Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for any of our programs, please fill out a registration form, or call 630-444-3190. Telephone reservations are accepted weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Program payments may be made in person (cash, check or credit card) or via mail (checks only) to:
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St.
St. Charles, IL 60175
Checks should be made payable to: Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
Programs are free unless otherwise indicated. Fee assistance is available upon request.
Most of our programs involve outdoor activities such as walking on trails. Please wear closed-toe shoes or boots (no sandals!) and long pants.
Severe weather cancels most programs. Call 630-444-3190 for program updates and cancellation announcements.
Please call us if you need to cancel, so that we may contact others on our wait list.
If you require special accommodations, please let us know at least two weeks in advance by calling the program manager at 630-649-1147. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity of the District, should contact the ADA Coordinator at Voice: 630-232-5921 or 630-232-5980, TTY Relay: 800-526-0844, e-mail at ada@kaneforest.com or mail at 1996 S. Kirk Rd., Ste. 320, Geneva, IL 60134, as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.
Have you attended a recent nature program by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County? Tell us how we did. Fill-out our online Nature Program Evaluation. There, you can rate our performance as well as our facilities, suggest future program topics, subscribe to The TreeLine newsletter, and more.
Registration is required. Many programs fill up quickly, so please register early to guarantee a spot. Call 630-444-3190 or fill out this form to register.
Join a librarian from the St. Charles Public Library for read-aloud stories, finger plays, songs, and more during this fun program for children from infancy through age 5. If the weather is mild, we'll take the activities outdoors! Stay and enjoy the interactive exhibits in the Nature Center following the program and grab a take-home craft to continue the fun at your own house.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
In this monthly program, geared for 3-5 year olds, we'll explore the natural world through a variety of activities specific to the theme of the month. Sessions include a combination of stories, nature hikes, songs, games, or crafts. A parent or caregiver must accompany child.
Thursday, Oct. 19; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. "Are you Nuts?!"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Nov. 16; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. "Squawk! Honk!"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Let us host a Woodland Birthday party for your child! We'll take care of the planning, entertainment and clean-up! Woodland Birthday Parties feature: An outdoor guided hike led by naturalists; a campfire; unique nature-themed party favors; use of Creek Bend Nature Center. Parties are available year-round! The fee is $100 for Kane County residents; $125 for out-of-county residents. Rate includes a party for 15 children; for more than 15 children, there will be an additional $5 per child. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com for more information or to book your Woodland Birthday Party today!
All ages are welcome to attend family programs unless an age limit is specified. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Organized groups must schedule a separate tour for their group. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or fill out this form to register.
Join Naturalist Erica for a monthly circle of conversation over yarn art. Bring your own knit, crochet, or other yarn art project to work within a group of like-minded yarn enthusiasts. Share tips and patterns with others while picking up pointers and ideas from friends old and new. Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome. Register for one class or the entire year! Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Oct. 21; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 18; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look, and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves this winter. District Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Saturday, Oct. 14; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 11; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE
Animals create a variety of shelters and nests from the items that they find in nature. Built without traditional tools or written instructions, these sometimes-elaborate structures are nothing less than a marvel. Join us as we explore a variety of animal homes and create our own shelter in the woods. Ages 8 and up.
Sunday, Oct. 1; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Start your Halloween season off with a naturalist-led hike followed by stories and crafts in the woods! We'll learn about and look for nocturnal animals as we walk the trails together. In the shelter after our walk, librarians from the Ella Johnson Memorial Library will share stories about nocturnal animals -- including some family-friendly spooky tales -- and help families create a nature-themed craft. Donuts and cider will be provided while you enjoy the stories.
Friday, Oct. 6; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; donations accepted
Experience beautiful Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve and be immersed in the colors of fall. Meet our naturalist at the shelter to learn about the magic and science behind the amazing woodland color changes that happen each year. We will then set out on a hike to enjoy the beauty of the trees before returning to the shelter to make glowing leaf luminaries that will bring fall color into your own home.
Saturday, Oct. 28; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $5/person
Create some eco-friendly decor for the holidays using items often found right in your own backyard. Using natural things like milkweed pods, sticks, and pinecones, we'll do a craft together to get our imaginations working and then share ideas to help create our own unique holiday creations. Afterwards, head on over to the Durant-Peterson House Museum to get some decorating ideas during their festive "Getting Ready for Christmas" open house event!
Sunday, Nov. 19; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person (optional Durant-Peterson Museum entry: $3/adult; $2/child)
Our world contains a huge diversity of living organisms. But did you know that over half of Earth's life forms are too small to even see with the naked eye?! During this fun laboratory session, use microscopes to investigate some strange and fascinating microscopic marvels! We will even take a short walk through the forest preserve and collect natural samples to bring in and investigate microscopically. You don't want to miss this awesome opportunity to discover wonders not normally seen! This program is for ages 10 and above.
Saturday, Nov. 25; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for any of our programs, please fill out a registration form, or call 630-444-3190. Telephone reservations are accepted weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Seniors are invited to join District naturalists each month to explore a different preserve and learn about the natural and cultural history surrounding the land. Dress for the weather - these outdoor programs celebrate the change in seasonal surroundings! Each meeting includes a pleasant ramble lasting about an hour, followed by social time in the shelter. No registration required for this free program.
Thursday, Oct. 5; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, Nov. 2; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, Dec. 7; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. "Holiday Potluck Party"
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted; bring a dish to pass
Get your 10,000 steps in during these invigorating naturalist-led hikes. This monthly program is designed for those who like active hiking all year long. We visit different preserves each month. The Naturalist will stop occasionally to interpret the ecology of the preserve as we walk - but the main goal is to cover ground! This program is for ages 18 and above.
