At the end of each December, I always find myself reading article after article detailing a "Year in Photos." In a world currently plagued by AI created content, these photos are raw examples of the human experience this year has offered to us.

Here at Severson Dells, we collect photos of our human experience in nature. For some, nature is a place that allow us to develop deeper human relationships through a shared love of the natural world. For others, it is our own personal experience with nature that provides definition to our own sense of humanity. Either way, these photos hold the memories we all have made in this beautiful space.

In the spirit of reflection, I've asked staff to submit their favorite photos from 2025. Below are their submissions.

"I love this picture because it captures the heart of the curiosity and interest kids innately bring to natural spaces, reminding us all to wonder about even the smallest things." - submission by Olivia Price, AmeriCorps Environmental Education

"I took this photo on our fall colors hike - I didn't even realize the bee was facing the camera until later on! Liz had spotted the two bees sleeping on some flowers as we were walking through the prairie. It was a great evening with practically perfect weather and the group we went out with were awesome too." - submission by Caroline Pacheco, AmeriCorps Environmental Education

"To me, there is immense power in multi-generational learning. This photo perfectly describes just that. The wonder in the eyes of these Science Saturday attendees is all the reason we need to keep offering nature education programs to our community." - submitted by Becca Rankins, Community Engagement Manager

"I chose this picture because it reflects the exciting connections students form with nature at Severson Dells, and experiences like this help shape the future scientists of the world!" - submitted by Lauren Bonovia, AmeriCorps Environmental Education

"Pastries and Perseids was one of my highlights of the year. Spending the pre-dawn hours with folks was a magical time--especially because we had never tried a program like this before. Watching meteors, watching the sunrise over the prairie, and forming connections with folks over an early morning pastry was really special." - submitted by Liz Wiener, Public Programs Coordinator

"This is my favorite image from this year. I enjoy this image because the snake is laying on a cloud made of algae, and looks so comfy. Snakes, to me, bring the meaning of perseverance. Existing both on land and in water this organism shows growth, bravery, and adaptability across different challenges and environment's posed." - submitted by Caedyn Wells, AmeriCorps Community Science

"These are two of our Restoration Workday volunteers who helped us plant hundreds of native flowers and grasses in the Rockford Public Library Pollinator Garden. We all shared a sense of exuberance that day! Strangers coming together to restore land that is right in the heart of Rockford, next to the iconic Rock River, on display for thousands of people to learn from an enjoy? You can't get much better than that!" - submitted by Andrea Wallace Noble, Education Programs Manager

"This is my favorite photo because it embodies so much about what makes summer camp so special at Severson. The kiddos were totally engaged in this 'ephemeral art' activity where they made art based on things they find in nature then let it blow away once they finished! I loved watching their creativity run wild while still being so connected to nature." - submitted by Elly Salazar, School Programs Coordinator

"I love this picture of Severson Dells because it reminds me how peaceful and calm nature is. It also reminds me that the light will return as we pass through a dark season." - submitted by Linda Sandquist, Director of Development

Each photo submitted is a different experience we each had at Severson Dells this year. With 13,000 people served this year (and presumably many more who we weren't able to add to our count), we're sure each one of you have your own Severson Dells experience, your own moments, your own connections with the natural world.

We're so grateful you've chosen to create memories with us this year, and we hope you'll join us in the years to come.