2026 Members-only Annual Picnic & Tour
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve – Arrowhead Shelter
5750 Best Road
Pecatonica, IL 61063
Chapter President, Jerry Paulson, will share with us how the wetlands along the Pecatonica River in northern Illinois were formed and why they are important to migratory birds and waterfowl. Following the presentation, Jerry will lead us on a hike from the bluff through the restored prairie and to the edge of the ox-bow wetlands that have been restored by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County with help from Ducks Unlimited. Bring your binoculars because we should see many birds and waterfowl, including Sandhill Cranes and Bald Eagles. Be prepared for insects, wear sturdy shoes and hats, and bring water. The hike is moderately strenuous. Lunch will be provided and served at 12:00 pm.
Meet at the Arrowhead Shelter on Best Road on the hill north of the wetlands at 10:00 am. Directions to the shelter: Take U.S. 20 or Illinois Route 70 to Trask Bridge Road to Pecatonica Road; take Pecatonica Road to Blair Road, which is north of the Village of Pecatonica; turn west onto Blair Road, then turn north onto Best Road; follow the road up the hill to the shelter entrance on the right.
Reservations are required and due no later than July 12, 2026.
Click here to register