Connecting People With Nature

Nature At The Confluence invites you to stop in for a visit to discover nature just steps from the city.  We’re located on about 80 acres surrounded by the Rock River, Turtle Creek and Kelly Creek, and you’ll find scenic beauty during every season. The campus offers a 5-acre prairie restoration, trails, learning gardens, pollinator gardens and programs are held throughout the year for all ages and interests! Visit our calendar to see all we have to offer and come see us soon!

Upcoming Events

Sunset Walkabouts

Sunset Walkabouts

End your day with a relaxing guided walk through our trails and witness the sunset on the Rock River. Leashed dogs are welcome to join in. There is no registration, […]

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Mar 28, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Hibernation and Migration Revealed

Hibernation and Migration Revealed

$5.00

Do animals really sleep all winter? Where do the fish go? Find out the answers to these questions and more, and explore our trails in search of signs of animal […]

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Apr 01, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeezing a nature walk into your day can be difficult during the week, but the mental and physical health benefits are immense! Drop in as often as you want, or […]

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Apr 04, 2023 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeezing a nature walk into your day can be difficult during the week, but the mental and physical health benefits are immense! Drop in as often as you want, or […]

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Apr 06, 2023 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Birding Hike at Dusk

Birding Hike at Dusk

$5.00

End your day with a slow, calming walk as we observe and identify the many birds that call The Confluence home. Binoculars and bird lists are provided. Space is limited […]

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Apr 06, 2023 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Planning Your Garden

Planning Your Garden

$15.00

It's time to plan our summer gardens, and what better way to kick off your growing season than being surrounded by a community of fellow gardeners? This event is part […]

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Apr 08, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeezing a nature walk into your day can be difficult during the week, but the mental and physical health benefits are immense! Drop in as often as you want, or […]

Find out more »
Apr 11, 2023 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeeze The Day Lunch Walk

Squeezing a nature walk into your day can be difficult during the week, but the mental and physical health benefits are immense! Drop in as often as you want, or […]

Find out more »
Apr 13, 2023 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Visit Our Full Calendar


Land Acknowledgement

Nature At The Confluence acknowledges that we occupy ancestral Ho-Chunk land, where their people lived at Ke-chunk-nee-shun-nuk-ra, or Turtle village, until an 1832 treaty forced them to cede this territory. For decades federal and state governments repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, sought to forcibly remove the Ho-Chunk from Wisconsin and Illinois. Through our programs we seek to educate visitors about the Ho-Chunk’s legacy of resilience, and honor their ancestors that cherished this land. 

Latest News

Stella’s Perspective

Stella’s Perspective

Stella Barrett is back! Stella (they/them) volunteered with us last fall and has returned as a paid intern for the spring. Below is an edited Q & A with Stella, conducted by volunteer Mary Kaull.    What made you want to return this semester? I love the...

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Become a sustaining Friend Of The Confluence

Become a sustaining Friend Of The Confluence

For those who share our vision of restoring the natural beauty of the land and inspiring community connections at the confluence of Turtle Creek and Rock River, we invite you to support our efforts by joining Friends of The Confluence- our monthly donation club. Over...

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Grant to Beautify Kelly Creek Completed

Grant to Beautify Kelly Creek Completed

Kelly Creek is comprised of a natural spring that mingles with storm water before flowing into the Rock River. Buried underground 70 years ago to allow for development, the creek has been heavily impacted by discarded foundry sand, slag, concrete, tires and glass....

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