John J. Hoscheit, President
Monica A. Meyers, Executive Director
PRESERVES OPEN 365 DAYS / Sunrise - Sunset
Nature Programs for Adults
Knitting in Nature
Bring your needles and yarn and join fellow knitters at Tekakwitha Woods to work on your projects and share ideas. We will begin the program by presenting information on dyes and fibers that can be used from the natural world. The remainder of the program will involve individuals working on personal projects with the company of others in a beautiful wooded setting. Note: This program is for ages 16 through adult.
- Saturday, Oct. 9; 3 - 4:30p.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center
35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Senior Stroll
Seniors are invited to join District naturalists each month on a pleasant stroll through our natural areas. Each month, we visit a different site and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Social time and refreshments follow each walk. Note: Registration is not required. Donations are welcome.
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Burnidge Forest Preserve
Thursday, Sept. 2; 10 - 11 a.m.
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
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Big Rock Forest Preserve
Thursday, Oct. 7; 10 - 11 a.m.
46W524 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
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Camp Tomo-Chi-Chi-Knolls
Thursday, Nov. 4; 10 - 11 a.m.
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
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December Preview
Join us Dec. 2 for our annual year-end gathering. We’ll meet at the Lodge at Brewster Creek to share food, fellowship, and festivities during this lively Senior Stroll tradition. Please note: Due to health code and building regulations, food must be store-bought and pre-packaged. No homemade food will be permitted. Thank you for your cooperation.
Learn from the Experts
The following classes are taught by experts in the field and offer in-depth information and learning opportunities about our local ecology. This award-winning program series is cosponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, the Geneva Park District, and the Fox Valley Park District. These programs are for ages 16 and up. Registration is required. Checks for these sessions should be made out to the Geneva Park District. Call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail program@kaneforest.com to register.
Ecocruise on the Fox River
Treat yourself to a cruise! All aboard a luxury liner — also known as the St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboat — for a leisurely ride up and down the Fox River. Learn the natural history of the Fox River as the scenery floats by; spot local wildlife and ponder the impacts our river faces today as staff naturalists narrate your tour. The program will begin with an introduction to local ecology at Pottawatomie Community Center before boarding the riverboat for a 90-minute cruise.
- Sunday, Sept. 19; 1 – 3 p.m.
Pottawatomie Community Center
8 North Avenue, St. Charles
Fee: $20
Ethnobotany: People and Plants
Ethnobotany is the study of plants and human culture. We’ll explore the origins of ethnobotany and investigate the intricate relationship we humans have with the green growing things around us. The first portion of the class will be held indoors and will include an interactive discussion on plants in our culture. During the second part of the class, we will head outdoors for a hike and trail-side activities.
- Sunday, Oct. 10; 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
(Meet in the cabin)
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $10
St. Charles History on the Move
Resorts, industry, farming, millionaires, riots and politics — St. Charles was home to it all! Take a walking tour with guides from the St. Charles Park District and the St. Charles Heritage Center to learn about this town’s varied and fascinating transformation from wide spot on the Fox River to booming tourist destination. We’ll begin at Pottawatomie Park’s large pavilion, then head off to view historical and natural sites that date from the Native Americans and settlers through present day. Note: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, your camera and plenty of questions!
- Wednesday, Sept. 15; 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Pottawatomie Community Center
8 North Avenue, St. Charles
Fee: $15
Survival Supper
Step out of the kitchen and into the outdoors for this rustic cooking program. Participants will learn how to prepare food in a survival situation utilizing things found in nature. Discover the secrets of building a fire without matches, making utensils out of nature, and using rocks to cook delicious recipes.
- Saturday, Nov. 6; 4 – 7 p.m.
Peck Farm Park
8W199 Kaneville Rd, Geneva
Fee: $10
The Gales of November
Many legendary storms have passed over the Great Lakes region in November, as the weather transitions from fall to winter. The most well known of these may be the Edmund Fitzgerald storm of Nov. 10, 1975. However, two other noteworthy storms of the 20th century have been the Armistice Day storm of Nov. 11, 1940, and the Great Lakes storm of Nov. 7-10, 1913. The 1913 storm killed over 250 people and sank 19 ships. This program will discuss the nature of these storms and what made them so deadly. Dr. Jim Angel, Illinois State Climatologist will be our guest presenter.
- Thursday, Nov. 11; 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Stephen Persinger Recreation Center
3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva
Fee: $10
What's That Tree? Fall Dendrology
Learn the basics of tree identification and gain experience using a botanical key. Nature Programs Manager Valerie Blaine will share tips to help de-mystify tree i.d., and will emphasize observation of bark, branches, form, habit, habitat, twigs, leaf scars and buds. The session will begin indoors with a lecture/presentation. During the second portion of the class, we’ll head into the woods to practice our tree identification skills.
- Sunday, Oct. 17; 1 – 4 p.m.
Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
(Meet in the cabin)
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $10