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District Announcements

From time to time the Forest Preserve District will make announcements regarding District facilities and programs for informational and educational purposes. See what the District has to say below!

Niabi Zoo is constantly working and changing to create a better experience for the animals and visitors. Click here for articles discussing animals, exhibits, and the Zoo in general as well as a place to view press releases issued by the Zoo.

  • Assistant Director Tammy Schmidt to speak in Columbia on Giant Otters

    May 8, 2017

    Niabi Zoo Assistant Director to speak at first ever international Giant Otter Workshop in Columbia, South America COAL VALLEY, Ill. (May 8, 2017) – Tammy Schmidt, Niabi Zoo assistant director, will speak about husbandry, reproduction, groupings and habitats at the first ever international Giant Otter Workshop at the Zoológico de Cali in Colombia, South America, […]

  • Dorrance Park Multi-use Trails Grand Opening

    May 3, 2017

    Dorrance Park Multi-use Trails Grand Opening PORT BYRON, Ill. (May 3, 2017) – The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District will open the first of a three‐part multi‐use trail system at Dorrance Park at 307 Agnes St., Port Byron, Ill., on Sunday, May 7. With the goal to enhance and diversify recreational opportunities in Port […]

  • Partnering with local mountain biking community

    January 26, 2017

    Partnering with local mountain biking community The District is once again partnering with the local mountain biking community – Friends of Off-Road Cycling, River Action and the Village of Port Byron – for construction of a multi-use trail system at Dorrance Forest Preserve. Read the article Proposed Trail Map

  • Rock Island County Forest Preserve District appoints Lee Jackson new director of Niabi Zoo

    April 19, 2016

    Rock Island County Forest Preserve District appoints Lee Jackson new director of Niabi Zoo ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (April 19, 2016) – Niabi Zoo has a new leader. After an extensive national search, the zoo’s oversight committee on Tuesday recommended the Forest Preserve Commission appoint Lee Jackson, a veteran administrator and zoo handler, as the new […]

  • Oak Wilt Management Underway at Dorrance Forest Preserve

    January 28, 2016

    Oak Wilt Management Underway at Dorrance Forest Preserve Port Byron, Illinois – January, 2016. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District announced today that it will be implementing a forest management strategy on the site in order to combat an outbreak of oak wilt (Ceratocustis Fagacearum). Oak wilt is an extremely aggressive fungal infection that […]