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.
Enjoy some stories told by the St. Charles Public Library staff. Virtually explore the outdoors at Creek Bend Nature Center, and learn how you can create beautiful things with natural materials. This popular series moves online for the summer season, with each new program posted on the St. Charles Public Library Channel on YouTube. Registration is not required for Story Time programs.
Virtual/Online
St. Charles Public Library YouTube Channel
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, Sept. 17; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Oct. 15; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Nov. 19; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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.
Learn the legends of the moon on these monthly night hikes. Traditional cultures have names for each month's full moon, signifying important natural events of the season. Listen to the stories and learn a little astronomy by the light of the full moon. We'll enjoy a night hike, even if skies are cloudy.
Harvest Moon
Tuesday, Sept. 1; 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Dick Young Forest Preserve
39W115 Main St., Batavia
Fee: $2/person
Hunter Moon
Thursday, Oct. 1; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Pingree Grove Forest Preserve
14N187 US-20, Hampshire
Fee: $2/person
Blue Moon
Saturday, Oct. 31; 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 State Rte. 31, Batavia
Fee: $2/person
Beaver Moon
Monday, Nov. 30; 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $2/person
Let's go for a short hike, then gather 'round the warm glow of a fire to hear the sounds of night, as well as campfire stories. Learn legends about coyote "the trickster" and his friends through these fun and interactive tales. All stories are family friendly, so join us one and all. As an added bonus, we'll provide the s'mores!
Friday, Aug. 28; 8 - 9 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person
Come see the prairie carpeted in wildflowers and illuminated by the brilliant glow of the setting sun. This is a hike through the open plains with wide sweeping views. Listen to the chorus of birds and insects as they celebrate another day.
Friday, July 10; 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
42W797 Rohrsen Rd., Hampshire
FREE
What better way to start your day than with a steaming cup of coffee and a brisk trek through woods and prairie? District Naturalists will provide the coffee and treats prior to heading out on a hike to discover all that the season has to offer. You will also have the opportunity to explore the amenities at two local forest preserve campgrounds that each offer more than 85 improved vehicle campsites as well as primitive tent-only sites and equestrian campsites.
Saturday, Aug. 22; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Paul Wolff Campground
Burnidge Forest Preserve
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
FREE
Head outdoors and take the first step toward a healthy lifestyle! Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, help alleviate attention deficits, and stimulate general good health. We'll hike to explore nature, while doing some invigorating exercises and fun nature activities along the way.
Sunday, Aug. 30; 10 - 11 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
FREE
Saturday, Sept. 19; 10 - 11 a.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
FREE
Saturday, Oct. 24; 10 - 11 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
FREE
Sunday, Nov. 22; 10 - 11 a.m.
Aurora West Forest Preserve
40W032 Hankes Rd., Aurora
FREE
Saturday, Sept. 12; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Big Rock Campground
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W499 Granart Rd., Big Rock
FREE
Celebrate the arrival of Autumn on this fun and informative hike. Find out the meaning of "equinox" and learn about the changing trees, including oaks, and what they go through this time of year. We'll also discuss how local animals are preparing for the chilly temperatures ahead.
Tuesday, Sept. 22; 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Savor this Saturday in autumn to search out seeds in preparation for OAKtober! We'll discuss different types of tree seeds, their special and unique adaptations, and the plants from which specific seeds arise.
Saturday, Sept. 26; 10 - 11 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
FREE
The mightiest oaks start with a little acorn! Learn about our different natvie oak species and take a hike around LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve to observe the unique characteristics of a variety of trees, including several oaks. Complete your experience by decorating a pot and planting your own oak tree to take home.
Sunday, Oct. 18; 10 - 11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/pot
Have you ever looked at a giant tree, perhaps a big oak, and wondered what historical events it experienced during its lifetime? Some of these impressive trees are called "witness trees" and they have a special place in the history of Illinois. Surveyors in the early 1800s relied on witness, or "bearing" trees as landmarks for creating the earliest state land surveys and plat maps. During this webinar, we'll share the history of Illinois' witness trees and provide tools for you to discover witness trees in your own area!
Thursday, Nov. 19; 10 - 10:45 a.m.
Virtual
To register: click here.
FREE
Autumn isn't harvest time for just us humans. Our woodlands provide crucial sustenance for local wildlife just before the harsh winter hits. This informative hike will examine the fruits, nuts and other food sources animals find within our forest preserves.
Thursday, Nov. 19; 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
FREE
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look, and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves this fall. District Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share some interesting stories along the way.
Sunday, Sept. 20; 9 - 10 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Thursday, Oct. 8; 9 - 10 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE
The natural world is loaded with interesting learning opportunities, and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County has over 20,000 acres to explore! Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the District, and have some fun with Naturalist Josh Libman as we highlight the wonderful ways to enjoy our open spaces.
Episode 3 Releases Thursday, Sept. 17; 10 a.m.
Virtual
Listen here.
FREE
Episode 4 Releases Thursday, Nov. 19; 10 a.m.
Virtual
Listen here.
FREE
Join us to create some eco-friendly decor for the holidays using items we find right in our backyard!
Saturday, Nov. 21; 9:30 - 11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
The bushy tailed friends we see every day in our yards and parks aren't the only squirrels native to Kane County. Join us and learn about all of the species of squirrels that inhabit both the tree tops and subterranean realms of our forest preserves.
Thursday, Nov. 12; 10 a.m.
Virtual
View the video here.
FREE
We will inspire you to use your artistic tendencies out in nature, using nature! In this virtual program, we'll share a few examples of artwork that you can make in your local forest preserves, without harvesting or damaging the natural habitat in the process.
