The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is a large collection of over 40 preserved nature areas with over 100 miles of hiking trails.A digital passport experience will help you enjoy what they have to offer. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s digital Preserve Passport program is back in 2025! The Preserve Passport is the perfect way to explore the forest preserves and engage with your natural surroundings, no matter the season.
What is the 2025 Preserve Passport?
The Preserve Passport is a back-to-nature program that is free, suitable for all ages, and can be accessed on your smartphone through the Goosechase app so you can take it anywhere you go! The program runs through December 1, 2025. At the end of the program, the top three winners will be awarded a prize basket!
How do I play?
You can play as an individual or a team, and you earn points by completing missions. The top three participants or teams with the most points at the end of the program earn prizes!
What are the missions?
Missions vary! Some include visiting the forest preserves or attending a program. Some require you to type in an answer, while others require you to submit a photo or video. New this year are nature-themed missions and trivia questions about the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County! Missions will be updated seasonally so there will always be something new to explore.
Timed bonus missions will also be released throughout the program. Bonus missions include select Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and partner events, many of which are still being planned. Bonus missions will be posted as the events are scheduled, so keep your eyes peeled for new additions!
Why should I play?
The Preserve Passport is a fun and interactive way to learn, to join a community of likeminded individuals, and to stay active, all on your own schedule.
Not only does the Preserve Passport provide the opportunity to visit the forest preserves and see new places! The missions are designed to help you engage with your surroundings. From preserve trivia to basic tree identification to birdwatching to site landmarks, each mission includes a factoid to help you learn more about your forest preserves and the flora and fauna that call them home. Plus, bonus missions will keep you up to date on upcoming programming and events so you can get involved in other ways.
The Goosechase app also acts like a social media platform where you can keep track of points on the team leaderboard and engage with other teams' submissions. Go one step further and make the Preserve Passport program a friendly competition between your friends and family to see who can earn the most points!
And, of course, you can't beat the many health benefits that come with being active and outdoors. While the program is digital, most of the Preserve Passport missions require you to get outside and navigate through the forest preserves, keeping you up and active.
Join the challenge!
Get started by downloading the Goosechase app on your smartphone and creating an account and username. Click here for further instructions. In the search bar, type “2025 Preserve Passport” and select the program (look for the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County logo.) Now you are ready to get outdoors and start exploring the natural beauty of the forest preserves in Winnebago County! Are you up for the challenge?
