What we are
Severson Dells Nature Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides 17,000 people each year with programs and classes that connect participants with nature.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to link people to nature through education and research, in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. We promote awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment and preservation now and in the future.
Our Programs
We offer area schools half and full-day sessions to explore nature at Severson Dells Forest Preserve. Bird hikes, prairie and wildflower walks, and slide shows are some of the public programs offered through our Nature Center.
History
Harry and Fannie Severson loved nature. To preserve the 369-acres they owned four miles southwest of Rockford, Fannie donated their land to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District in 1975, and the Nature Center opened shortly thereafter.
Winnebago County Forest Preserve District
Working closely with the Nature Center, the Forest Preserve District maintains the physical property and facilities, including the Nature Center, however, we do not receive tax dollars for operations. Our programs are funded by memberships, donations, and proceeds from special events.