Thursday, Sept. 10; 10 a.m.
Virtual
View the video here.
FREE
With over 100 preserves encompassing more than 20,000 acres, there's plenty to see and do in your Kane County forest preserves. Join a Naturalist as we explore the beauty and biodiversity of some of our favorite preserves during each episode of this virtual program series.
Thursday, Oct. 15; 10 a.m.
Virtual
View the video here.
FREE
Are you prepared for a chill and a thrill? Come out to this evening program to enjoy the nighttime trails and hear stories about the creatures that lurk in our natural areas after dark. Following the hike, we will gather around a campfire, roast marshmallows and listen to a few spooky tales.
Friday, Oct. 23; 6 - 7:30 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person
Seniors are invited to join District Naturalists each month on a leisurely stroll through a Kane County forest preserve. Note: To register for this program or for any questions, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. No refreshments will be served at this time.
Thursday, Aug. 6; 10 a.m. - Noon
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
42W797 Rohrsen Rd., Hampshire
FREE
Thursday, Sept. 3; 10 a.m. - Noon
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE
Thursday, Oct. 1; 10 a.m. - Noon
Tyler Creek Forest Preserve
401 Davis Rd., Elgin
FREE
Thursday, Nov. 5; 10 a.m. - Noon
Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve
43W231 Main St., Elburn
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, Aug. 16; 9 - 10 a.m.
Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve
441 Courtney Cicrcle, Sugar Grove
FREE
Sunday, Sept. 13; 9 - 10 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE
Sunday, Oct. 4; 9 - 10 a.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Maria Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Sunday, Nov. 8; 9 - 10 a.m.
Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve
40W346 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE
Tour our local waterways during these paddling adventures! Our 2020 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 and park at the take-out location and are shuttled to the put-in location. Choose any number of sessions to take. Boaters must be 16 years or older and be able to hold their 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/person for Session 1 and $85/person for Sessions 2-6. (Includes use of kayak, personal flotation device and paddle.) Or, provide your own kayak for Sessions 2-6 for $45/person.
Sunday, Sept. 13; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Glenwood Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
Fee: $85/person (Includes use of kayak, personal flotation device, and paddle.) Or, provide your own kayak for $45/person.
Sunday, Oct. 11; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
McCullough Park
150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Fee: $85/person (Includes use of kayak, personal flotation device, and paddle.) Or, provide your own kayak for $45/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 Kane County Certified Naturalists 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. 12; 7 - 8 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles
FREE
Join us for a year-end gathering to enjoy good company, party games, refreshments and beverages from local craft breweries. Beautiful Creek Bend Nature Center will provide a festive setting to take a break from the frenzy of the holidays. Explore the nature center and the 1930s era home and learn about the history of this gem within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. This program is for guests age 21 and older.
Friday, Dec. 11; 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
The following classes are taught by experts in the field and offer in-depth information and learning opportunities about our local ecology. This award-winning program series is cosponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the Geneva Park District, and the St. Charles Park District. These programs are for ages 16 and up. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or fill out this form to register.
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 -- plus Andrenidae, Megachilidae, and the colorful Halictidae, or sweat bees. Because small groups are best, this class will be offered over three sessions. Please sign up for only one time slot.
Saturday, Aug. 8; 8 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; or 11 a.m.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
Fee: $10/person
If you want to take your odonate identification skills to the next level, this advanced class is for you! Cathy White will return to share key identification characteristics of odonate anatomy, including wing venation, color patterns, and the unique reproductive organs of each sex that contribute to the amazing acrobatics of the order Odonata. We'll head outside in the second half of the workshop to capture and identify species using our new skills. Bring an insect net, wading boots, and a hands lens.
Sunday, Aug. 16; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
September is the best time of year to study our local arachnofauna. Individuals are at peak size and prey is plentiful, so reproduction can progress. We'll review the most common families and go over some spider biology indoors before heading out to put our new skills to use.
Saturday, Sept. 12; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Despite the miles upon miles of corn planted in the Midwest, few residents understand the plant's origins or the crop's impact on modern life. In the early nineteenth century, corn was a dietary staple; it was ground into meal for baking and cooking, dried and cooked for food, and even distilled into whiskey. More commonly, though, it was fed to livestock. Corn was particularly important for fattening hogs, since pork was the meat that preserved best in early days. Today, entire industries are based on corn. From food and food additives like corn sweeteners to chemicals, plastics, livestock feeds, food supplements, and ethanol, this plant originally developed by the early peoples of the Americas is found everywhere. Farm hobbyist and corn enthusiast Chuck Bauer will share the fascinating story behind Illinois' most abundant and important crop!
Tuesday, October 13; 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Did you know that agencies in Wisconsin and Illinois have partnered with the National Park Service to create the Fabulous Fox Water Trail? Karen Miller, Executive Planner with the Kane County Development Department, will explain the work that has been done to create the water trail and will share with us the exciting recreational and stewardship opportunities that are now available right in our own backyard. She'll discuss ongoing efforts to earn National Water Trail status for the Fox River and show how this designation would further increase public access and help protect and restore the waters and natural areas along the river. Our Fox River is a priceless and beautiful resource. Join us to learn how you can enjoy the river and support the drive towards a National Water Trail designation!
Saturday, Oct. 17; 10 a.m. - Noon
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Studying trees in Autumn can offer rewards as well as challenges. As leaves change color and fall to the ground, one must focus on other features for proper identification. Join a District Naturalist on this informative hike, and learn the growth habits, ecological significance and identifying features of our local trees.
Sunday, Nov. 1; 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Elburn Forest Preserve
45W061 Rte. 38, Elburn
Fee: $10/person