Thursday, Oct. 19; 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Brunner Family Forest Preserve
18N681 Illinois 31, Dundee
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 4; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Glenwood Park Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
FREE
Experience the healing effects of nature. Studies show that time outdoors can relieve stress, boost your immune system, improve sleep, and contribute to overall good health. During this new monthly series, we'll incorporate gentle stretching, deep breathing, and a focus on awareness during these hikes designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. This program is for ages 18 and above.
Sunday, Oct. 1; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Dick Young Forest Preserve
39W115 Main St., Batavia
FREE
Sunday, Nov. 5; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve
40W346 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE
These monthly meditative walks are for anyone ages 18 and above who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The hikes are over gentle terrain, and will include poems, nature activities, and periods of silent reflection so that we can access the healing powers of nature and community. Please dress for the weather, bring a photo of your loved one(s), and wear comfortable walking shoes. Registration is suggested, but not required.
Saturday, Oct. 14; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Culver Forest Preserve
6S496 Hankes Rd., Sugar Grove
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 11; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Lone Grove Forest Preserve
49W055 Perry Rd., Maple Park
FREE
Tour our local waterways during these paddling adventures! Our 2023 kayaking series begins with a lake-based basic paddling skills class, followed by shorter and less-strenuous river sessions for beginners. As the summer progresses, choose increasingly longer and more technical paddles for intermediate skill levels. Each session, participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor. Then we'll take to the water for a naturalist-led exploration of the fascinating local ecology. Participants meet at the take-out location and are shuttled to the put-in. All instruction is done at the put-in. Choose any number of sessions; you can take one, two, or all six! Boaters must be 16 years or older and be able to hold breath under water while wearing a properly fitted life jacket; independently turn from a face-down to a face-up position keeping head above water; effectively communicate with the instructor and other participants; and manage all mobility and personal care independently or with the assistance of a companion. Registration is required at least one week prior to the program and full payment is due at the time of registration. Fees: Single kayak rental - $69 for Session #1 and $85 for Sessions 2-6 (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle). Or provide your own kayak for Sessions 2-6 for $45/participant. *Session #4 has been cancelled.*
Session #6: Sunday, Oct. 8; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Put-In Location: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve; 1644 S. River St., Batavia & Take-Out Location: McCullough Park; 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles with portage
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $85/person or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Participate in a training class led by the Conservation Foundation to learn how you can easily monitor your local stream or river for chloride monthly from November to May. The training class will cover how road salt impacts our environment, what our transportation agencies are doing to reduce salt impact, and how to use the provided test kits to report your results through the Winter Chloride Watchers platform on Water Rangers.
Thursday, Oct. 19; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Autumn sunsets in Kane County are even more spectacular when Sandhill Cranes gather and prepare for their migratory flight southward. Graceful and beautiful, with a haunting call, these birds are the talk of the season. This program will start with a presentation on the natural history of cranes, followed by plenty of time to watch and listen for these birds as we hike the preserve trails.
Friday, Oct. 20; 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person
Want to learn about Kane County's fastest growing nature-education program for adults? Attend the free informational session to find out what all the excitement is about! During this introduction, you'll learn about the dates, details, cost, and tremendous benefits of this award-winning program. The mission of KCCN is to promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Kane County natural resources through science-based education and community service. KCCN is a cooperative program of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, and the Geneva Park District.
Thursday, Nov. 9; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for any of our programs, please fill out a registration form, or call 630-444-3190. Telephone reservations are accepted weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
These classes about local ecology are taught by experts in the field. This award-winning program series is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, and the Geneva Park District. These programs are for ages 18 and above. Registration is required.
Identifying trees in autumn can be a unique challenge. Some species retain their leaves late into the season, while others drop their leaves at the first appearance of cool temperatures and shorter days. Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick will explain how to identify trees with and without their leaves during this fully-outdoors class. The program will begin with a review of basic tree anatomy and identifying features, and then traverse the woodlands examining leaves, bark, twigs, and fruit to identify a number of common native hardwood trees.
Friday, Oct. 6; 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove
Fee: $10/person
With so many options for composting in Kane County and private homes, it's easy to put your yard waste and food scraps to good use! Clair Ryan (Kane County Recycling Coordinator) and Jessica Mino (Kane & Kendall County Program Director at the Conservation Foundation) will team up to explain the science behind composting and the environmental benefits of this earth-friendly practice. Learn the many ways you can compost, both by participating in county programs and by establishing composters at home. We'll learn the pros and cons of the various outdoor and indoor (think worms!) composters and leave with the knowledge needed to build and maintain our own composting practice.
Tuesday, Oct. 10; 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
In conservation, farming and food circles, the concept of regenerative agriculture has received a lot of attention in recent years. But what exactly is regenerative agriculture, how does it equate to conventional agriculture, and can you potentially harness it to improve your own property? Kathryn Seebruck, Commercial Agriculture Educator at the University of Illinois Extension, will explain just that. After reviewing the basics of soil science and soil health practices, she will explain the two main regenerative agriculture practices: the use of cover crops and no tillage. Kathryn will compare and contrast regenerative agriculture and conventional agriculture practices, presenting the benefits and drawbacks to both. The program will close with a brief discussion on how regenerative agriculture practices can be used in your home garden and backyard.
Tuesday, Oct. 17; 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
What do a peat bog, a heron rookery, and a one-room schoolhouse have in common? Join Naturalist Erica Lemon at Rutland Forest Preserve to find out! We'll hike the preserve to discover how these seemingly dissimilar things are connected and learn about the history of the surrounding lands as we do so.
Saturday, Oct. 21; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Rutland Forest Preserve
41W230 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire
Fee: $10/person
