Nygren Wetland Preserve

The public 2.5 mile Dianne Nora Nature Trail starts at the overlook (3714 W. The Natural Land Institute, a non-profit land trust and conservation organization, owns and manages Nygren Wetland Preserve. NLI is restoring prairies, woodlands and wetlands to this beautiful land west of Rockton, Illinois along Raccoon Creek and the Rock and Pecatonica rivers. In the summer, blossoms of wild bergamot, s

unflowers and gray-headed coneflower create a purple and yellow ocean of color stretching from the scenic bluff in the north to the rivers in the south. Wildlife species, including migrating waterfowl and songbirds, are returning in abundance. NLI purchased the 721-acre preserve in 2000 using a generous gift left to us in Carl Nygrens will. Get the Prairie State Hike App (99 cents) for the Dianne Nora Nature Trail that begins at the intersection of West Rockton and Hansberry Roads (3714 W. Rockton Rd.) where you will see a parking lot and overlook platform to view the large wetland area. HOURS for the overlook platform and trail are SUNRISE to SUNSET. Rockton Township owns and operates the parking lot and overlook and will lock the gate one half hour after sunset. We invite you to share your experiences at Nygren Wetland Preserve here through stories about what you see and photographs.