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. For the grand finale of your storytime experience, head out to a nearby LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve trail to read a second book on the StoryWalk®! No registration required.
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, May 19; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Power of Pollinators"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, June 16; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Misfit Pollinators"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, July 21; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "What's that Squeak in the Creek?"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Aug. 18; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Flower Power"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
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 two different age groups: (1) children ages 4-5 and (2) children entering grades 1st through 6th. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register. Detailed camp information will be provided upon registration.
Monday, June 13 - Friday, June 17; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. "Summer Unplugged"
Fabyan Forest Preserve
1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva
Fee: $145/child
*Entering grades 1st - 6th
Monday, June 20 - Friday, June 24; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. "Budding Naturalists"
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $145/child
*Ages 4-5
Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 1; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. "Tracking & Survival"
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $145/child
*Entering grades 1st - 6th
Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. "Nature Exploration"
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $145/child
*Ages 4-5
Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 22; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. "STEAM in Nature"
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
Fee: $145/child
*Entering grades 1st - 6th
Monday, July 25 - Friday, July 29; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. "Nature's Super Heroes"
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $145/child
*Entering grades 1st - 6th
Enjoy a day of fishing complete with food, prizes, raffles and more! Prizes will be awarded to youth by age group, and all attendees can enjoy free food prepared and served by Home Run Hot Dogs & Lemonade! Fishing poles and quick fishing lessons will be available to those youth in need. To register, visit the web at: FishOakhurst.eventbrite.com. Questions? Please call 847-608-3108 or email Ted.Penesis@illinois.gov.
Saturday, June 18; Sign up for a 10 a.m. time slot or a noon time slot
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
FREE
Get out on local lakes with a professional kayak fishing instructor from Chi-Yak Adventures. Using water crafts specifically designed for anglers, you're sure to get into secret spots not reachable from shore. Whether you are looking to learn the skills involved in fishing from a watercraft or to pick up a few pointers for improving your angling skills, this is the program for you! Take one, two, or all four sessions. We will provide the paddle kayak, safety equipment, kayaking instruction and all the fishing gear required to get you out on the water safely and catching fish effectively! We require registration at least 1 week prior to the program and full payment at time of registration. This program is for youth entering grades 6-12.
Saturday, June 25; 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Grunwald Farms Forest Preserve
02S035 S. Lorang Rd., Elburn
Fee: $99/person
Thursday, July 7; 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
Fee: $99/person
Saturday, July 9; 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
Fee: $99/person
Tuesday, July 19; 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
Fee: $99/person
Tuesday, Aug. 2; 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
Fee: $99/person
Take an adventure this summer at area museums with the Passport to Adventure program. Participating sites in the Kane County Forest Preserve District include Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, the Fabyan Villa Museum in Geneva, the Durant House Museum and Pioneer Sholes School at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. The passport program encourages children and their parents to visit a variety of history, nature, science and art museums to explore the people, events, and environment of the area. Children ages 4 through 12 will experience the world around them through exhibits and activities at each site they visit. The program is sponsored by the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association, the Kane-DuPage Regional Museum Association and a host of other partner agencies. The Passport program will be using the Adventure Lab digital geocaching app this year. More information about the program is available at 630-444-3190.
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.
What is phenology? Officially, phenology is the study of the timing of seasonal events in nature, but you can think of it as nature's calendar. Come on this Naturalist-guided hike to learn more about the science of phenology, things to look for during a phenology study, and how to start your own phenology adventure. Learn to look more closely at the natural world and see how much things change during the course of each season. You will also get your own pocket phenology notebook to take into the field and record your findings!
Saturday, May 7; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Maria Rd., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look, and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves this spring. District Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Friday, May 13; 9-10 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look, and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves this summer. District Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Friday, June 10; 9-10 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE
Saturday, July 23; 9-10 a.m.
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
42W797 Rohrsen Rd., Hampshire
FREE
Discover the magic behind the longest day of the year. District naturalists will explain the sun's role in the solstice around a summer's eve campfire. As night begins to set in, we'll discover a source of celestial light - the bioluminescence of fireflies flashing in the woods and prairies. The evening will conclude with a stroll through the preserve trails at dusk, delighting in the final rays of the solstice sunset and the eerie glow of the fireflies.
