January 7, 2026. Vol. 33. No. 33. RockRiverTimes.com.
Pecatonica Ridge Blackhawk Kennel property with Pec Ridge on left. (Photo credit Alan Branhagen)
Dark Sky Bonf ire and S’mores Open House - The public is invited to join Natural Land Institute (NLI) at an open house called Dark Sky Bonfire and S’mores to showcase the new 80-acre addition to the north side of their Pecatonica Ridge Preserve, acquired at the end of 2024. This new section of wetland and wet grassland adds to the upland prairie of the original 80 acres and now consists of 160 protected acres. Event Date: Wed., Jan. 21, 2026. Event time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: 14992 Doty Rd., Pecatonica, IL 61063. Guests who attend Dark Sky Bonfire and S’mores will enjoy an evening on the prairie with a bonfire (weather permitting), hot cocoa and S’mores, while viewing the open dark sky with stars shining bright (if it’s not too cloudy) and listening for creatures of the night such as coyotes and Great Horned and Short-eared Owls. Attendees will be invited to take a walk along the trail through the new unit and the original 80 acres of Pecatonica Ridge Prairie. Event visitors are encouraged to bring their own flashlight or headlamp and snowshoes or skis if there is snow on the ground and should dress for the weather in layers and wear hiking or snow boots. If the dark sky allows, individ1uals are urged to bring their own telescope and set it up to view the stars and the waxing crescent moon. Registration is requested for this free event by Jan. 20, 2026 by visiting the calendar event page at www.naturalland.org or calling the NLI office at 815/964-6666. About the Natural Land Institute: The Natural Land Institute, an accredited conservation land trust, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization based in Rockford, Illinois, which has protected 19,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. The current service area covers twelve counties in northern Illinois. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals. For more information and to donate visit NaturalLand.org.