Re-Introducing ourselves
As Severson Dells Nature Center celebrates its 50th year of providing nature education across our community, we are excited to announce our new name. Beginning July 1st, 2026, the name Wild Roots Nature Center will define our mission of inspiring stewardship and conservation of our natural world and connecting people to place. This new name will be used to identify our work on both sides of Winnebago County and serves as a symbol of our growth and success for the next 50 years and counting.
Why 'Wild Roots'?
Why the new logo?
How did you choose colors?
I have some questions
Our New Name
The name Severson Dells Nature Center has served us well through the years, but with the addition of a second location, Wild Roots Nature Center better reflects our growing organization.
Beginning July 1, we will officially become known as Wild Roots Nature Center.
While we will never abandon the work we do at Severson Dells Forest Preserve (summer camps, field trips, hikes, lectures, public programs), we are now expanding our work to include an urban green space at Prairie's Edge, the former Elliot Golf Course. This site will be known as Wild Roots Nature Center at Prairie's Edge.
Severson Dells Forest Preserve is land owned and managed by the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. As such, the name of this property will remain unchanged. Separate from the Forest Preserves, our organization will be known as Wild Roots Nature Center at Severson Dells when we’re operating at Severson Dells Forest Preserve.
With two locations, we looked for a name that would reflect our commitment to the community and to nature education.Wild exemplifies our belief that children and adults benefit most from active, hands-on learning opportunities in nature.
Roots reflects the stability and longevity of our organization, even as we grow. Approved by our board of directors and the Severson family, we believe Wild Roots will serve as a beacon for nature education and conservation for years to come.
Our treasured institution, known for its high quality, science-based activities for children, adults, and families will continue to live by the mission to inspire conservation of nature through education and stewardship, cultivating connections between people and place. We will continue to work toward our vision of a community inspired to explore, understand, and protect the natural world, where curiosity leads to stewardship, science informs action, and every person feels connected to each other and the land.
Our New Logo
Our new logo features the name Wild Roots encased by a strong rounded set of roots. These roots, growing from the organization’s name, symbolize not only the depth and stability of the nature center, but also the opportunity for growth. Confidently moving forward with expanded programming and community partnerships, and growing into a second location requires a strong foundation. The root structure found in our new logo reinforces our longevity and deep dedication to our community and our mission.
Nature's Palette
Our updated branding was completed with nature in mind. The new branding colors are reflective of the natural world around us.
Canopy Green
A deep, grounding green inspired by the canopy of native woodlands and oak savannas of Northern Illinois.
Ephemeral Green
This bright, light green is reminiscent of early spring growth when prairie and woodland ephemerals begin to transform the landscape, symbolizing growth and new beginnings.
Fossil White
A soft white inspired by the dolomite and fossil beds found throughout the region. These geological layers reflect millions of years of natural history beneath Northern Illinois, grounding us within a deep sense of time & place.
Rock River Valley Blue
A deep blue that reflects the Rock River Valley watershed that shapes our region. It speaks to the critical role of water in sustaining ecosystems and communities in the Rockford region.
Dragonfly Teal
A bright but balanced teal that is inspired by the Green Darner Dragonfly. Dragonflies are often symbols of transformation. This teal reminds us to grow and adapt just as nature changes to maintain resiliency.
Bloom Purple
Inspired by wild bergamot in bloom, this soft purple adds subtle vibrancy while honoring the flowering prairie plants of the region.
Prairie Grass Orange
A warm, sunlit orange that feels like late-season prairie grasses as they turn golden. A tribute to the rolling prairies of the region, and our efforts to bring them back.
Loam Soil Brown
A dark, earthy brown that is an homage to the rich, fertile soils of Northern Illinois that formed over thousands of years. This color represents the deep connection between land and life, and the long term impact of native prairie ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Severson Family feel about changing the name of the nature center to Wild Roots?
The Severson Family remains committed to ensuring that Fannie Severson’s vision for nature education continues. Knowing that the name of the land their family donated to the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County in 1975 will remain Severson Dells Forest Preserve, the family is excited to see nature education expand to a second location in the community.
What will be the governing structure of Wild Roots Nature Center?
Wild Roots Nature Center will remain a 501(c)3 organization with a dedicated staff and volunteer board of directors. Our legal name will remain Severson Dells Education Foundation, which was established in 1978. Wild Roots Nature Center will also continue its partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, leasing the Deer Lodge at Severson Dells and using it for nature education and an asset of the Severson Dells Forest Preserve.
When will the new name, Wild Roots Nature Center and logo take effect?
The name Wild Roots Nature Center and the new logo will be officially launched on July 1, 2026. By making a public announcement in early April, we hope that the community will take the time to learn about our name change and to ask questions about our future plans.
How did you come up with the name Prairie’s Edge?
Our board and staff looked for a name that would incorporate a feeling of joy and exploration while conveying information about the physical location. As the former Elliot Golf Course becomes a native prairie and oak savanna, it will offer green space for leisure and education activities on the edge of Cherry Valley, Rockford, and Winnebago County. The name Prairie’s Edge reflects the geographic location, how the clubhouse sits on the property and how the preserve sits on the edge of rapidly expanding urban development while offering an oasis of natural beauty.
What are your plans for the clubhouse at the former Elliot Golf Course which is being renamed Prairie’s Edge?
Knowing that the greenest building is the building that is already built, our board of directors is working on a renovation plan for the clubhouse. The plan will remodel the building to create education, event and office space. This renovation will support school field trips, camps, public programs and serve as a starting point for visitors coming to walk the trails. The renovated facility will also be available for private events such as parties, receptions, and business gatherings. This will allow us to generate additional revenue to support our education programs and habitat restoration.
What about programs at Severson Dells?
Our organization remains dedicated to providing the high quality nature education programs at Severson Dells Forest Preserve that the community has come to expect over the last 50 years. Our plan is to expand programming to meet the needs of both the east and west sides of Winnebago county and surrounding communities, ensuring a connection of people to place regardless of where they live.