Tuesday, June 21; 7:15-8:45 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person
Our local forest preserves are full of history, both cultural and ecological. We'll discover a small piece of Kane County's past during this naturalist led hike through the land that is now the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. After the hike, you will have an opportunity to tour the Durant House museum and get a taste of pioneer life on the prairie.
Tuesday, June 28; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person
Kane County is home to many flying creatures, but none is as shrouded in mystery as the bat. Come out to experience nighttime in the forest preserve, learning about the mammalian winged creatures of the night and the important niche that bats fill in our local ecosystem. Be prepared to enjoy the acrobatic flight of some of our local bats as dusk settles over the land.
Thursday, Aug. 4; 7:45-9:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person
Grab a net and a bug jar, and join others in exploring the tallgrass prairie during this family-friendly search for six-legged friends. We will learn about interesting insect features and habits, and use field guides to identify our specimens before releasing them. There will be nets and containers available, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
Sunday, July 10; 10-11 a.m.
Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve
43W231 Main St., Elburn
FREE
From acorn to oak, trees play an important role in nature during each stage of their life cycle. Join the Gail Borden Public Library on this naturalist-led exploratory hike through the Burnidge Forest Preserve woodlands. The District naturalist will help you compare leaves, learn tree identification techniques and examine different tree species structures. We'll also explain why trees are important to animals and humans alike! Register through the Gail Borden Public Library at www.gailborden.info.
Tuesday, July 12; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE
Tuesday, Aug. 9; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE
Two locations this year! There are underwater invaders in our local streams and rivers and we want you to help us find them! Our culprit is the Rusty Crayfish, a tiny aquatic creature that is an invasive species in Kane County. Help Naturalists round up some Rusty Crayfish in an effort to reduce their numbers. Families are encouraged to join us in the water with dip nets to collect, identify and remove some Rusties. You might even find the biggest of these varmints or collect the greatest number of them. Prepare to get wet! Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy. This is a partnership program with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District, Friends of the Fox, Center for Great Lakes Literacy and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
Saturday, Aug. 6; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Glenwood Park Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
FREE
Saturday, Aug. 6; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Primrose Farm
5N726 Crane Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Are you a regular visitor at nearby farmer's markets? If so, keep an eye out for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at your local market this summer. We've already scheduled information tables for the following markets in Dundee and Elgin, with others planned for St. Charles, Campton Hills, and more. Watch our website and social media pages for updates throughout the season. See you at the market!
Friday, July 15; 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Elgin Farmer's Market (Kid's Day)
Spring St. between Chicago St. & Fulton St., Elgin
FREE
Friday, Aug. 19; 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Elgin Farmer's Market (Be an Environmentalist Day)
Spring St. between Chicago St. & Fulton St., Elgin
FREE
Saturday, Aug. 27; 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Dundee Farmer's Market
319 N. River St., East Dundee
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.
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, June 2; 10 a.m. - Noon
Fabyan Forest Preserve (Rte. 31 entrance)
1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, July 7; 10 a.m. - Noon
Elburn Forest Preserve
45W061 Rte. 38, Elburn
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, Aug. 4; 10 a.m. - Noon
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
42W855 Bahr Rd., Hampshire
FREE; donations accepted
Winter is a wonderful time for an invigorating hike. 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, May 19; 6-8 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE
Thursday, June 16; 6-8 p.m.
Northwestern Medicine Cross County Course at Settler's Hill (Fox Valley Ice Arena entrance)
1996 S. Kirk Rd., Geneva
FREE
Thursday, July 21; 6-8 p.m.
Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve
16N690 Sleepy Hollow Rd., West Dundee
FREE
Thursday, Aug. 18; 6-8 p.m.
Brunner Family Forest Preserve
18N681 Illinois 31, Dundee
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, May 22; 10 - 11 a.m.
Grunwald Forest Preserve
02S035 Lorang Rd., Elburn
FREE
Sunday, June 19; 10 - 11 a.m.
Fabyan Forest Preserve (Rte. 31 entrance)
1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva
FREE
Sunday, July 17; 10 - 11 a.m.
Sauer Family Prairie Kame Forest Preserve
44W705 Lasher Rd., Sugar Grove
FREE
Sunday, Aug. 14; 10 - 11 a.m.
Helm Woods Forest Preserve
157 Helm Rd., Barrington Hills
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.
