District Announcements
From time to time the Forest Preserve District will make announcements regarding District facilities and programs for informational and educational purposes. See what the District has to say!
Illiniwek Forest Preserve will give a short presentation on the new Amôwa Forest Preserve at 6:00 PM on September 28, 2022. Read full announcement.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve District receives $200K grant to revitalize Illiniwek bike trails and campground amenities.
Read full annoucement.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve District receives grant, moves to establish seventh public-use park. Read full annoucment.
Illiniwek becomes one of a few places nation-wide with a confirmed sighting of the endangered species, Bombus affinis, or Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. Learn more.
In the best interest of public health, as well as that of our staff and members, the March County Board meeting will be held via teleconference, as allowed under executive order 2020-07, signed by the governor on 3/16/20. Members of the Public and the Media may attend the meeting remotely, by dialing 312-626-6799 and entering Meeting ID: 949 386 328. See full statement.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve District Response to COVID-19. Click here for latest updates.
Black Hawk College students helped to improve Lake George shoreline. Learn more.
October 26th 12PM to 6 PM. Halloween Event at Illiniwek Forest Preserve! Learn more.
Spillway and dam improvements to take place this fall at Lake George, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. Learn more.
Students from Black Hawk College and five local building trades partner to bring accessibility to Rock Island County Forest Preserve facilities. Learn more.
The District is requesting input about our parks and forest preserves from Rock Island county residents. To share your opinions in our 6-8 minute survey and enter to win a $100 Visa gift card click here. Survey is available until Oct. 13.
History behind the mysterious millstones at Illiniwek uncovered... Read on
The District is updating its Master Plan, and will be holding two Public Input Hearings. The hearings are as follows:
September 14th at 5:30 PM at Niabi Zoo
September 26th at 5:30 PM at Indian Bluff Golf Course
Movie Night at Dorrance Park - Saturday, September 9, 2017
Free Halloween event at Illiniwek Forest Preserve, October 21, 2017.
The Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire is at Illiniwek this year! October 7th & 8th 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM!
Free Tipi event at Illiniwek Forest Preserve, September 29 - 30 2017.
Thank you, Louie and Joy Streit, for your years of service at Illiniwek! Read about their experience as camp hosts.
Kickin Back will be performing at Illiniwek Forest Preserve July 1 in the campground pavilion. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and refreshments. Music starts at 6:00 PM.
Assistant Director Tammy Schmidt to speak in Columbia on Giant Otters
Dorrance Park Multi-use Trails - Opening Sunday, May 7, 2017. Join us for the Grand Opening Event 10:00 AM to Noon!
Frankie Joe & Kinfolk will be performing at Illiniwek Forest Preserve May 6th near the campground pavilion. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and refreshments. Music starts at 7:00 PM.
Illiniwek Garlic Mustard Pull-Illiniwek, Saturday May 6, 2017 from 9 to 11 AM. Help stop the spread of this noxious weed and protect the native flora/fauna. Meet at the overlook trailhead just off IL Route 84 in Illiniwek Forest Preserve. Long pants and work gloves are recommended.
Oak Wilt Management Underway at Dorrance Forest Preserve
The District is once again partnering with the local mountain biking community, Friends of Off-Road Cycling, River Action and the Village of Port Byron for construction of a multi-use trail system at Dorrance Forest Preserve.
Illiniwek hosted the 3rd Annual Illiniwek Abermination Race
Illiniwek Forest Preserve hosts Friends of Off-Road Cycling Abermination Races
Spring is upon us for 2016, all the Districts Forest Preserves and parks are open for camping, fishing and hiking. The boat rental at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve will be open weekends in May. Indian Bluff Golf Course and Niabi Zoo are open daily.
Niabi Zoo - Zoo Director Announcement April 19, 2016
Check out the Quad City Pollinator Conference
Illiniwek Garlic Mustard Pull-Illiniwek, Saturday May 14, 9 to 11 AM. Help stop the spread of this noxious weed and protect the native flora/fauna. Meet at the overlook trailhead just off IL Route 84 in Illiniwek Forest Preserve. Long pants and work gloves are recommended. Update Event picture. Thanks to Living, Lands & Waters and all else who participated!
Upper Rock Island County Recreation Association Outdoor Movie Night at Dorrance Park - Saturday, September 10 at 6:30 PM to dusk, moving will start at 7:30 PM. In addition to the movie kid's games and activities will start at 6:30 PM. Free admission and concessions will be available.
Halloween at Illiniwek - Illiniwek Forest Preserve, October 22, 2016
Noon until dark, Pumpkin Painting at 1 PM, Hay Rack Ride 3 PM, Trick or Treating 6 PM, Camp/Campsite Decorating Contest judging will begin at 8 PM and winners will be announced at 9 PM.
Tipi Gathering at Illiniwek - Illiniwek Forest Preserve, October 29, 2016
Dorrance Trail Volunteer day-Dorrance Forest Preserve, October 9, 2016
Announcements from Niabi Zoo-Niabi Zoo is constantly working and changing to create a better experience for the animals and visitors. Click here for articles discussing animals, exhibits, and the Zoo in general as well as a place to view press releases issued by the Zoo.