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, Oct. 20; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Let's Go Batty!"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Nov. 17; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Snuggling in for Winter"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Dec. 15; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Oh, Deer!"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Jan. 19; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Whoooo Are You?"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Feb. 16; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "It's Freezing out There!"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Drop your middle school student off at Creek Bend Nature Center to discover the outdoor world and uncover the secrets that an Illinois winter holds. This workshop will incorporate hands-on experiments, scientific activities, fun games, and an adventurous hike through a winter wonderland. Come prepared for indoor classroom activities as well as outdoor exploration.
Wednesday, Jan. 4; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $20/person
Summer will be here before you know it! Make plans now for your child to spend a week in the woodlands, prairies, and wetlands of Kane County with a professional District naturalist. More information on camp time, themes and locations will be available in March 2023.
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.
The cool days of fall are perfect for enjoying a hike while looking and listening for birds. This program is offered both early and late in the fall to enjoy the variety of avian species that are active during different parts of the season; register for one or both sessions! You will learn basic bird identification skills and be treated to stories about the special adaptions and lifestyles that make birds so special.
Saturday, Nov. 12; 10-11 a.m.
Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve
8N700 Barry Rd., South Elgin
FREE
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. This new series of programs will meet monthly at the cozy Creek Bend Nature Center. Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome. Register for one class or the entire year! Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Oct. 22; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 19; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Saturday, Dec. 17; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Saturday, Jan. 14; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Saturday, Feb. 11; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Celebrate the changing season during this fun and informative fall hike. Learn about different native tree species and the fascinating changes they undergo at this time of year as winter approaches. We will also explore the strategies that our local animals use to prepare for the chilly temperatures ahead.
Sunday, Oct. 30; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Join us to create some eco-friendly decor for the holidays using items we discover right in our own backyards! Using found things like milkweed pods, sticks and pinecones, we'll do a craft together to get our imaginations working. Then, we'll share ideas to help create our own holiday creations.
Sunday, Nov. 20; 10-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look, and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves this winter. District Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Sunday, Dec. 11; 10-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
The winter solstice is almost upon as the hush begins to fall on a crisp winter day. Join us for a hike as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. We will look for tracks and listen for animals as we make our way thru the woods. Warm up with some hot chocolate at the end of the program.
Thursday, Dec. 15; 4-5 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve * Meet at Shelter #1
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Bundle up and come out for an owl prowl in the winter woods. We'll begin at the shelter with an introduction to the world of owls, and then head out on the trail to call and listen for these birds of the night. If we're lucky, we'll not only hear an owl, but will get to see one glide silently past us in search of dinner.
Sunday, Dec. 18; 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE
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 trailside company. Afterwards, we'll head indoors for a mug of hot cocoa or warming coffee. Bring the whole family!
Sunday, Jan. 1; 9-10 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Learn how to identify some of the birds that brave Kane County during the harsh winter months. A District Naturalist will share interesting facts and folklore as we watch for birds along the shore of the Fox River.
Saturday, Jan. 7; 10-11 a.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Maria Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Learn about the various types of animal signs you can discover while exploring Kane County trails and natural areas. While you might not encounter wildlife during your winter walks, in this program we'll teach you how to identify animal tracks and to hone your observational skills in order to recognize the subtle clues that animals leave behind.
Sunday, Jan. 22; 10-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Don't let a little snow stop you from getting out enjoying nature! Snowshoeing is fun and easy and is the perfect way to explore our forest preserves in the winter. 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 four sessions! Fees will collected at the program, with payment by cash or check required, and include equipment rental, skills training, and guided hiking. We require registration and shoe size at least 1 week prior to the program. This program is for ages 8 and above.
Saturday, Jan. 28; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person
Saturday, Feb. 11; 9:30-11 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $25/person
Sunday, Feb. 26; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person
Sunday, March 18; 9:30-11 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $25/person
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.
Friday, Feb. 17; 10-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Mark your calendars for our annual Maple Sugaring event! We'll hold two days of maple tapping fun on Saturday, March 4 & Sunday, March 5, from noon - 3 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Saturday, March 4 & Sunday, March 5; 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for any of our programs, please fill out a registration form, or call 630-444-3190. Telephone reservations are accepted weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Seniors are invited to join District naturalists each month to explore a different preserve and learn about the natural and cultural history surrounding the land. Dress for the weather - these outdoor programs celebrate the change in seasonal surroundings! Each meeting includes a pleasant ramble lasting about an hour, followed by social time in the shelter. No registration required for this free program.
Thursday, Oct. 6; 10 a.m. - Noon
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, Nov. 3; 10 a.m. - Noon
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m. - Noon *Holiday Potluck*
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted, bring a dish to pass
Thursday, Jan. 5; 10 a.m. - Noon *Travelogue: Natural Wonders of Nova Scotia*
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted
Thursday, Feb. 2; 10 a.m. - Noon
Glenwood Park Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
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, Oct. 20; 4-6 p.m.
Voyageur's Landing Forest Preserve
50 Airport Rd., Elgin
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 5; 9-11 a.m.
Aurora West Forest Preserve
40W032 Hankes Rd., Aurora
FREE
Saturday, Nov. 5; 9-11 a.m.
