While 2020 wasn’t the year we all expected it to be, we were able to devote more attention to making new trails on the Confluence property. We are surrounded by the Rock River, Turtle Creek and Kelly Creek, and you’ll find scenic beauty along our trails during every season. The campus offers a prairie trail, woodland trail and a beautiful river bottomland trail.
Click here to download PDF of 2020 Trail Map OR Click here to view online Google map.
NEW! Rock River Birding & Hiking Trail
We’re still working on this trail, but you’re welcome to be among the first to explore this .75 mile rustic trail loop as it meanders in the Rock River bottom land. It starts at the confluence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River, and takes you out to Eagle Point, where you’ll see the eagle nest. on Boney Island. Eagles have been raising young there for about 10 years. Two eaglets fledged in 2020. Then you’ll walk along Kelly Creek, which is a creek of concern that we’re working to clean up. You will need to safely cross the railroad tracks west of the nature center to access the trail. This trail may be inaccessible if train cars are parked on the tracks. Please do not use this trail if a trail is present.
NEW! The New Doreen Dalman Woodland Trail
This trail along Kelly Creek was created in 2020. Kelly Creek is a natural spring that is co-mingled with storm water that flows into the Rock River. We continually clean up garbage that floats into the creek from the streets during storms. We will continue to work on the trail, adding native woodland plants and limestone benches. Friends of Doreen Dalman Fund and Grants from Illinois American Water Environmental Grant and ExtremeTerrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program supported these efforts. We’ll continue to improve this trail by removing invasives and planting native woodland plants.
Get involved! We continue to develop trails and clean up the land on the over 90 acres of land along the Rock River, Turtle Creek and Kelly Creek. Volunteers have been a big part of helping clear trail and pick up garbage and are always needed to help with clean ups and trail work. If you’re interested in being involved, please send us an email below!
