Nature at the Confluence
Nature at the Confluence is an urban environmental learning center located along Turtle Creek where it meets the Rock River in South Beloit, Illinois, adjacent to Beloit, Wisconsin. Located at exactly the half-way point of the Rock River Trail, the 72-acre property has over a mile of undeveloped waterfront and includes a 17-acre uninhabited island that provides safe haven for a nesting pair of eagles. Programs at the center bring life and activity to the former derelict property in the heart of the South Beloit
A natural resources inventory in early 2014 found the site’s ecology severely impacted by previous land uses; an abundance of invasive species; inappropriate bank stabilization techniques; and declining ecological health of the site. However, nature continues to persist and evidence of many special organisms and vegetation can be found on site. Projects and programming at The Confluence focuses on water quality and habitat restoration. A five-acre prairie recreation has been planted and learning gardens and a pollinator garden have been installed.
The prospect of creating a visitor and regional attraction by cleaning up the land, improving the aesthetics, and providing community access to derelict and abandoned lands at the Confluence creates a powerful story and argument for the improvement of adjacent property. In fact, plans for a proposed Library/City Hall near the center on the campus property already demonstrate how the development of the campus could improve South Beloit’s main thoroughfare.
Nature At The Confluence acknowledges that they occupy ancestral Ho-Chunk land, where their people lived at Ke-chunk-nee-shun-nuk-ra, or Turtle village, until an 1832 treaty forced them to cede this territory. For decades federal and state governments repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, sought to forcibly remove the Ho-Chunk from Wisconsin and Illinois. Through their programs they seek to educate visitors about the Ho-Chunk’s legacy of resilience, and honor their ancestors that cherished this land.
The mission of Nature at the Confluence is to create community connections by providing inviting spaces and engaging programs.
Nature at the Confluence’s Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of Nature at the Confluence.
Wednesday Work Day
Nature at the Confluence leverages the help and support of volunteers to sustain the organization. From planting gardens, pulling weeds, trimming trails, or helping with events – there are so many ways to lend a hand. Their Wednesday Work Day crew meets Wednesday mornings in the spring, summer and fall to work outdoors and support their prairie, woodland, and gardens. Work Days take place on the first and third Wednesday of January-May and weekly June-September 2026.
Nature at the Confluence has a new monthly series of community-led conservation conversations. Together, they share knowledge, experience, and perspectives in working to restore and care for the land. Each month is focused around a different conservation practice topic, selected by community interest.
Conservation Conversations
Little Scientists
Nature At The Confluence is committed to providing affordable environmental education for their community. They invite you to choose the participation fee that is most comfortable to you, either $5, $10, or $15 for your family/group. Only one registration is needed per family, no matter how many children will be participating. Your participation fee helps offset the cost of supplies and staff time. The Little Scientists series is a great way to learn about different topics within nature.
Join us in supporting Nature at the Confluence
75% of this month's donations will go towards this month's partner
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help Nature at the Confluence as they create spaces for the community to connect in nature.