By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKTON — Natural Land Institute is set to host its first fundraiser for Nygren Wetland Preserve since 2019.
The event, called Party on the Prairie Rocks, will include a silent auction, live music, a cash bar and more festivities to raise money for the preserve.
“We haven’t held this fundraiser since 2019 so we’re very excited to bring it back for our guests to enjoy a summer evening in the casual and natural setting of a prairie filled with midsummer wildflowers”, said Kim Johnsen, Natural Land Institute’s director of marketing and membership.
Individual tickets can purchased for $90, $720 for table of eight, $900 for table of 10 and $1,200 for premier hospitality table for 10 until Friday, July 8.
Party on the Prairie Rocks will begin at 4 p.m. with horse drawn wagon rides throughout the location, and live music will be played by local folk-rock band John Bon Stamos.
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Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. and a cash bar will be provided by Prairie Street Brewing Co. with a special brew for the event called Pollinator Pale Ale.
The George and Barbara Fell Award will also be presented at 6:00 p.m., this award recognizes dedication and preservation efforts according to a press release from the Natural Land Institute.
Greenfire Restaurant will cater the event with appetizers, salad and an entrée choice of filet mignon, salmon or ratatouille crepe, served at 6:30 p.m.
The Nygren Wetland Preserve is the largest sanctuary owned by the Natural Land Institute, purchased in 2000 by the Carl and Myrna Nygren Estate.
Know before you go
Where: Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton
When: 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 16
Admissions: Tickets must be reserved by Friday, July 8. $90 individual ticket, $720 for table of 8, $900 for table of 10, $1,200 for premier hospitality table for 10. Tickets can be reserved here
More information: Additional information can be found here and information on the George and Barbara Fell Award can be found here
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent