The Nature Nook

Burpee Museum’s Outdoor Classroom:

A Dream Realized

Since 2017, Burpee Museum has envisioned creating an outdoor classroom to inspire learning and the community with nature. Now, after years of planning, fundraising, and building, we are thrilled to announce the completion of Phase 2 of this project: The Nature Nook at Burpee Museum.  

A Dream is Born

In 2017, Burpee Museum identified an opportunity to transform the open space between the Rockford Museum Campus and Burpee Museum’s Manny Mansion wing. This area, shaded by a majestic civil war era Ginkgo tree, had minimal landscaping or grounds care.

Soon a fence was installed, and initial renovation plans were drafted.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundation

Thanks to donors that shared our vision, we were able to begin planning! Within a year, Burpee purchased and installed the Rounded “insect-and-butterfly-wing-safe” Butterfly & Insect Barn, a key feature for hands-on learning in the outdoor classroom, and events like Monarch Fest.

The team continued with the removal of invasive and non-native plant species to restore the area’s natural balance and found an irreplaceable partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County for assistance in planning and implementation.

Phase 2: Growth & Expansion

Tallgrass Prairie Restoration: Rejuvenating our small educational slice of this iconic Midwest ecosystem is a multi year project, and phase 2 continues with additional planting and continued invasive plant removal.
Sidewalk Installations: Improve accessibility, guide visitors through the landscape, and support infrastructure of additional art.
Pondless Water Feature: Designed to enhance the environment with beauty, provide a constant water source for birds and other wildlife in the nook, and add to the wetlands display alongside the sedge and other mud loving native plants.
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Native Initiative:  Planting of 1,000+ native plants introduced to teach about native plants, prevent erosion, and create niches for local wildlife.  The FPWC has made this dream a reality with their expertise and plant donations!
Cicada Celebration:  The infrequent visitors, the Cicadas, made 2024 their big year and so did Burpee with the installation of larger-than-life mosaic cicada wings and an 8-foot cicada sculpture, designed by SPARK students and teachers in collaboration with the Rockford Arts Alliance.
Molly Phalen Memorial Butterfly Bench: We are also proud to announce the installation of a mosaic bench in memory of Molly Phalen. This stunning piece, crafted by an internationally acclaimed artist also known for the women’s suffrage monument in Rockford, will serve as a beautiful space for reflection. Join us on November 2, 2024, as we dedicate this work to Molly’s legacy.

This outdoor classroom embodies years of vision, hard work, and community collaboration. We are excited to share this new space with you—where art, nature, and education come together for generations to enjoy. Stay tuned for upcoming events and programs in this incredible new environment!

Burpee’s Nature Nook is only possible with generous community support.

Thank You!

Critical Nature Nook Donors Include:

The Brubaker Foundation

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Dr. R. Miller & Miller Eye Center

Rockford Area Arts Council

Drs. Robert & Marianne Firlit

The Molly Phalen Memorial Fund

Anne Weerda