Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
Credit cards can only be accepted for online registrations. When registering via phone or email, required fees must be paid at the program with cash or check payable to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County unless otherwise noted. Checks can be mailed to:
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St.
St. Charles, IL 60175
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.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County (FPDKC) is committed to conducting its programs and activities in a safe manner and holds the safety of participants in high regard. The FPDKC continually strives to reduce risks and insists that all participants follow safety rules and instructions that are designed to protect the participant's safety. All registrants will be asked to sign a waiver and release.
By registering for a program, you consent to and authorize the use of any photographs and other audiovisual materials for promotional purposes, including printed material, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of the District.
Please let us know at least two weeks in advance by calling the program manager at 630-444-3191. 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: 630-444-3950 or 630-232-5980, TTY Relay: 800-526-0844, email 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 for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
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. For the grand finale of your storytime experience, head outside to read a second book along the StoryWalk®! No registration required.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; no registration needed.
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, Feb. 19; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Sweet & Sappy"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, March 19; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Herons & Egrets"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, April 16; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Critter Babies"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, May 21; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Crayfish Mania"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Twigs to Trees
Extending our popular Little Saplings program, Twigs to Trees is designed for school–age children in kindergarten to second grade. During each session, we’ll investigate seasonal nature themes as we explore the woods and wilds with nature-based play. This is a drop-off program; parents and caregivers will not stay with their children.
Tuesday, Feb. 17; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Native American Maple Sugaring Traditions"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, March 17; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Shamrock Shenanigans"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, April 14; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Spring Explorations"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, May 19; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Nature Play"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
week in the woods summer camp
Explore woodland wonders, get your feet wet in local streams, and learn new skills during these five-day nature camps! Naturalists will lead hikes, activities, games and nature-based crafts based on a different nature theme each day. Summer camp is for three different age groups: (1) children age 4-6, (2) children entering grades 1st through 5th and (3) children entering grades 5th through 8th. Advance registration is required, after which we will provide detailed camp information and forms.
Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12; "Summer Unplugged" (Entering grades 1st - 5th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $159/child
Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 19; "Animal Adventures" (Entering grades 1st - 5th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $159/child
Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26; "Tracking & Survival" (Entering grades 5th - 8th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
Fee: $159/child
Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10; "Little Bookworms" (Ages 4 - 6); 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $159/child
Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17; "Nature's Superheroes" (Entering grades 1st - 5th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
Fee: $159/child
Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24; "Art in Nature" (Entering grades 5th - 8th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $159/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.
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
YARN ART SOCIAL CIRCLE
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, Feb. 7; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, April 4; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, May 2; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Bird Watching Walks
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves. District naturalists will cover basic bird-identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Sunday, Feb. 1; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Buffalo Park Forest Preserve
19N475 IL Rte. 31, Algonquin
FREE; advance registration is required.
Tuesday, March 10; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Fox River Bluff East Forest Preserve
5N860 Weber Dr., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration is required.
Wednesday, April 22; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration is required.
Friday, May 15; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE; advance registration is required.
evening owl stroll
Following the sunset, night-life begins to stir. Owls have captivated people for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Stroll nighttime trails with a naturalist to learn about the cultural history, anatomy, and lore of these impressive birds. Register for one session only. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, Feb. 6; 4:30-6 p.m.
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Snowshoe adventure
Don't let a little snow stop you from getting out enjoying nature! If you’ve never snowshoed, join us to learn the basic skills needed to be comfortable and competent. After mastering skills like stride length, heel-toe step, and climbing over obstacles, we’ll hit the trail for a naturalist-guided hike through the winter wonderland. Attend one or both sessions! Fee includes equipment rental, skills training, and guided hiking. Ages 8 and above.
Saturday, Feb. 28; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person; advance registration required.
woodchuck watch
Get a head start on Punxsutawney Phil on this naturalist-guided hike. Woodchucks – a.k.a., Groundhogs – are among the few true hibernators in our area, and we can base weather predictions on whether they emerge from hibernation before Groundhog Day. Learn about the differences between hibernation, torpor, and dormancy as we search for these sleepy rodents.
Friday, Jan. 30; 1-2 p.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W880 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration required.
beaver tales
Beavers have been called nature’s engineers, but just what does that mean? And how do beavers accomplish their work? Learn about beaver adaptations and discover how and why beavers build dams and lodges. Our naturalist will even lead a stroll to discover the work of beavers along nearby Ferson Creek.
