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, Dec. 18; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Busy Bobcats"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Jan. 15; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Feisty Foxes"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Thursday, Feb. 19; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; "Sweet & Sappy"
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, Dec. 9; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "The Pines"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, Jan. 13; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Owl Prowl"
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/child; advance registration required.
Tuesday, Feb. 17; 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; "Native American Maple Sugaring Traditions"
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.
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, Dec. 13; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 10; 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Feb. 7; 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.
Friday, Dec. 19; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W880 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration is required.
Friday, Jan. 16; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
46W072 Jericho Rd., Big Rock
FREE; advance registration is required.
Sunday, Feb. 1; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Buffalo Park Forest Preserve
19N475 IL Rte. 31, Algonquin
FREE; advance registration is required.
Chickadees are easily spotted at backyard feeders and can be found in virtually any area with trees. Their distinctive call and curious nature make them a delight to observe for birders and naturalists of all ages! This program will include both an indoor presentation and trail hiking. Bring your own binoculars if possible, and we will provide a few additional sets.
Saturday, Dec. 6; 10-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
evening owl stroll
Following the sunset, night-life begins to stir. Owls have captivated people for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Stroll nighttime trails with a naturalist to learn about the cultural history, anatomy, and lore of these impressive birds. Register for one session only. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, Dec. 18; 4:30-6 p.m.
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Friday, Feb. 6; 4:30-6 p.m.
Campton Forest Preserve
4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
Snowshoe adventure
Don't let a little snow stop you from getting out 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 both sessions! Fee includes equipment rental, skills training, and guided hiking. Ages 8 and above.
Sunday, Jan. 4; 9:30-11 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
Fee: $25/person
Saturday, Feb. 28; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $25/person
Search for short-eared owls
Some animals actually enjoy traveling to the Midwest to enjoy our winter weather. Such is the case for the Short-eared Owl! Searching for this unique bird of prey is the perfect inspiration to get outside in the fresh, frigid air. We’ll explore the fascinating world of raptors, and with any luck, catch a glimpse of Short-eared Owls returning to this preserve.
Monday, Jan. 5; 4-5 p.m.
Brunner Family Forest Preserve
18N681 Western Ave., IL Rte. 31, West Dundee
FREE; advance registration required.
eagles along the fox river
Did you know that magnificent flying creatures live among us, right along the Fox River valley? With a wing span of more than six feet, Bald Eagles are hard to miss. Learn about their fascinating history while we hike along the river in search of eagles.
Saturday, Jan. 10; 10-11 a.m.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
woodchuck watch
Get a head start on Punxsutawney Phil on this naturalist-guided hike. Woodchucks – a.k.a., Groundhogs – are among the few true hibernators in our area, and we can base weather predictions on whether they emerge from hibernation before Groundhog Day. Learn about the differences between hibernation, torpor, and dormancy as we search for these sleepy rodents.
Friday, Jan. 30; 1-2 p.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve
44W880 Allen Rd., Hampshire
FREE; advance registration required.
beaver tales
Beavers have been called nature’s engineers, but just what does that mean? And how do beavers accomplish their work? Learn about beaver adaptations and discover how and why beavers build dams and lodges. Our naturalist will even lead a stroll to discover the work of beavers along nearby Ferson Creek.
Sunday, Feb. 22; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE; advance registration required.
full moon hike
Start the new year off right with an evening hike to bask in the light of the first supermoon of 2026! Learn about the cycles of the moon while we watch the moon rise over the flowing waters of the Fox River. This program is completely outside, so please dress for the weather.
Saturday, Jan. 3; 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
Polar-Palooza
Don't let the winter blues get you down. Drift in and thaw out at Creek Bend Nature Center during this nature-based arcade experience! Complete a flurry of activities indoors and out - earning tickets to redeem for prizes. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while you play and learn. From crafts to games, Polar-Palooza activities are appropriate for all ages, so gather up your family and friends for this popular winter festival. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 17; Noon - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE
ecolab: My chemical romance
Love is in the air this month, and so are countless chemicals. Step into our Eco-Lab to investigate the reactions and processes that animals use to attract mates. Our investigations will include experiments that cause exceptional chemical reactions! Find out if love is heating up or cooling down! Ages 7 and above. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 10-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $5/person
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!
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.
Seniors (age 50 or better) are invited to join naturalists for a holiday potluck party! We’ll have games and treats. Please bring a dish to pass.
Thursday, Dec. 4; 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; no registration needed.
Join Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick for a travelogue about her recent trek to the monarch overwintering grounds in mountainous Michoacan, Mexico. Enjoy this marvelous spectacle of nature while enjoying Mexican hot chocolate and sweet treats.
Thursday, Jan. 8; 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
FREE; donations accepted; no registration needed.
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, Feb. 5; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
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, Dec. 28; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve
5S002 Merrill Rd., Sugar Grove
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Jan. 25; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 IL Rte. 31, Batavia
FREE; advance registration required.
Sunday, Feb. 22; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve (meet at red barns)
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
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* Due to unsafe trail conditions (deep snow over icy base) Saturday, Dec. 6; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve
50 Airport Rd., Elgin
FREE; advance registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 3; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve
1400 Felten Rd., Aurora
FREE; advance registration required.
Thursday, Feb. 26; 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Glenwood Park Forest Preserve
1644 S. River St., Batavia
FREE; advance registration required.
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day in the year and many cultures consider it to be a day of hope for the new year. End 2025 on a destressing, restorative note during this reflective, mindful movement session led by local wellness instructor, Jennifer Falbo-Negron. She will guide us through a heat-building practice using postures, breath work, movements, and acupressure - perfect for building strength, tone, and flexibility. Bring a mat and any props that help you reach the floor, extend a stretch, and sit up tall.
Saturday, Dec. 20; 9-10:30 a.m.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.
In 2025, Fermilab celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first prairie planting. While that is one of the most notable aspects of ecology at the lab, there is much more to their natural area story. Listen to a history of Fermilab prairie restoration and discover other animal and natural area highlights in this presentation by Walter Levernier, Fermilab Senior Natural Resources Specialist.
Saturday, Feb. 7; 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Come to this exciting presentation featuring Cindy Crosby as she tells the tale of the largest and most charismatic of Illinois’ mammals – the bison! Learn how bison play a role in Illinois’ original garden, the tallgrass prairie. Hear about bison in literature, music, and art, and see beautiful photography of the native plants they are associated with, many suitable for the home garden. Then discover where you can see bison and prairie in “The Prairie State.”
Sunday, Feb. 15; 10-11:30 a.m.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.
Sunday, Feb. 22; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
