William Hoff Carol Laures David and Leslie Moore
Jason Edlen Robert and Erika Holdmann Betty J. Leeson Willard and Christine Moore, Jr.
Katie and Tom Eickman John J. Holevas Mollie Lego Fred and Lois Muehlfelder
Annette Eldredge John and Colleen Holmbeck Richard T. Leighton Tammy and John Murabito
Chuck and Marge Elliot Larry and Suzanne Hopps Jodie A. Lewis Toni Murray
Thomas and Audrey Engelbrecht David and Paula Hougan Tammy L. Lewis Tasha Neisewander
Kathleen and Michael Engelkes Heather Hoyt John and Jan Liermann Cynthia Nelson
George and Mary English Elaine G. Hutchcroft Thomas and Erin Lind Fred and Marci Nestler
Annual Report 2021 22Kelly Nestler William and Denise Rusin John Verhaar and Janet
John Andrew Newgren Nicole Ryan Herbert-Verhaar
Doug Newton Darlene and David Saam Javier and Phyllis Vertiz
Terry and Judith Nichols Joan B. Sage Marian E. Vittinghoff
Sarah and Ilche Nonevski Chris and Courtney Samuelson Kim Lowman Vollmer and John
Camille Noonan Mark Samuelson Vollmer
Katie Norris Ann Marie Santora Susan and Timothy Wagner
William Nutini Stephen Schmaeng Stacy and Dana Wallace
Jim and Kathy O’Brien Carol and Jeff Schnaiter Thomas and Karen Walsh
Randy and Nancy Ocken Mike and Patty Schneider Joseph and Joella Warner
Dennis and Sharon O’Hara Steve and Julie Schneider Ann Wasser Culver’s of Winnebago
Sam and Patty Oliveri Renee Schroeder Jerry and Karon Wasser Eickman’s Processing Company,
Barbara J. Olson Karyn Schwitters, LCSW Virginia and Walter Watson Inc.
Betty J. O’Neal Douglas and Tammy Scott Gregory A. Watt and Lourdes M. Fehr Graham
Daina and William Osborne Mark and Julie Seger Escarza-Watt Fitzgerald Equipment Company,
David and Cathy Ott Doug Severson and Miriam Stephen and Rita Weber Inc.
Betty Owano Geraghty Neita L. Webster German American Bank
Marianna and Herb Page Susan Severson Barbier Kelly and Eric Weiand Gibbons Electric, Inc.
Susan Palm Lynch David and Kathryn Menteer Lenae Weichel and Kevin Gloyd Family Foundation
William Palmquist Keith and Pam Shaver Holdmann Guy B. Reno Foundation
Peter and Carol Paris Steven and Peggy Showers Charles Wemstrom and Patricia History Factory
Rex and Carol Parker Becky Siegel Breitzer Manpower
William and Karen Sikorski William and Lisa Wentland Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery
Brandon Simmons Paul and Sharon Werther Midland States Bank
Lora McClelland and Michael Joylene Westphal Nicholson Hardware
Simmons Joe Whinnery Northwest Illinois Audubon
Barbara and Jack Simon David and Rosalie Whitehouse Society
Mark Skerkoske Barbara and Daniel Williams Rock Valley Garden Center, Inc.
Cynthia Slife Kevin Williams Rockford Art Deli
Edward Slocum Teresa C. Wilmot Savant Capital Management, Inc.
Dana Smith Keith and Diane Wilson SIKICH LLP
Jim and Marty Smith Sjostrom & Sons Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Jeff and Patty Smith Specialty Screw Corporation
Mary Ann Smith Carol Freeman/Team Green
Tim and Teresa Smith Environmental Network
Charles and Judith Parks Victoria J .Snoy Team Sold On Toni, Inc.
Marilyn and Maxwell Parrish Mary Solon-Goers The Ben Harding Family
Dani Parrotte Shelby Spaulding Foundation
Jo Marie and Raymond Paul Fred Speer and Chris Mullins The Benevity Community Impact
Gerald A. (Jerry) Paulson Jacquelyn K Spelman Fund
Allen and Ruth Penticoff Denise and Daniel Speracino The Chicago Trust Company /
Patricia Perkins Shawn Stacey-Choinard and Wintrust Bank / Brubaker
Jody and Frank Perrecone Raymond Choinard Charitable Trust
Carla and Jack Phillips Fred and Janet Stellema Douglas and Diane Wilson The Kjellstrom Family
Phil Pilcher and Mary Lou David F. Stern L.C. and Regina Wilson Foundation c/o Pam Clark
Robertson Dail L. Stutsman William S. and Cathryn P. Wilson Reidenbach
Chris and Jessica Potter Mark and Jane Sudderberg Melissa Autumn Wong Northern Illinois Center for
Vincent and Phyllis Provenzano Tracy Sullins Claudia Woodward Nonprofit Excellence
Sally Pulford Paula Swanson Samuel and Janna Wyant The Unitarian Universalist Church
Jane Purin The Swing Family Jill Zawacki ThermoFisher Scientific
Lydia Quinones Stephen P. Symes Dan and Ann Zeigler Wild Ones Rock River Valley
Phillip and Janice Rada David and Barbara Tanaglia Matthew and Nanette Zickert WilliamsMcCarthy LLP
Marjory and Gerald Rand Spitaman and Shiraz Tata
Charlie Rasmann Steven and Marcia Terrill
Jack Ream and Catherine Adrienne Testa Foundation &
Rennert Michael Thoryn
Andrew Reeverts Richard and Mary Anne Toppe Business Supporters
Kathleen Rehak and Scott Suma Carly A. Torre Anonymous
Roger and Mary Reithmeier Jill Torre Accurate Accounting & Payroll
Jacqueline S. Rheaume Julie and Randy Trank Services, LLC
Augie Rodenbeck Dennis and Jill Trowbridge Broadmoor Agency Inc.
Stephen Rohl Margaret Tyler Jean Cassens/Casler Foundation
Joshua Rollins Ed and Judy Uchno Chartwell Agency
Dennis and Diane Roop Natasha Urbanowitz Comcast Corporation
Earle and Joy Rowe H. Gerald and Debra K. Van Dyke Community Foundation of N. IL
Crusaders Health Foundation Photos by Ellen Rathbone and
Gregory and Dr. Karen Ruffner Steve and Joy Vee Jessie Crow Mermel
23 Annual Report 2021You can also read