Sunday, Feb. 22; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
ecolab: My chemical romance
Love is in the air this month, and so are countless chemicals. Step into our Eco-Lab to investigate the reactions and processes that animals use to attract mates. Our investigations will include experiments that cause exceptional chemical reactions! Find out if love is heating up or cooling down! Ages 7 and above. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 10-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person; advance registration required.
spring ephemeral community science
Ephemerals are woodland plants that emerge early in spring, flowering before the trees leaf out. From March 1 – May 31, help track when and where spring ephemerals are blooming anywhere in Kane County (a forest preserve, a park, or your own back yard.) When you see a woodland wildflower, snap a photo and submit your observation on the free iNaturalist app under our project, Kane County, IL: Spring 2026 Ephemerals. We’ll help you learn about different flower species with plant identification signs posted along woodland walks in the following three forest preserves. No registration required.
Saturday, March 1 - Saturday, May 31
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE
Saturday, March 1 - Saturday, May 31
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove
FREE
Saturday, March 1 - Saturday, May 31
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE
Maple Sugaring Days
It's maple sugaring time! Come to Creek Bend Nature Center to explore the art, science, and folklore of the “sugar bush.” Learn how to identify and tap a maple tree and try your hand at drilling and setting a tap. We’ll simmer sap over an open fire and watch as it thickens to syrup. Relax with a mug of steaming hot cocoa and enjoy ice cream with a drizzle of syrup in the Maple Café. After a day of fun, purchase some locally-sourced maple syrup to take home with you.
Back by popular demand: Relax under the heated beer tent and enjoy our exclusive “Maple River” brown ale, custom-crafted with real maple syrup by our friends at Riverlands Brewing Company. No registration required.
Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8; Noon - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; no registration required.
Birds and beasts of south africa
South Africa is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. It offers a wide variety of experiences, including spectacular landscapes and game reserves, a diverse cultural heritage, and highly regarded wineries. John Sprovieri and Regina McNulty will take you on a coast-to-coast tour of this fabulous country, from the eye-popping wildflower blooms of West Coast National Park to world-famous Kruger National Park, where you can get up close and personal with lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos. John and Regina will share their adventures dining with wildlife, why we should be grateful “load shedding” is not in America’s vocabulary, and the many fabulous birds and beasts of South Africa.
Sunday, April 26; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Warbler walk
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is one of the 15 best spots in Kane County for bird diversity, with 192 bird species recorded since it was established in 1969. Join John Sprovieri, president of Kane County Audubon, for a guided bird walk around the preserve. Early May is an ideal time for birdwatching, with the return of our resident breeding birds and a slew of migrants passing through on their way north. We’ll be on the lookout for sparrows, flycatchers, thrushes, woodpeckers and (or course!) warblers. No experience is necessary. Ages 16 and above.
Sunday, May 3; 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
botany for beginners
Learning how to identify plants is an incredibly rewarding exercise. But with terms like “hypocrateriform” and “obdiplostemonous,” it can also be an intimidating science for newcomers. Join District Naturalists as we demystify some of the botanical terminology used to identify plants. We will then head out in the field to put our newfound vocabulary to work!
Sunday, March 1; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
evening ephemerals
Picture this: the sun is setting along the Fox River while wildflowers carpet the woodland trails around you. What could be better? Join us, as we soak up the spring season during this naturalist guided hike.
Tuesday, May 19; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
orienteering for beginners
Gain confidence with this introductory program on orienteering. A staff Naturalist will cover the basics of map=reading and compass-work to orient to our surroundings. You will then refine your new-found skills by completing an orienteering course that will build your confidence. Ages 10 and above.
Sunday, May 10; 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
learn to kayak
During this beginner’s lake-based paddling skills class, get dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor and then hit the water to practice your skills. Boaters must be able to hold breathe 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. Ages 16 and up.
Saturday, May 30; 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
Fee: $69/person (includes use of kayak, personal flotation device, and paddle.) Advance registration required.
ecolab: an egg-ceptional experiment
Get ready for Easter with this egg-ceptionally fun Eco-Lab! During our laboratory session, we’ll delve into the ecology of birds, with a focus on the wonders of their eggs. Participants will work together on an egg-xperiment that culminates in a product to take home and observe carefully over the following few days. By Easter, the result of your egg experiment is sure to be a hit with family and friends! Ages 8 and above.
