August 2, 2021 Update: According to the latest COVID-19 positivity rates from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), Kane County has now reached a "substantial" level of transmission. Please be aware of the following operational updates:
* Please wear a mask when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
* Anyone attending an indoors nature program that includes children under the age of 12, or that is indoors, requires a mask.
* See CDC health recommendations for fully vaccinated people, here.
Online Programs: For those who choose not to come out to the preserves at this time, we'll bring them to you! See our "Nature Virtually Everywhere" series of nature programs.
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. 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, Dec. 16; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Winter Wings"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Jan. 20; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Fuzzy Mammals"
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child
Thursday, Feb. 17; 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. "Valentines for Wildlife"
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.
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 tell a few interesting stories along the way.
Thursday, Dec. 9; 9 - 10 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE
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 Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve.
Sunday, Dec. 18; 10 - 11 a.m.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
FREE
Embrace the seasons and celebrate the arrival of Winter! We'll ramble through the woodlands and prairies of the wintertime preserve, discussing the natural and cultural significance of the Solstice, then gather round a roaring campfire to hear the story of the traditional yule log. Dress for winter weather!
Tuesday, Dec. 21; 4 - 5 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
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!
Saturday, Jan. 1; 9 - 10 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Don't let a little snow stop you from getting out and 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 be 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.
Thursday, Jan. 6; 1 - 3 p.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $25/person
Sunday, Jan. 23; 9 - 11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person
Friday, Feb. 11; 1 - 3 p.m.
Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve
9N420 Crawford Rd., Elgin
Fee: $25/person
Saturday, Feb. 19; 9 - 11 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
Fee: $25/person
Bring the whole family for a scavenger hunt in the winter woodlands! District naturalists will lead the search for nature's hidden "treasures." From mouse tracks to maple seeds to glacial rocks, there will be plenty of clues to discover! We'll end our time with a cozy fireside search in the Durant House Museum, seeking out evidence of human activity. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, Jan. 16; 10 - 11 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.
Sunday, Feb. 6; 10 - 11 a.m.
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
701 N. Williams Rd., Carpentersville
FREE
Mark your calendars for our annual Maple Sugaring event! We'll hold two days of maple tapping fun on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, from noon - 3 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Saturday, March 5 & Sunday, March 6; 12 - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Seniors are invited to join District Naturalists each month on a leisurely stroll through a Kane County forest preserve. Note: No registration is required. For any questions, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Light refreshments will be served after the strolls. These programs are free, donations are accepted.
Thursday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m. - Noon
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Thursday, Jan. 6; 10 a.m. - Noon (Colorado: From Canyon Depths to Sand Dune Mountains)
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE
Thursday, Feb. 3; 10 a.m. - Noon
Paul Wolff Campground
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
FREE
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.
Saturday, Dec. 4; 9 - 11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
Saturday, Jan. 29; 9 - 11 a.m.
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
701 N. Williams Rd., Carpentersville
FREE
Thursday, Feb. 24; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Bowes Creek Woods Forest Preserve
9N420 Crawford Rd., Elgin
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, Dec. 5; 10 - 11 a.m.
Pingree Grove Forest Preserve
14N187 Rte. 20, Pingree Grove
FREE
Sunday, Jan. 30; 10 - 11 a.m.
Dick Young Forest Preserve
39W115 Main St., Batavia
FREE
Sunday, Feb. 27; 10 - 11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
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.
Do you love winter but hate feeling cold? Do you wonder what the term "hot tent" means? Learn the answers to these questions and about the gear and skills needed to enjoy your next camping adventure in a winter wonderland. Our instructor will cover the essentials of camping with a packable wood stove. He will provide advice for choosing the right camping location and picking the gear that fits your needs and budget, plus share tips on clothing options, food preparation and more!
Saturday, Jan. 8; 9 - 11 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $10/person
Our wildlife neighbors may be shy about showing themselves, but they certainly do not shy away from leaving evidence of their presence. Tracks, trail patterns, scat and other signs abound, and are particularly easy to find during the cold-weather months. We'll begin this interactive class indoors, with an overview of local fauna and tracking techniques, then head outdoors to practice what we've learned. You'll never look at 'bare' ground the same again.
Saturday, Jan. 15; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., 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, Jan. 23; 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person
May Theilgaard Watts was a beloved naturalist at Chicago's Morton Arboretum and her grassroots campaign established the Illinois Prairie Path in three years. William Barnett, a professor of history at North Central College, will explore how May Watts represented a distinctly Midwestern set of ideas, linking earlier conservationists and 1960s environmentalism with a strong focus on nature study and a deep concern about suburban sprawl and the loss of farms and prairies.
Tuesday, Feb. 15; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person