Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
Credit cards can only be accepted for online registrations. When registering via phone or email, required fees must be paid at the program with cash or check payable to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County unless otherwise noted. Checks can be mailed to:
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St.
St. Charles, IL 60175
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.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County (FPDKC) is committed to conducting its programs and activities in a safe manner and holds the safety of participants in high regard. The FPDKC continually strives to reduce risks and insists that all participants follow safety rules and instructions that are designed to protect the participant's safety. All registrants will be asked to sign a waiver and release.
By registering for a program, you consent to and authorize the use of any photographs and other audiovisual materials for promotional purposes, including printed material, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of the District.
Please let us know at least two weeks in advance by calling the program manager at 630-444-3191. 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: 630-444-3950 or 630-232-5980, TTY Relay: 800-526-0844, email 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 for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
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. For the grand finale of your storytime experience, head outside to read a second book along the StoryWalk®! No registration required.
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, July 16; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Creek Exploration"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Sept. 17; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Slugs & Bugs"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 15; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Spider Senses"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Nov. 19; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Oh, Deer!"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Twigs to Trees
Extending our popular Little Saplings program, Twigs to Trees is designed for school–age children in kindergarten to second grade. During each session, we’ll investigate seasonal nature themes as we explore the woods and wilds with nature-based play. This is a drop-off program; parents and caregivers will not stay with their children.
Tuesday, July 14; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.; "Creek Exploration"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, Sept. 15; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Insectivores!"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, Oct. 13; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Life in a Log"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, Nov. 17; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Animal Signs"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
week in the woods summer camp
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 three different age groups: (1) children age 4-6, (2) children entering grades 1st through 5th and (3) children entering grades 5th through 8th. Advance registration is required, after which we will provide detailed camp information and forms.
Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17; "Nature's Superheroes" (Entering grades 1st - 5th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Burnidge Forest Preserve
14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
Fee: $159/child
Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24; "Art in Nature" (Entering grades 5th - 8th); 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $159/child
Let us host a Woodland Birthday party for your child! 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.
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
YARN ART SOCIAL CIRCLE
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, July 25; 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 22; 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Sept. 19; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Oct. 17; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Nov. 14; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Bird Watching Walks
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves. District naturalists will cover basic bird-identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Sunday, July 19; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Freeman Kame Forest Preserve
40W346 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE; advance registration is required.
Sunday, Aug. 16; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Otter Creek Forest Preserve
37W870 Hopps Rd., Elgin
FREE; advance registration is required.
Sunday, Sept. 13; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve
43W231 Main St., Elburn
FREE; advance registration is required.
Friday, Oct. 23; 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
701 North Williams Rd., Carpentersville
FREE; advance registration is required.
Friday, Nov. 20; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve
39W933 Russell Rd., Elgin
FREE; advance registration is required.
ethnobotany with the bison
Join us for an exploration of the tallgrass prairie, where we’ll discover how bison shape the landscape and how people have long relied on prairie plants for food, medicine, and daily life.
Sunday, Aug. 23; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
13N240 Engel Rd., Sycamore
FREE; advance registration required.
Bison Days at Burlington Prairie
Join District naturalists and our partners from the American Indian Center of Chicago to experience the prairie through the lens of culture, ecology, and kinship with the indigenous Bison. This immersive program features Indigenous storytelling, guided exploration, and opportunities to learn how bison shape the land and support thriving prairie ecosystems. Participants will rotate through a shared program experience that centers cultural knowledge, environmental learning, and connection to place along with a shared community lunch. Register for one session only.
Saturday, Aug. 22; 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
13N240 Engel Rd., Sycamore
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 22; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
13N240 Engel Rd., Sycamore
FREE; advance registration required.
Join the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program for evenings of fishing fun at Lake Patterson! Instructors will teach participants basic angling skills including casting, knot tying and fish identification, while demonstrating ethical angling practices. Participants can bring their own equipment or borrow loaner tackle and rods while supplies last. No registration required.
Wednesday, July 29; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
FREE; no registration required.
Wednesday, Aug. 12; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
FREE; no registration required.
ecolab: Fun in the sun
Let’s explore how to harness the energy of the sun by doing real solar experiments. After a brief overview of the Sun’s properties and characteristics, we will conduct two scientific experiments that culminate in dazzling results that participants can take home and display. Ages 10 and above.
Saturday, Aug. 1; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person; advance registration required.
geology rocks!
The story of the earth beneath our feet goes back millions of years. But we can see evidence of past geologic events right here in our forest preserve.! Learn about the geologic history of our area, discover artifacts left behind when Illinois was covered by an inland sea, and learn how glaciers helped sculpt our landscapes.
Wednesday, Aug. 5; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE; advance registration required.
keystone species in woodland ecosystems
Do you know the difference between a savanna and a woodland? How about the meaning of “keystone species”? Our Naturalist will make these terms come alive during a guided stroll through different wooded communities populated by many different tree and animal species. You’ll leave this program appreciating the interconnectedness of all life forms.
