NLI staff will be stationed at various spots in the preserve to talk about the habitat, wildlife and future stewardship. Blair Road Woodlands is not open to the public so this is a unique opportunity to see it. Refreshments will be provided. Parking will be along the side of the road. No restroom on site. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy closed toe shoes. This is a pet free preserve.
Registration requested by signing up here or by calling 815-964-6666.
NLI acquired Blair Road Woodlands, a 21-acre parcel located just north of Pecatonica, Illinois, from the Arneta Reining Trust on Sept. 2, 2025. The land was in Arneta’s family for generations. She wanted the land “left like it is for nature.” She said, if her “folks had been alive at this time they would have liked to have seen this.”
Huge Northern Red Oaks and Black Maple trees dominate the forest with very little invasive brush. Unique flora include Oval Lady’s Tresses (orchid), Heart-leaved Skullcap, White Bear Sedge, Wild Leeks, and Chicago Leeks. At this time of year, the forest floor is filled with Virginial Bluebells, Wild Geraniums and other spring ephemerals. Animals on the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan that use this natural area are the Red-headed Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher and Wood Thrush.
About the Natural Land Institute:
The Natural Land Institute, an accredited land trust, is a 501(c)3, non-for-profit land conservation organization based in Rockford, Illinois and has protected 19,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. Their 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: www.NaturalLand.org.