Wednesday, April 1; 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
Fee: $5/person; advance registration required.
earth day tree planting
Calling all volunteers! Join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for a tree planting in honor of Earth Day. All you'll need to do is insert the tree, tamp down soil, water and mulch. It's easy! We'll have giveaways, a naturalist-guided hike, and environmental education. Parking available behind the Recycling Center off Fabyan Parkway.
Saturday, April 18; 10:00 a.m. sharp
Fabyan Forest Preserve (Parking behind the Recycling Center)
517 E. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia
FREE; no registration required.
earth day history hike
Enjoy a naturalist-guided hike while learning about the history of Earth Day and the importance it plays all across the world. We’ll search for signs of spring as we explore the preserve.
Wednesday, April 22; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
folklore of flowers
Who is Jack and why is he in a pulpit? What was the traditional use of Bloodroot? Learn the answers to these questions, and more, as we explore the woodland diversity of this preserve while listening to stories and learning about uses of our native wildflowers.
Friday, May 15; 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
what's happening hike?
Every nature hike in a Kane County forest preserve can be a hide-and-seek treasure hunt. With the warming spring temperatures, we’ll have the opportunity to see a mix of wildflowers, migrating birds, frogs and who knows what else! Discover what Mother Nature has in store for us on this spring stroll.
Sunday, May 17; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Kenyon Farms Forest Preserve
8N700 Barry Rd., South Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
senior stroll
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! No registration required for this free program.
Thursday, Feb. 5; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, March 5; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 State Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, April 2; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, May 7; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
NURTURED BY NATURE
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, Jan. 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 IL Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Feb. 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve (meet at red barns)
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, March 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lake Run Forest Preserve
40W255 Tanner Rd., Aurora
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, April 19; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Rutland Forest Preserve
41W230 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, May 17; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
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, Feb. 26; 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Glenwood Park Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, March 19; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, April 16; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, May 21; 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE; advance registration required.
bison: Early Admission
Want to get a sneak peak before the preserve gates reopen to the public in April? Register for "Bison: Early Admission," a series of naturalist-guided programs offering an up-close look at bison, prairie ecology, and the ongoing restoration efforts at the preserve. Bison: Early Admission will be offered on Tuesdays: March 17, 24, and 31, from 10-11 a.m. or 2-3 p.m. Also, on Sundays: March 15 and March 29, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Early Admission programs are for ages 18 and above, only. Programs are free, but registration is required and space is limited. Registration begins on Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. on the District's website at www.kaneforest.com/register. Note: Because we expect these programs to max-out quickly, we will not take phone or email registration. If you miss this opportunity, don't fret. We'll also be offering naturalist-guided bison programming in the summer. Watch for the summer edition of The TreeLine!
Tuesdays: March 17, March 24 & March 31; 10:00 - 11 a.m. & 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. & Sundays: March 15 & March 29; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
13N240 Engel Rd., Sycamore
FREE; advance registration required. Must be 18 or older and must register online. Space is limited.
mushroom monitor training
Are you fascinated by fungi? Do you like to walk in the woods? If so, why not become a mushroom monitor in a Kane County Forest Preserve of your choice? No experience is needed, just a desire to learn, observe and collect/report data. During this monitor training session, you will learn the basics of mushroom anatomy, ecology and identification as well as procedures for conducting a monitoring visit. Monitoring sites will be assigned to volunteers at the end of the training session. Ages 18 and above.
Sunday, March 22; 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
cinco de mayo yoga & wildflowers
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us and join Jared Fedota from YogaSix Studio for an outdoor, guided yoga session. This program will leave you feeling grounded, empowered, and connected to nature as you move through a full mind-body experience. After the yoga practice, head out on a Naturalist-guided stroll to enjoy the beautiful ephemeral wildflowers blooming in the woodlands.
Tuesday, May 5; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE; advance registration required.
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration. For discount Kane County Certified Naturalist registrants, please call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
Learn from the experts programs
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.
In 2025, Fermilab celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first prairie planting. While that is one of the most notable aspects of ecology at the lab, there is much more to their natural area story. Listen to a history of Fermilab prairie restoration and discover other animal and natural area highlights in this presentation by Walter Levernier, Fermilab Senior Natural Resources Specialist.
