Community Spotlight: Severson Dells Nature Center

Toni Vander Heyden talks with Ann Wasser from Severson Dells Nature Center about the many health benefits of enjoying nature as well as what our parks in Winnebago County have to offer.

There is actually a growing body of research about what time in nature does for your physical and mental health. It lowers your blood pressure, it lowers your cortisol levels (which is your stress hormone), and it good cardiovascular benefits and the mental health benefits are immeasurable as well. Even thinking about your favorite green space calms you down!

Severson Dells is home to five miles of trails and connects to two other forest preserves – making a total of 15 miles of trails to explore! This particular nature center has an oak woodland as well as a prairie, a pond, and a creek.

In Winnebago County, there’s just over 20,000 acres between forests preserves in Winnebago County (11,500 acres), Rock Cut State Park (3,200 acres), Rockford Park District and the Natural Land Institute. There are no shortages of places to get out and hike, bike, paddle – whatever your outdoor adventure of choice may be!