Sunday, June 5; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve
43W231 Main St., Elburn
FREE
Sunday, July 3; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Our 2022 kayaking series begins with a beginner's lake-based paddling skills class in May. Participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor and then hit the water to practice and expand upon these skills. Once you have mastered the basics of paddling, plan to join us for naturalist-guided kayaking excursions on the Fox River starting in June. Boaters must be >=16 years old 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. We require registration at least one week prior to the program and full payment at time of registration.
Sunday, May 22; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Paddle Distance: <1 mile; Skill Level: Novice Skills Training
Meet at Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
Fee: $69/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle)
Sunday, June 12; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Paddle Distance: 3-4 miles; Skill Level: Beginner
Meet at Voyageur's Landing Forest Preserve
50 Airport Rd., Elgin
Fee: $85/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Sunday, July 17; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles; Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Meet at Ferson Creek Park
St. Charles
Fee: $85/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Sunday, Aug. 14; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles; Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Meet at Ferson Creek Park
St. Charles
Fee: $85/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Sunday, Sept. 11; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Paddle Distance: 3-4 miles with portage; Skill Level: Intermediate
Meet at Glenwood Park Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
Fee: $85/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Sunday, Oct. 9; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles with portage; Skill Level: Intermediate
Meet at McCullough Park
150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Fee: $85/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) or provide your own kayak for $45/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.
Many people know that Fabyan Forest Preserve boasts a remarkable old windmill, but did you know that the property also has historical connections to exotic wild animals, Mount Fuji, government codebreaking, and mummies? Come and walk the land with a naturalist as we revisit the past and explore the still-standing structures and gardens that paint a picture of the people and events here before us.
Tuesday, May 24; 6-7:30 p.m.
Fabyan Forest Preserve
1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva
Fee: $10/person
Melodious sounds fill the air as our resident birds, some recently returned from their wintering grounds, go about their business of courtship and breeding. The songsters are relatively easy to spot in early spring, but once the trees leaf out it can be next to impossible to spot...that's when it's time to bird by ear! Indoor presentation will be followed by a field session to practice your new skills. Bring binoculars if you have them, as they'll help even if the birds are hard to see.
Saturday, June 4; 6-8 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
This field class will begin with an introduction to the basic plant morphology needed for tree identification. Instructor Ben Katzen will lead a walk on the wooded trails, providing tips for identifying common native hardwood trees and describing several different tree identification techniques. Two identical sessions of this popular program are offered.
Sunday, June 12; 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Tuesday, June 14; 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Learn from Patrick McPartlan, Resource Conservationist with the Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District (KDSWCD), about good ecological practices you can incorporate into your property. We will explore topics such as rain gardens, pollinator habitats, well sealing, and stream bank stabilization. KDSWCD assists residents of Kane and DuPage County with the implementation of best management practices to improve soil health and water quality; they provide the technical and financial assistance necessary to get started with these projects. Patrick will discuss available cost-share programs and suggest other regional groups that can help answer resident questions.
Tuesday, June 14; 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Join native bee expert Terry Miesle for an engaging look at some of our area's hardest-working pollinators. He will introduce some of the more common bee families, like Apidae - the large group that includes bumbles and carpenters - as well as Andrenidae, Megachilidae and the colorful Halictidae, or sweat bees. Because small groups are best, this class is offered twice; please register for only one session.
Sunday, Aug. 7; 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Sunday, Aug. 7; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
How much do you really know about our local snakes? In this outdoor class we'll explore the physiological traits that make them so fascinating, as well as scale patterns and other features that aid in identification. We'll also take a look at monitoring techniques and discuss snakes' role in local ecosystems. Small groups are best, so this class is offered twice; please register for only one session.
Saturday, July 2; 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Hickory Knolls Natural Area Pavilion
3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Saturday, July 2; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Natural Area Pavilion
3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
For birding enthusiasts looking to sharpen their waterfowl identification skills, Wildlife Technician Sadie Dainko will discuss the characteristics and ecology of a variety of species that fly over our region, including diving ducks, dabbling ducks, perching ducks, stiff-tailed ducks, mergansers, geese and swans. Sadie will cover key identification characteristics that make each species unique, such as markings, color patterns, silhouette shapes, flight patterns, habitat and migration timing. You will leave this class with the confidence and knowledge needed to identify the vast array of waterfowl that migrate over Kane County each year.
Saturday, Aug. 13; 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
Fee: $10/person