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; 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, 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; advance registration required.
Thursday, Dec. 21; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. "Pinecones & Evergreens"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Jan. 18; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. "It's Snow Time"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Feb. 15; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. "Animal Mystery"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
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.
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, Nov. 11; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE
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
Did you know that many birds of prey, also known as raptors, are found in Kane County? Presenters from the Wings and Talons nonprofit agency will bring live owls, hawks and falcons to provide a better understanding and deeper appreciation for these truly wild creatures that live among us. Learn fascinating facts about local raptors, explore the challenges they face, and understand the important role they play in regional ecosystems.
Sunday, Dec. 2; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Winter brings a host of new seasonal birds to our area, along with species that reside here all year long. This program is offered both early and late in the winter to enjoy the variety of avian species that are active during different parts of the season. Register for one or all three sessions! You will learn basic bird identification skills and be treated to stories about the special adaptations and lifestyles that make birds so special.
Sunday, Dec. 10; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Lone Grove Forest Preserve
49W055 Perry Rd., Maple Park
FREE; advance registration is required.
Friday, Jan. 19; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
701 Williams Rd., Carpentersville
FREE; advance registration is required.
Friday, Feb. 23; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration is required.
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, Nov. 18; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 16; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 13; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Feb. 10; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Start preparing for the holiday season! We all know that handmade cards are the best, but have you considered the beauty of using paper that you made yourself from paper pulp? During this fun, hands-on class, we will teach the art of papermaking as well as the history of the craft to help you create beautiful cards of your own design. This program is for ages 7 and above.
Tuesday, Dec. 19; 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
With the holidays approaching, take time to enjoy the natural gifts of winter. Join us for a stroll in the woods as we look and listen for animals, as the sun begins to set on a crisp winter day. Warm up with some hot chocolate at the end of the program.
Thursday, Dec. 21; 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE; advance registration required.
Don't let a little snow stop you from getting out and 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 all three sessions! Fees (cash or check only) will be collected at the program, and include equipment rental, skills training, and guided hiking. This program is for ages 8 and above.
Saturday, Dec. 30; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person; advance registration required at least one week prior to program.
Saturday, Jan. 28; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $25/person; advance registration required at least one week prior to program.
Sunday, Feb. 25; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person; advance registration required at least one week prior to program.
Welcome the new year with joy and gratitude for all that nature has to offer. During our brisk hike, we'll listen for seasonal birds, look for wildlife tracks, and enjoy trail-side company. Afterwards, we'll head into the Durant House Museum for fireside treats. Bring the whole family!
Monday, Jan. 1; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
This month, our quarterly science lab is diving into the study of owls. Owls are a majestic bird of prey with a natural digestive habit that may make some of us cringe, but tells us a lot about the lives of these amazing creatures. Learn some fun facts about owls and get the unique opportunity to dissect your own owl pellet. This program is for ages 8 and above.
Wednesday, Jan. 3; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person; advance registration required.
Bundle up for a mid-January exploration of our local woodlands. We'll look for signs of wildlife, listen for birds, and learn how to identify trees without leaves.
Saturday, Jan. 13; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Maria Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
With their exceptional hiding skills, we may not see many animals while hiking in the woods, but sometimes they leave behind signs for us to discover. Look for these clues as you explore the woods with a Forest Preserve District naturalist. Then, try your hand at spotting signs yourself during a family scavenger hunt!
Monday, Jan. 15; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
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.
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.
Watch a video about the KCCN program here.
Thursday, Nov. 9; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles
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, Nov. 11; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Lone Grove Forest Preserve
49W055 Perry Rd., Maple Park
FREE
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, 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; no registration needed.
Thursday, Jan. 4; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. "Travelogue: State Parks of Door County"
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, Feb. 1; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
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.
Saturday, Dec. 2; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 6; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Dick Young Forest Preserve
39W115 Main St., Batavia
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, Feb. 15; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
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, Dec. 3; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Jan. 28; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Elburn Forest Preserve
45W061 Rte. 38, Elburn
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Feb. 25; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
Enjoy a wintry morning stroll through one of our most popular preserves, with occasional stops to interpret the nature around us. Along the way, we'll cover the incredibly unique history of the Fabyan family and land. We'll provide coffee to keep us warm during the stroll. All you need to do is relax, unwind, and sip your way through this winter wonderland! This program is for ages 18 and above.
Saturday, Jan. 20; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Fabyan Forest Preserve
1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva (Windmill entrance)
Fee: $3/person; advance registration required.
Unleash your inner artist and create beautiful nature art with instructor Juliya Jensen from JJ's Crafty Creations. Juliya will guide you step by step in painting a nature-themed work of art. You don't need any background in painting! Each participant will go home with a lovely creation. Feel free to bring your own refreshments. THis program is for ages 16 and above.
Saturday, Feb. 10; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $45/person; advance registration required.
Kane County winters may look bleak and dreary, but the bright green colors of evergreen trees provide a little pop of color. Head over to LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve to learn about these cone-bearing trees and the specific features we can use to identify different evergreen species. This will be a hiking program, so please wear appropriate winter gear. This program is for ages 18 and above.
Sunday, Feb. 18; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
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.
**THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.**
Don your ugly holiday sweaters and embark on a wintry ride like no other! Enjoy a state-of-the-art motor coach tour in and around the bed of the now-extinct, but once vast, Glacial Lake Pingree. The motor coach will stop at key locations that give evidence to the natural history and continuing significance of this Ice Age wonder. While en route, Kane County Certified Naturalist David Schoenknecht will provide a multimedia experience and share new scientific research on Glacial Lake Pingree. The motor coach departs and returns to Creek Bend Nature Center. Refreshments will be provided. Registration, with full payment, due by Dec. 1, 2023. KCCN coupons cannot be used for this program.
Saturday, Dec. 9; 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Begin and end at Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $30/person; advance registration required.
Take a look at the winter night sky with the help of members from the Fox Valley Astronomical Society. There will be discussion on the winter solstice, constellations that are viewable from December through February, and tips for binoculars and telescopes.
Thursday, Dec. 21; 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Peck Farm Park
4038 Kaneville Rd., Geneva
Fee: $10/person; advance registration required.
Chief White Winnebago of the HoChunk nation will describe the culture and history of his tribal territory and settlements, how his family was relocated into Starved Rock, tribal names and culture, his regalia, and tribal artifacts. Native American storytelling, mostly of HoChunk origin, will be woven into Chief White Winnegbago's presentation. This program is for ages 18 and is sponsored by Illinois Humanities. Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly (through the Illinois Arts Council Agency), as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Saturday, Jan. 27; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Injured bird, lost squirrels, bats in your belfry? Stephanie Franczak of Anderson Humane Wildlife Center will describe the animal encounters she's experienced in her role as a wildlife rehabilitator. She will explain the proper steps to take when we find injured or orphaned animals, and describe the type of care her wildlife center provides. Let's learn from her success stories and understand how to treat those unexpected, wild house guests!
Saturday, Feb. 17; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person; advance registration required.
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.
Saturday, Feb. 24; 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person; advance registration required.
Our valuable and beautiful trees don't all grow in forest preserves/Trinity Pierce, Chicago Region Trees Initiative Stewardship Manager at The Morton Arboretum, will explore the local urban tree canopy using mapping data and an interpretive tree walk. She will highlight the importance of species diversity and suggest excellent native trees that can thrive in cities, towns and suburbs in northern Illinois. Learn about planting the right tree in the right place, and about other opportunities for community forestry engagement.
Tuesday, Feb. 27; 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person; advance registration required.
