ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The former Elliot Golf Course will look a whole lot different thanks to a grant awarded to Wild Roots Nature at Prairie’s Edge.
Two years ago, the Severson Dells Education Foundation unveiled major plans to restore the former Rockford golf course.
Read more: Severson Dells takes over former Elliot Golf Course
Wednesday, Wild Roots Nature Center at Prairie’s Edge, operated by the Severson Dells Education Foundation, announced it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from America in Bloom to accelerate its restoration efforts.
Wild Roots Nature Center secures funding to restore former Rockford golf course(WIFR)
“We’re looking forward to turning it into prairie and oak savanna and eventually wetland habitat with the creek there and having walking trails out here for folks to enjoy,” said Ann Wasser, the executive director of Wild Roots Nature Center.
Wasser says the grant, from America in Bloom in collaboration with Canadian National Railroad, will have a substantial impact. The $25,00 will cover roughly 20 acres of seed purchase.
“It does help a lot because native plant seed is not cheap, unfortunately,” Wasser explained.
The grant is only one of five given out. America in Bloom leaders say the nature center reflects its mission: to promote and build vibrant, sustainable communities.
“We get a lot of incredible applications, but this one stood out to our committee because of the focus on restoration and turning a former golf course into something that’s going to be a community asset for decades to come,” said Laura Kunkle, the executive director of America in Bloom.
Leaders add the ripple effects of this transformation will be felt by residents across the area. In fact, Cherry Valley’s village administrator, Jim Claeyssen, calls it historic.
“It’s another thing that the village is so excited about because the village is trying to promote live, work, play, learn throughout the whole community. And there’s a lot of golf courses, but there’s not a lot of places that have nature centers like this with the educational fortitude that’s going to come with it,” Claeyssen stated.
Leaders say prairie planting and trail planning will begin in 2026. Restoration will continue into 2028 and beyond, with the site becoming a hub for the neighborhood and the community.
Wild Roots Nature Center secures funding to restore former Rockford golf course(WIFR)
From 9 a.m. to noon on June 13, Wild Roots Nature Center at Prairie’s Edge, 888 S. Lyford Rd. in Rockford, will host a habitat restoration day. Community members are welcome to attend and are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
More information about the restoration project can be found here.
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