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News at the District . . .
Brunner Family FP awarded OSLAD grant
The District was awarded a $400,000 development grant for Brunner Family FP improvements! Gov. Pat Quinn announced the award May 11. See planned improvements here. View our press release here.

Campground open
Who's ready to do some camping? Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin opened May 1 for the season, and Big Rock Campground is expected to open in July. Come camping with us! See here for more information on Paul Wolff Campground.

Public Meeting Notice
The public is invited to Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve on May 15 from 4-6 p.m. to learn about plans for the facility and surrounding area. View the notice, here.

2013-14 Budget
The 2013-14 Budget was approved May 14. It's available here and on our Finance Committee page.

Temporary Closures
Due to flooding, the following areas remain closed as of 5/6: the back/south end of Buffalo Park FP; all trails in Oakhurst FP; the Fox River Trail between Jon J. Duerr FP & County Park in South Elgin; and the River Bend Trail. We will update here and on Facebook, as conditions improve.

Chronic Wasting Disease Info
Chronic wasting disease is an always-fatal neurological disease found in deer and elk. If left unmanaged, it’s feared the disease could spread throughout the state’s deer population. For more information, see CWD: Surveillance and Management and CWD Management in Illinois: Fact or Fiction. For additional CWD facts and figures, visit IDNR.

Brewster Creek Rental
The Lodge at Brewster Creek is the perfect place for your special event. Click here for details.

Proposed Grunwald Campground
Share your thoughts on proposed improvements to Grunwald Forest Preserve. Join us 6/29 at District HQ from 4-6 p.m. for a Public Information Meeting.

2010 Progress Report
See land acquisition and capital projects made possible by the support of Kane County citizens in our 2010 Progress Report.

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white oak Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve

Creek Bend Nature Center: Celebrate our official Grand Opening on Saturday June 1 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Creek Bend House

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County proudly invites everyone to Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in Saint Charles, for our fun, FREE, Grand Opening Celebration! Come enjoy:

  • Interactive exhibits in the Nature Center
  • Tours of the facility
  • Nature hikes through LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
  • Crafts
  • Carriage Rides through the preserve
  • Games
  • And a noon concert by Jim Gill!

Jim Gill, an award winning musician and author, offers more than a show to watch. It’s an opportunity for family play! In concert, Jim bangs out energetic rhythms on his banjo while everyone claps, jumps, dances and even sneezes along. Celebrate our Grand Opening with a few rounds of Jim Gill’s “Silly Dance Contest” and other family favorites!

This event will be fun for the whole family! Please click here, the view a flyer for the event!

Creek Bend Nature Center features interpretive displays and hands-on exhibits. All the exhibits you loved at Tekakwitha Woods have been relocated here, including Prairie Ecology, with the bison and biodiversity components, and the ever-popular Clams-Eye View of the Fox River. There are separate rooms for classes and a lab. There’s something for any nature lover at Creek Bend Nature Center, from bird watching to guided nature hikes, nature programs and self-guided activities. The facility and adjoining house are also available for private rental.

Creek Bend Nature Center is open during the following hours:

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.

Our address is:

  • Creek Bend Nature Center
  • LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
  • 37W700 Dean St.
  • Saint Charles, IL 60175

For information on nature programs or to reach our Environmental Education staff, call 847-741-8350.

For information on renting the facility for a private event, call 630-444-3064. Showings are by appointment only.

For more information on the Nature Center or nature programs, please call 847-741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.

For information on private rentals of this facility, please call 630-444-3064. Showings are by appointment.

The Nature Center is one of many amenities at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, Follow the trail system to reach the east side of the preserve and you'll find the historic Durant House Museum and Pioneer Sholes School.

Head south across Dean Street and you'll find the beginning of the Great Western Trail. See the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve page on this site, for more information on the preserve.

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