New Forest Preserve Honors Late Birdwatcher in Shirland

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The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County has acquired 88 acres of land along the Sugar River in Shirland, Illinois, and named it the Paula Swanson Forest Preserve. The preserve honors the legacy of Paula Swanson, a longtime Rockford-area birdwatcher who passed away in 2025 at the age of 87. The land was purchased with the help of a donation from Swanson and a general obligation limited tax bond.

Why it matters

The new preserve will provide nature lovers with a new place to explore and appreciate the local wildlife and habitats, continuing Swanson's lifelong passion for birdwatching and conservation. The acquisition also expands the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County's network of protected natural areas.

The details

The 88-acre Paula Swanson Forest Preserve includes a variety of habitats, such as wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, that are home to diverse species of waterfowl, songbirds, amphibians, and reptiles. The preserve also includes some land currently used for agriculture, which will be restored to more natural habitats. While the preserve is currently open for walk-in traffic, no marked trails have been developed yet, and a dedication ceremony is expected in the summer of 2026.

• The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County announced the acquisition of the land on February 17, 2026.
• Paula Swanson passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 87.

What’s next

A dedication ceremony marking the official opening of the Paula Swanson Forest Preserve is expected in the summer of 2026.