Thursday, Aug. 6; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
8th Annual Rusty Rodeo
There are underwater invaders in our local waterways and we want you to help us round them up! Our culprit is the Rusty Crayfish, an invasive aquatic creature in Kane County. Join Naturalists in the water with dip nets to collect, identify and remove some Rusties. Learn more about native and invasive aquatic species at educational pop-up exhibits. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest, smallest, and largest number of crayfish collected. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy and bring a dip net. Visit one or both locations! This is a partnership program with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District, and Friend of the Fox. No registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 15; 10:00 a.m. - Noon
North Aurora Island Park
4 E State St., North Aurora
FREE; no registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 15; 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Mt. St. Mary's Park
79 Prairie Street, St. Charles
FREE; no registration required.
What's Up Tonight?
Back by popular demand, members of the Fox Valley Astronomical Society will illuminate the wonders of astronomy. Following a brief indoor presentation about objects visible in the night sky this autumn evening, we'll head outdoors (weather permitting) to enjoy the nocturnal view through multiple telescopes.
Thursday, Sept. 17; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; no registration required.
Harvest Fall Festival
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with the Forest Preserve District! At this popular, family-friendly festival, we’ll have pumpkin painting, games, education stations, crafts, folk music and refreshments. Admission to all activities is free. Nominal fee for crafts and refreshments. No registration required.
Sunday, Sept. 27; Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Oakhurst Forest Preserve
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
FREE; no registration required; nominal fee for crafts and refreshments.
Fall Color Chemistry
Autumn is where art and science meet! Plants swap their green colorings for a full palette of gold, orange, and crimson – all thanks to the chemistry of pigments hiding in every leaf. Join District Naturalists as we discuss the science behind the beauty of fall.
Sunday, Oct. 11; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve
8N700 Barry Rd., South Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
Natural History of Bobcats
Reports of Felis rufus sightings are increasingly common in Kane County. Stefanie Fitzsimons, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist, will discuss the history of bobcats and their range in Illinois. She will also explore the unique role that bobcats play in regional ecosystems and delve into past and present research findings about bobcats in Illinois.
Saturday, Oct. 17; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
ecolab: Murder mystery in the mansion
Tragedy has struck the Creek Bend Nature Center! Ollie O’Possum has been found dead inside the historic farm mansion. Foul play is suspected and we are calling on you to help us get to the bottom of this crime. Unravel puzzles, collect evidence, and perform science experiments to solve this who-dun-it mystery! This program is for ages 8 and above; participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Oct. 24; 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person; advance registration required.
Owl Prowl
Some of the most mysterious, and fascinating, denizens of the dark are our local owls. At this sunset program, we’ll describe the natural history of native owls and explain the impact owls have had on human culture. Following an indoor presentation, we’ll head into the nocturnal woods to look for Great Horned Owls and Screech Owls.
Thursday, Oct. 29; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Creatures of the Night
Get out after-hours for a naturalist-guided hike through local woodlands. Together, we’ll discover the incredible adaptations that nocturnal animals use to successfully navigate the nighttime. Leave the flashlights at home to let your night vision guide the way.
Thursday, Nov. 12; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
FREE; advance registration required.
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration.
If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Thank you!
senior stroll
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! No registration required for this free program.
Thursday, Aug. 6; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve
39W933 Russell Rd., Elgin
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, Sept. 3; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Elburn Forest Preserve
45W061 Illinois Rte. 38, Elburn
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, Oct. 1; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
13N240 Engel Rd., Sycamore
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
Thursday, Nov. 5; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve
719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
NURTURED BY NATURE
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. 2; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Sept. 6; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
13N240 Engel Rd., Sycamore
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Oct. 4; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Nov. 1; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Nov. 29; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Brunner Family Forest Preserve
18N681 Western Ave. - IL Rte. 31, West Dundee
FREE; advance registration required.
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.
CANCELLED: Thursday, July 16; 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Aurora West Forest Preserve
40W032 Hankes Rd., Aurora
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, Aug. 20; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, Sept. 24; 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 15; 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Nov. 21; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration required.
Explore the Fox River by Kayak
Tour our local waterways during these paddling adventures! Our 2026 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; you may take one, two, or all six! Boaters must be at least 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.
Saturday, July 18; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meeting at: Ferson Creek Park
State Rte. 31, east of Wildrose Springs Dr., St. Charles
Paddle Distance: 4.5 miles
Skill Level: Beginner
Fee: $89/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) Or provide your own kayak for $45/person.
Advance registration required.
Sunday, Aug. 2; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meeting at: Ferson Creek Park
State Rte. 31, east of Wildrose Springs Dr., St. Charles
Paddle Distance: 4.5 miles
Skill Level: Beginner
Fee: $89/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) Or provide your own kayak for $45/person.
Advance registration required.
