United Way's Born Learning Trails
New in 2020, United Way launched the first-ever Born Learning Trails in the Blackhawk Region. Born Learning is an innovative public engagement campaign that helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality early learning opportunities for young children.

A born learning trail contains 10 (12″ x 24″) colorful and interactive signs with activities for adults to engage in with young children to turn an outdoor trip into a fun learning experience. Trails signs are printed in both English and Spanish.

Stop! Learn! Play! encourages parents and caregivers to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence, and reinforcing the learning already under way. 
An ambitious group of ABC Supply Co., Inc. volunteers installed and painted the Born Learning Trail at Riverside Park in Beloit on May 12, 2021.
Born Learning Trail sponsored by Alliant Energy at Bond Park in Janesville; photo courtesy of Janesville Gazette.
United Way Board Member Dan Williams, helped to paint one of many beautiful works of art on the Trail sponsored by
ABC Supply Co., Inc.
Local Trails
United Way is proud to bring Born Learning Trails to the Blackhawk Region, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and the enthusiasm of their volunteer teams. We also extend sincere appreciation to the City of Beloit and City of Janesville, as well as their Parks & Recreation Departments for this fantastic partnership!

The following Born Learning Trials are available (or coming soon):

  • Bond Park in Janesville - sponsored by Alliant Energy
  • Riverside Park in Beloit - sponsored by ABC Supply Co., Inc.
  • Summit Park in Beloit - sponsored by Ecolab (coming soon)
  • Turtle Creek Park in Beloit - sponsored by Alliant Energy (coming soon)
Volunteers included ABC Supply Co., Inc.'s signature colors of red, white and blue, as part of the Born Learning Trail at Riverside Park in Beloit.
Volunteer Kelly Fanning painted a sun during the 2020 installation of the Born Learning Trail in Janesville's Bond Park. Photo courtesy of Janesville Gazette.
Opportunities
As you enjoy the Born Learning Trails in our local communities, don't forget to tag United Way Blackhawk Region and/or share your photos on social media. #LiveUnited #BornLearningTrails

Please let us know if you or your organization would like to sponsor a new Born Learning Trail in the Blackhawk Region (Rock County, Wisconsin and northern Winnebago County, Illinois), or if you are interested in helping to install a Born Learning Trail. A Born Learning Trail may be constructed at mutually identified park, school, child care center, library, community gathering space or other accessible family-friendly location. Contact unitedway@lubr.org for more information.