BYRON – The Byron Forest Preserve District recently added an additional 40 wooded acres to its Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve, located at 12749 Weldon Road, Rockford in the very northeast corner of the District’s boundaries.
The 40 acres of oak-hickory forest was purchased from Rob Funderburg Jr. of Funderburg Farms, Inc. on July 14, 2020. The cost was $4,400 per acre, over $2,000 per acre below the land’s assessed value. The money for this new addition to the preserve came from the District’s Capital Land Fund.
The new property will be called the R. Robert Funderburg Forest Preserve in honor of the former longtime president of Funderburg Farms, Inc. The site is located in northern Ogle County, just south of the Winnebago County border.
“It has been a pleasure working with Rob Funderburg and the staff at Funderburg Farms, Inc. on this land acquisition project”, said Todd Tucker, executive director of the Byron Forest Preserve District. “This wooded section of land is an important addition to the remaining natural areas located adjacent to our Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve.”
The woodlands of the Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve have become a popular destination for area families and individuals who hike and explore the miles of trails located along Hall Creek. The site is home to a wide variety of birds and many rare species of plants and animals.
For more information regarding the Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve and other Byron Forest Preserve District preserves and facilities call 815 234-8535, Ext. 200.