Experience nature, right from the comfort of your own home, with our virtual program offerings. Visit this page for our updated content and follow us on social media @forestpreserve for the latest and greatest happenings! Join us and enjoy "Nature, Virtually Everywhere!"
Nature in a Nutshell
Nurtured by Nature Moments
Out & About (Podcast)
The natural world is loaded with interesting learning opportunities, and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County has over 20,000 acres to explore! Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the District, and have some fun with Naturalist Josh as we highlight the wonderful ways to enjoy our open spaces. Registration is not required for this free program.
nature detectives at home (Video)
Can you use your deduction skills to identify some amazing local animals? Our Naturalist will show you some skulls, fur and other animal evidence as clues and challenge you to figure out which Illinois animals we're highlighting. Submit your guesses and we'll reveal the winning answer on social media.
Virtual seed harvest (Video)
Have you heard about the wildly popular Forest Preserve District of Kane County seed harvests? Have you wondered what these involve? Watch this video to see how easy, fun and educational these weekly harvesting events can be!
Temporary nature art (VIDEO)
We'll inspire you to use your artistic tendencies out in nature, using nature! In this virtual program, we'll share a few examples of artwork that you can make in your local forest preserves, without harvesting or damaging the natural habitat in the process.
Cosmic Science (VIDEO)
Forces in our cosmos affect life here on Earth in more ways than you might imagine. We'll explore the impact of the sun and moon on the celestial bodies in our solar system. We'll even introduce some fun cosmic activities you can do in the comfort of your own home using common household items. Prepare to be mesmerized!
Protecting Dark Skies (Zoom Webinar)
Open your eyes and hearts to the joys of the night! As a delegate of the International Dark-Sky Association, Adam Kreuzer is passionate about teaching about the beauty of dark skies and the ways we can protect the night from light pollution. Tune in to hear Adam explain the concept of light pollution, discuss the impact of light pollution on humans and wildlife, and explore with us how we can restore dark skies in our own communities.
Trees and Their Leaves (VIDEO)
Go on a virtual autumn walk through the beautiful Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve with Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick. Learn about how important woodlands are during this episode about "Trees and Their Leaves."
Witness Trees (Zoom Webinar)
Have you ever looked at a giant of a tree, perhaps a big oak, and wondered what historical events it experienced during its lifetime? Some of these impressive trees are called "witness trees" and they have a special place in the history of Illinois. Surveyors in the early 1800s relied on witness, or "bearing," trees as landmarks for creating the earliest state land surveys and plat maps. During this webinar, we'll share the history of Illinois' witness trees and provide tools for you to discover witness trees in your own area!
Geology of Illinois (Zoom Webinar)
Come explore the dynamic processes that shaped the great diversity of habitats in Illinois. This Zoom Webinar is a brief overview of a very complex topic, explained in terms that everyone can understand!
Preserve Highlight: Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve (VIDEO)
With over 100 properties, there's plenty to see and do in your Kane County forest preserves. Join a Naturalist as we explore the beauty and biodiversity of some of our favorite preserves during each episode of this virtual program series.
PRESERVE HIGHLIGHT: Guess this Preserve (VIDEO)
Can you "Guess this Preserve?" Check out the Forest Preserve District's social media pages on Jan. 14 to test your knowledge of our local natural areas. One of our Naturalists will share photos, facts, riddles and video clips to help solve the preserve mystery and submit your best guess. Find out if you are a true nature detective!
Appalachian Trail: A Wilderness Experience (Zoom Webinar)
Join Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick for a travelogue about her backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. Barb will present the history of the trail and the ecology of this beautiful part of the country.
Animal Seasonal Adaptations (VIDEO)
Winter can be a challenging season. Ice, snow, and frigid temperatures will leave any hiker desperate for the comfort of a cozy fireplace. Our local wildlife do not have the same luxury, and have to adapt to the changing seasons in all manner of interesting ways. Tune in to learn about how their survival depends on adaptation!
Maple Sugaring in the Digital Age (VIDEO)
Want to learn the history and process of maple tree tapping and syrup production but can't join one of our maple sugaring events in person? Jump into this virtual tour to explore the fascinating world of maple syrup.
Spring Frog Serenade (VIDEO)
Listen to the sounds of spring and discover who is behind the chorus that welcomes the new season.
Springtime Wildflower Identification and Use (VIDEO)
Have you ever wondered what people did before the existence of grocery markets, hardware stores, restaurants and local pharmacies? In this program, we'll reveal many traditional uses of our local and native wildflowers and share with you tips on identifying specific species.
Treasure Hunt Adventure (Virtual)
Hit the trails with your friends and family and experience our Kane County forest preserves like never before! This interactive, virtual treasure hunt will feature fun facts, hidden clues, and completion prizes. A guided video will lead you to several locations within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, where you will learn about local ecology and then find secret markers to track your progress. When finished, be sure to stop by Creek Bend Nature Center to claim your reward!
Fee: $5/group
Wonderful Wildflowers (VIDEO)
Join us as we highlight the beautiful flowers that adorn the woodlands of Kane County. Together, let's explore the identifying features and interesting folklore that surround these colorful native species.
Durant House Museum Virtual Visit (VIDEO)
Take a trip back in time and learn all about the wonders of pioneer life. This virtual tour will showcase the historic Durant House, a prairie farmhouse constructed in 1843.
Thursday, June 24
Durant House Museum Virtual Visit Video
Build a Butterfly Feeder (VIDEO)
Tune in to see how you can build your very own butterfly feeder using common household items or with a simple-to-use kit available for purchase at Creek Bend Nature Center. Hang your completed project up at home to attract beautiful butterflies to your yard! (Optional kit costs $5).
Thursday, July 8
Build a Butterfly Feeder Video
Composting with Worms (VIDEO)
Turn your kitchen scraps into garden gold! Come learn about the benefits of composting at home with worms. During this program, we'll take an in-depth look at the science behind vermicomposting and explore the role of red wriggler worms in home composting systems. You'll leave this class with all the knowledge necessary to build your own home vermicomposting bin.
Thursday, July 22
Composting with Worms Video
Guess the Preserve (VIDEO)
With over 100 preserves encompassing more than 20,000 acres, there's plenty to see and do in our Kane County forest preserves! Join a naturalist as we explore the beauty and biodiversity of some of our favorite preserves during each episode of this virtual program series.
Thursday, Aug. 26
Guess the Preserve Video