Saturday, Sept. 5; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meeting at: Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve
50 Airport Rd., Elgin
Paddle Distance: 7 miles
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $89/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) Or provide your own kayak for $45/person.
Advance registration required.
Saturday, Oct. 10; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meeting at: McCullough Park
150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Paddle Distance: 6 miles with portage
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $89/person (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle) Or provide your own kayak for $45/person.
Advance registration required.
Women's Weekend: A Nurturing Nature Retreat
Immerse yourself in a restorative weekend in nature. Our first day will include a sumptuous cooking class and lunch led by Dutch-oven Diva, Lesley Tennessen. We will embark on a naturalist-led tree identification hike, make our own candles to take home, and end the day stargazing and enoying a campfire with s'mores. After a shared breakfast on Day 2, members of Kane County Audubon will lead us on a morning bird walk and participants will receive a commemorative retreat t-shirt. You're bound to leave feeling refreshed and renewed! Overnight participants should bring a tent and sleeping gear. Registrants may alternatively leave for the evening and return the following morning. Activities are designed for everyone to participate. We will supply snacks, all meals, activity instruction and supplies, and access to indoor bathrooms, shower, and kitchen. Registration required by Aug. 14, after which no refunds will be issued for cancellation. Ages 18 and above.
Saturday, Aug. 29; 10 a.m. - Sunday, Aug. 30; 10 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $169/person; advance registration required.
Fall Colors Yoga & Stroll
As we watch the seasons change, take this yoga and fall color program as an opportunity to slow down and connect with the changes in the natural world. We will begin with a guided fall color stroll through the beautiful woodlands, and will end with mindful movements and meditation with yoga instructor Jared Fedota from YogaSix studio in Geneva. This program is for ages 18 and above.
Thursday, Oct. 15; 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Fabyan East Forest Preserve
1500 Crissey Ave. IL - Rte. 25, Geneva
Fee: $30/person; advance registration required.
kane county certified naturalist (KCCN) Information Session
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. No registration required.
Thursday, Nov. 12; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center
3507 Kaneville Rd., Geneva
FREE; no registration required.
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs, use our Online Program Registration. For discount Kane County Certified Naturalist registrants, please call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. If you have any questions, call Creek Bend Nature Center at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
Learn from the experts programs
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.
A bumblebee’s a bumblebee, right? Yes, and no. In Illinois, there are twelve species of bumblebees, collectively known by their genus name Bombus. They play a critical role in the ecology of our prairies and woodlands. In this presentation, you’ll learn about bumblebee diversity, ecological niches, and efforts to preserve and protect this important group of pollinators. We’ll begin with an indoor presentation, then head out to the prairie to find different species at work.
Tuesday, Aug. 4; 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.The chronicle of tallgrass prairie in Illinois is a truly remarkable story. During this naturalist-led program, learn how human and non-human interactions have shaped our prairie landscape over the last 200 years. We will explore different prairie ecosystems, looking for glimpses of one of the largest players in the prairie ecology narrative – the American Bison!
Thursday, Aug. 13; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.Join former preserve staff resident Valerie Blaine to learn about the history of the land that makes up present-day Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve. From dance hall to spiritual retreat to nature center, Tekakwitha Forest Preserve has seen a lot of natural and cultural change! We will hike the trails and explore the surrounding natural communities while we learn about this beautiful preserve.
Sunday, Sept. 20; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.Identifying trees in autumn can be a unique challenge. Some species retain their leaves late into the season, while others drop their leaves at the first appearance of cool temperatures and shorter days. Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick will explain how to identify trees with and without their leaves during this fully-outdoors class. The program will begin with a review of basic tree anatomy and identifying features then traverse the woodlands examining leaves, bark, twigs, and fruit to identify a number of common native hardwood trees.
Saturday, Sept. 26; 10:00 a.m. - NoonWhat happens when you mash up the worlds of food science and astronomy? Food in space! Ryan Dillman, Community Relations Director of the Fox Valley Astronomical Society (FVAS), will kick off the evening with an indoor presentation about the science and history of food in space. Afterwards, we’ll be treated to a star party as we view the wonders of the night sky through a multitude of different telescopes.
Thursday, Oct. 1; 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.Did you know that some shorebirds travel half way across the globe each migratory season? Alex Smilor, Research Assistant in the Ward Lab of Ornithology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will explain the science of migration ecology and describe some of the incredible feats that shorebirds (including many that pass through Illinois) perform while migrating between their summer and winter ranges. Alex will also describe his latest project studying Illinois “fluddles” (ephemeral wetlands) and share preliminary findings on how migratory shorebirds utilize flooded agricultural fields.
Sunday, Nov. 8; 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.Enjoy a state-of-the-art motorcoach tour in and around the bed of the now-extinct, but once vast, Glacial Lake Pingree. We 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 November 2, 2026. KCCN coupons cannot be used for this program.
Saturday, Nov. 14; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