Aurora West Forest Preserve
40W032 Hankes Rd., Aurora
FREE
Saturday, Dec. 3; 9-11 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE
Saturday, Jan. 7; 9-11 a.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
FREE
Saturday, Feb. 16; 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Otter Creek Forest Preserve
37W870 Hopps Rd., Elgin
FREE
Join us for a year-end gathering to enjoy good company, as well as complimentary hors d'oeuvres and craft beer and wine, at beautiful Creek Bend Nature Center within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. Explore the mansion and nature center, relax over a beverage and meal, play nature-themed party games, or simply chat with friends old and new while you escape the holiday stress. This program is for ages 21 and above.
Friday, Dec. 2; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $20/person
Experience the healing effects of nature. Studies show that time outdoors can relieve stress, boost your immune system, improve sleep, and contribute to overall good health. During this new monthly series, we'll incorporate gentle stretching, deep breathing, and a focus on awareness during these hikes designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. This program is for ages 18 and above.
Sunday, Oct. 9; 10-11 a.m.
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE
Sunday, Nov. 6; 10-11 a.m.
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
42W855 Bahr Rd., Hampshire
FREE
Sunday, Dec. 4; 10-11 a.m.
Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve
441 Courtney Circle, Sugar Grove
FREE
Sunday, Jan. 29; 10-11 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE
Sunday, Feb. 26; 10-11 a.m.
Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve
16N690 Sleepy Hollow Rd., West Dundee
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, Oct. 2; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Grunwald Farms Forest Preserve
02S035 Lorang Rd., Elburn
FREE
Tour our local waterways during these paddling adventures! Each session, participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor from Rocktown Adventures. 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. 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 1 week prior to the program and full payment at time of registration.
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.
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.
Learning in a classroom is rewarding, but nothing matches the satisfaction and fun of learning in the field. Whether you're a participant in our Kane County Certified Naturalist (KCCN) program or a member of the general public with a passion for the outdoors, these interactive outings will immerse you among our local ecosystems and provide hands-on learning opportunities beyond those introduced in KCCN.
The tallgrass prairie evolves through the spring and summer seasons, sporting different colors and textures with the progression of different flowering species. Come and discover the late summer blooms, insects, birds and other residents that make the fully mature tallgrass prairie such a unique and special ecosystem.
Sunday, Oct. 16; 9-10:30 a.m.
Dick Young Forest Preserve
39W115 Main St., Batavia
Fee: $10/person
We can't emphasize it enough: Landforms give us life forms. We'll review the glacial processes that produced our Fox River, as well as the kames, moraines, kettles and eskers that typify Kane County's geography. We'll then head out to hike the formations and discuss how the topography impacts the plants and animals that call them home.
Saturday, Feb. 4; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Dr., 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, Oct. 2; 9-11 a.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Fee: $10/person
Over a dozen Kane County Forest Preserves and a half-dozen distinct watersheds bear witness to the past existence of an ancient and immense body of water. Glacial Lake Pingree extended south to north from Lily Lake to Crystal Lake and east to west from Randall Road to Route 47. Many of our local streams spring from the bed that was Glacial Lake Pingree and even now, evidence of the lake's rich bottomlands, islands, and shorelines is easily detected. Kane County Certified Naturalist David Schoenknecht will take us on a two-part dive into Glacial Lake Pingree. Part One will be an indoor presentation and Part Two (in spring 2023) will be a car-caravan field trip, "The Glacial Lake Pingree Circle Tour," through numerous preserves exploring the remnants of the primal lake. Once you learn about Glacial Lake Pingree, you will "see" it everywhere!
Sunday, Oct. 15; 10-11:30 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Today it's a thriving natural area, but over the past 150 years the land we know as Hickory Knolls has undergone many changes. Rich in glacial deposits, the site provided sand and gravel for a growing river town. Some parts were farmed; others served as pastureland. It also holds relics from past indigenous cultures and many remnants from the St. Charles School and Home for Boys. An introduction featuring historic photographs will be followed by an interpretive walk through woodlands, wetlands and prairie.
Saturday, Nov. 5; 9-10:30 a.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles
Fee: $10/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. 10; 7-8 p.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles
FREE
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest, most powerful space telescope ever built. Together with leaders of the Fox Valley Astronomical Society (FVAS), we'll explore the fascinating first images recently released by NASA from the JWST that help unlock the history, and reveal the beauty, of our universe. Our presenters will bring you the captivating story of what the JWSP is and how it works. Immediately following the presentation, we will have a star party! Our friends from the FVAS will set up telescopes outside and welcome you to observe the night sky. Weather permitting, this is your chance to directly observe planets and deep space objects that inspire a true appreciation for our dark skies.
Friday, Dec. 9; 6:30-9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
Kane County has a fair number of year-round birds as well as an interesting array of species that visit us only in winter. We'll learn the field marks and habitat preferences for many of cold-weather feathered friends and, weather permitting, head out to see how many we can find out on the trails. As this program date coincides with the Great Backyard Bird Count, information on this annual event also will be shared.
Saturday, Feb. 18; 9-11 a.m.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
During this class, you'll learn how to identify trees without leaves. There will be 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. 19; 9:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person