Community Calendar

On Thursday, June 19, join Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter for an evening with Ann Wasser, Executive Director of Severson Dells Nature Center, as she leads a hike and lecture at the evolving landscape of the former Elliot Golf Course — a site undergoing a rewilding transformation.

This free, open-to-the-public experience will give attendees a firsthand look at how previously manicured greens are being restored to native habitats, and a chance to learn about trends in golf course rewilding, the ecological vision driving the project, and how rewilding supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being. The guided tour starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting place for both activities is the former Elliot Golf Course Clubhouse, 8200 Alaska Road, Rockford (entrance is on S. Lyford Road).

Almost one year ago, on June 25, 2024, Severson Dells announced the acquisition of the shuttered 168-acre Elliot Golf Course from Rockford Park District. Severson Dells’ expansion to the east side will allow it to extend services and programs, and create an urban nature preserve to complement its popular west-side education center. This endeavor combines ecological restoration, environmental education, and sustainable tourism to create a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike.

Wild Ones is a national not-for-profit organization with over 90 chapters advocating for the many benefits of growing native plants in home and other landscapes. For more than 30 years, the Rock River Valley Chapter has been educating the community about the importance of restoring natural ecosystems in residential and commercial spaces. To learn more about meetings and events, read newsletters, and find links to informative references, please visit www.wildonesrrvc.org.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Author and presenter Cyndee Shaffer uses excerpts from her mother’s letters written home during WWII to provide a romantic yet frightful glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history. Cyndee will detail her mother’s experiences from basic training in 1943 to a dramatic image of seeing the Statue of Liberty in the midst of darkness in November 1945 when she returned home.

This event is FREE and open to the public – no library card required to sign up. Registration is required. Thank you to Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau for sponsoring this event.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Do you have a story you'd love to tell, but are not sure how to bring it to life for the big (or small) screen? Our panel of experienced local writers, actors, and filmmakers invite you to join us for a lively discussion full of tips and tricks to make your dream project a reality. Free. Registration required.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.