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

Lodge at Brewster Creek
Host your next special event at the Lodge at Brewster Creek. Call 630-444-3064 for information or to arrange a showing.

Back to School
Teachers: Call 847-741-8350 to register your class for a field trip or traveling naturalist program.

Fall Nature Programs
See the latest edition of The Tree Line for details on fun, fall programs including our Harvest of the Acorn Moon festival.

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Fox River Trail Closure
A section of the Fox River Trail in South Elgin will be closed through 2010 due to construction on the Stearns Road Corridor Project.  The closure is from Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve to County Park.  More information is available in Press Releases and on the project Web site at www.stearnsroad.com.

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Adults/Learn from the Experts

white oak Nature Programs - Learn from the Experts

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County teams up with the St. Charles Park District, the Geneva Park District, and the Fox Valley Park District to offer a series of classes for adults (ages 16 and up) focusing on a variety of topics in local ecology. The following classes offer in-depth information and learning opportunities. Registration is required for all Learn from the Experts classes. Checks for these sessions should be made out to the Geneva Park District. To register, call 847-741-8350 or e-mail attendee(s) name and contact information to programs@kaneforest.com.

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

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