Natural Land Institute (NLI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and accredited land trust dedicated to protecting and restoring land throughout Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
The 4.6-acre parcel is located along Kilbuck Creek and will be incorporated as an expansion of Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve. The site will remain dedicated to conservation rather than development at this time.
The land was originally donated to NLI by James and Shirley Waddell on December 31, 2008. NLI’s Bylaws allow “conveyance to another charitable organization or agency of government… to be held and managed in a manner that preserves the conservation values of the property.” The Bylaws require two votes of approval by the Board of Trustees for the legal transfer of land, which was conducted at NLI’s Board meetings on June 11 and August 13 of this year.
Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve, located at 3061 & 3020 South Bend Road, Rockford, IL is one of the oldest forest preserves in Winnebago County. Kilbuck Creek flows through preserve and along a limestone bluff, giving the property its name. Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve is known for its abundance of spring ephemerals, as well as the variety of migratory birds that frequent the preserve, making it a favorite among hikers and birders each spring.
Learn more about the Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve at www.winnebagoforest.org/items/kilbuck-bluffs.
About Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County has been proudly dedicated to conserving, protecting, and enhancing Winnebago County’s natural heritage for 100 years.
About the Natural Land Institute
The Natural Land Institute, an accredited conservation land trust, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization based in Rockford, Illinois, which has protected 19,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. The current service area covers twelve counties in northern Illinois. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals. For more information or to donate visit: www.naturalland.org.