Saturday, Feb. 7; 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Come to this exciting presentation featuring Cindy Crosby as she tells the tale of the largest and most charismatic of Illinois’ mammals – the bison! Learn how bison play a role in Illinois’ original garden, the tallgrass prairie. Hear about bison in literature, music, and art, and see beautiful photography of the native plants they are associated with, many suitable for the home garden. Then discover where you can see bison and prairie in “The Prairie State.”
Sunday, Feb. 15; 10-11:30 a.m.During this class, you’ll learn how to identify trees without leaves. Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick will provide an introduction indoors, followed by a hike in the woods. We’ll examine bark, branches, twigs, leaf scars and buds and use these for identification.
Sunday, Feb. 22; 9:30-11:30 a.m.Illinois' birds face a host of threats (habitat loss, global warming, pesticides/herbicides, and collisions with buildings) that have adversely affected the state’s bird population.) How bad is the problem and what can we do about it? One way to answer those questions is with data gathered by citizen scientists. The Spring Bird Count is a yearly census of Illinois’ bird population that has been conducted in Illinois since 1972. Each May, hundreds of volunteers venture out across the Land of Lincoln to determine what bird species—and how many of each species—are present in all 102 counties. John Sprovieri, president of Kane County Audubon, will discuss the history of the Spring Bird Count, what we’ve learned from the data, and how you can help.
Saturday, March 14; 9:30 - 11 a.m.Did you realize that you can protect migratory birds simply by making smarter beverage choices? Join us to enjoy a responsibly-sourced cup of steaming coffee while you learn about the history of coffee consumption and production, and its connection to birds. Greg DuBois, contributing author for Illinois Audubon Magazine and bird monitor at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, will share the story of the decline of migrating birds in North America since 1970. He’ll explain how the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is working to mitigate this decline and reveal ways that you can help – one cup at a time.
Saturday, March 21; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.Like diurnal birds, nocturnal birds serve an important role in helping to maintain healthy ecosystems. Historically, nocturnal species are often misunderstood, and long-term bird monitoring programs have been unable to gather reliable data for species long suspected of being in decline. Understanding nocturnal birds’ natural history and population trends is especially important for conservation management efforts. Tara Beveroth, Associate Avian Ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, will demystify these cryptic species She will introduce project MOON (Monitoring of Owls and Nightjars), a citizen science program that you can join to help nocturnal birds!
Saturday, March 28; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.Join Naturalist Erica Lemon to learn about the history of the land that makes up present-day Hampshire Forest Preserve. From farming, to restoration work, Hampshire Forest Preserve has seen a lot of natural and cultural change! We will hike the trails and explore the surrounding natural communities while we learn about this beautiful preserve.
Saturday, April 4; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.Join our naturalist staff as we embark on a stroll through beautiful woodlands in search of emerging spring wildflowers. From week to week, new flora comes and goes and we only get to see native flowers for a short time. Learn identification techniques along with interesting historical uses of these plants.
Sunday, April 12; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.After two sold-out motor coach tours around the Ice Age features of Northern Kane County, we are headed south! Curated with the support of experts Dr. Brandon Curry and Volunteer Steward Mary Ochsenschlager, the tour features geologic wonders like Johnson's Mound and the Kaneville Esker. We will stop at the Holcim gravel operation south of Elburn to explore the extensive aggregate mining that derives from Kane County's glacial drift; we'll learn more about Ice Age megafauna with Brian and Joyce Ostberg of the #Behistoric YouTube channel; and we'll experience the marvels of glacial remnants like Nelson Lake, Prairie Kame, the Elburn Complex, and more! Lunch will be provided on this 5-hour luxury motor coach tour. Nature will be providing the ephemeral spring wildflowers! No KCCN coupons accepted for this program.
Saturday, April 18; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Many experienced birders will say that 90% of their birding is done "by ear." Often, sounds are our first clue to the presence of birds, and sometimes these sounds are critical to bird identification. This presentation by Geoff Williamson, chair of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee, will describe basic concepts in bird vocalizations and provide organizing principles for learning to bird by ear. Geoff will discuss the many resources available to acquire or improve your ear-birding skills.
Sunday, April 19; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
