The mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is to acquire, hold and maintain lands within Kane County that contribute to the conservation of natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the environmental education, recreation, pleasure and wellbeing of all Kane County citizens.
The District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Kane County Board members serve as the Forest Preserve Commission. They are:
Bill Lenert, President, District 5
Mavis Bates, President Pro Tem, District 4
Myrna Molina, Secretary, District 1
Dale Berman, District 2
Anita Marie Lewis, District 3
Sonia Garcia, District 6
Alex Arroyo, District 7
Michelle Gumz, District 8
Gary Daugherty, District 9
Bill Tarver, District 10
Leslie Juby, District 11
Bill Roth, District 12
Michael Linder, District 13
Jon Gripe, District 14
David Young, District 15
Ted Penesis, District 16
Deborah Allan, District 17
Rick Williams, District 18
Mohammad Iqbal, District 19
Cheryl Fritz Strathmann, District 20
Cliff Surges, District 21
Vern Tepe, District 22
Christopher W. Kious, District 23
Jarett Sanchez, District 24
The TreeLine is published quarterly by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Issues are mailed or emailed to all subscribers, based on their preference. To subscribe to the print or electronic edition (or both), call 630-232-5980 or email forestpreserve@kaneforest.com and request your free subscription to The TreeLine.
Benjamin Haberthur, Executive Director
Laurie Metanchuk, Director of Community Engagement
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents.
Fun’s on
tap:
Maple Sugaring Days, March 1 & 2
Cover Photo
Delicate clusters of Dutchman’s breeches bloom gracefully in the spring light at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve.
Photo by Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick
Add your family’s name to support 100 years of conservation
Celebrate 100 years of conservation by contributing to the centennial project at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County turns 100 years old, this June. To commemorate the milestone, the District is making improvements
to Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve — our very first forest preserve. We’ll construct a trail spur, install our first piece of public art (a sculpture by local artist Mike Baur, entitled Guardians), and plant an 800-tree oak grove in a newer section of the preserve, and install new prairie. We’ll also host a public birthday party on June 8 at noon, where the new improvements will be unveiled. All are invited.
The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation is soliciting funds to help defray the cost of the centennial grove and artwork, and your name can be a permanent part of this milestone celebration. By sponsoring at the Centennial Champion ($800) level or the
Heritage Partner ($400 level), your name will be inscribed on a permanent bronze plaque at the site. Corporate sponsorships are also available. Visit www.
kaneforestpreservefoundation. org or scan the QR code below for more information. Centennial sponsorships must be placed by March 1, 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this meaningful celebration and enrich the natural landscape for generations to come.
Register now for Summer Day Camps in the forest preserves
Explore woodland wonders, get your feet wet in local streams, and learn new skills during these five-day nature camps, from 9 a.m. - Noon.
Naturalists will lead hikes, activities, games and nature-based crafts on a different nature theme, each day. Summer camp is for two age groups: (1) Children entering 1st through 5th grades and (2) Children entering 5th through 8th grades. Camp fee is $149/child/ camp.
To register, visit www. kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@ kaneforest.com.
Detailed camp information will be provided upon registration.
Woodland Wonders
June 9 to June 13
Grades 1st - 5th
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
STEAM in Nature
June 16 to June 20
Grades 1st - 5th
Burnidge Forest Preserve 14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
Art in Nature
June 23 to June 27
Grades 1st - 5th
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fun & Fit in Nature
July 7 to July 11
Grades 1st - 5th
Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn
Tools of the Trade
July 14 to July 18
Grades 5th - 8th
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Tracking & Survival
July 21 to July 25
Grades 1st - 5th
Oakhurst Forest Preserve 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
register: visit www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com
Art rendering concept by Tina Druce-Hoffman
“The earth laughs in flowers...” —
All-Ages Programs
All ages are welcome to attend District programs unless otherwise specified. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Organized parties must schedule a separate tour. Advance registration is required for all nature programs, unless otherwise specified.
Maple Sugaring Days
Celebrate all things maple, along with some milestone anniversaries, at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s Maple Sugaring Days!
Naturalists will demonstrate how to tap a maple tree. You can also try drilling and setting your own tap. Watch sap simmer over an open fire, as it thickens to syrup. Outdoors, learn about the history of maple tapping, while inside, visit the Maple Café to sample pure, local syrup. Syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last. Maple Sugaring Days will also have the usual goodies available for purchase inside the nature center, including maple sundaes (ice cream drizzled with syrup), hot chocolate, and maple-glazed donuts. Thank you to event sponsors, Culver’s in St. Charles and Original Country Donuts Elgin.
As part of this popular spring festival, we’ll also be celebrating two anniversaries — the Forest Preserve District’s 100th anniversary and Maple Sugaring Days’ 30th anniversary. To mark the occasions, we’ve got an exciting new addition to this year’s festival. Riverlands Brewing Company has created an exclusive Maple Replay Imperial Stout, brewed in collaboration with the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. The craft brew features the same maple syrup that’s offered at the festival, sourced locally from Funks Grove, Ill. The beer
Ralph Waldo Emerson
honors the centuries-old tradition of maple sugaring, and will be available for purchase inside the beer tent at Maple Sugaring Days. A portion of the proceeds will benefit nature education and other initiatives supported by the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. No registration required.
Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2; Noon - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
COMMUNITY SCIENCE SERIES ��
Community science is research conducted by amateur scientists — people just like you! Community scientists learn more about the world around them while having a real impact on local land-management decisions and global-scale ecology solutions. Naturalists will conduct training classes to get you started collecting and submitting real-world data to various conservation organizations.
Spring Ephemerals ��
Ephemerals are woodland plants that emerge early in spring, and flower before the trees leaf out. From March 1 –May 31, help track when and where spring ephemerals are blooming anywhere in Kane County (a forest preserve, a park, or your own backyard.) When you see a woodland wildflower, snap a photo and submit your observation on the free iNaturalist app, under our project name, Kane County, IL: Spring 2025 Ephemerals. We’ll help you learn about different flower species
with plant identification signs posted along woodland walks in Burnidge, Bliss Woods and Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserves. Thank you to our sign sponsor, the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. No registration required.
Monitors learn to identify and report on the unique calls of the 13 species of frogs and toads that occur in the Chicago region. After attending a virtual educational workshop, they listen for frogs on three evenings, during the spring. Survey data provides important
by
Centennial Program
Photo
Wildlife Technician
Sadie
Dainko
information that scientists and land managers use to conduct amphibianfriendly management and research projects. Join us at the Kane County training session to get started on your adventure! Ages 16 and above.
Dates and workshop details can be found at: https://frogsurvey.org/?page_id=23 FREE
City Nature Challenge ��
Starting as a competition between the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences, the City Nature Challenge is a global community science bio-blitz. This four-day event challenges residents to photo-document plants and animals in their community, from April 25 – May 4, in order to understand and appreciate urban biodiversity. Join us the first day of the event to learn both how the challenge works and to use the iNaturalist app to report your own data. We’ll then explore Rutland Forest Preserve together to get you started as a bioblitz scientist! If you would like to enter your own observations, please download the free iNaturalist app, prior to the program.
Friday, April 25; 10-11 a.m.
Rutland Forest Preserve
41W230 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire FREE
Yarn Art Social Circle
Join Naturalist Erica Lemon 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!
Saturday, March 8; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Saturday, April 5; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Saturday, May 3; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Geocaching Gold
The leprechaun has taken off with our pot of gold and we must track him down to get it back, before St. Patrick’s Day! Luckily, we have the coordinates to his last-known position. We’ll begin our search with a brief tutorial on the use of GPS units (which our naturalist will provide, or you may bring your own) and then, you’ll be off on a geocaching-like mission to track down the stolen pot of gold. Please register every person attending the program.
Sunday, March 16; 9-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Bird Watching Walks
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look and listen for the birds inhabiting our local forest preserves, this spring. District Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share interesting stories, along the way.
Sunday, March 30; 10-11 a.m.
Grunwald Farms Forest Preserve 02S035 S Lorang Rd., Elburn FREE
Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve 13N240 Engel Rd., Burlington FREE
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN SERIES
In this centennial year of the Forest Preserve District, we’ll explore the unique cultural and natural history of one of our first land holdings — Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve. Come gain a different perspective and a new level of appreciation for this historic site.
Seasonal Spotlight: Signs of Spring
With buds bursting, frogs calling, flowers blooming, and insects buzzing, springtime is a feast for the senses! This family-friendly guided hike will highlight some of the exciting changes happening in our woodlands, this time of the year.
Phenology is the study of timing and patterns of plant and animal seasonal activities. We’ll show you how to closely observe natural life cycles and gather phenology data in your own yard, as well as how to contribute your observations to Nature’s Notebook, an online community-science phenology project. Along the way, we’ll explain the changes in the seasonal patterns of Johnson’s Mound, over the years.
In conjunction with our traveling exhibit at Creek Bend Nature Center, “Time Flies: A Centennial Celebration,” curated in honor of the District’s 100th anniversary, we offer a complement of hands-on, watershed-themed educational programs for the whole family to enjoy. After each of the programs, head inside the nature center to explore the new exhibit!
Creek Exploration
Dip your toes in the water and enjoy a naturalist-guided exploration of Ferson Creek. Fish, frogs and water striders are just a few of the cool creatures we’ll find. Wear shorts and bring an extra pair of shoes for wading. Ages 5 and above; adults must accompany children in the water.
Friday, May 9; 1-2 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Learn from the Experts: Fishing the Fox River
public access locations. Discover how you and your family can enjoy a day of fishing along the fabulous Fox River!
Saturday, May 10; 10-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Amphibian Adventure
Animals that live both in the water and on land are very unique and interesting creatures! We’ll introduce you to the amphibians that call Illinois home, and explain their special adaptions as we explore the pond and creek for frogs, toads and salamanders.
Sunday, May 18; 1-2 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Beginner Fly-Tying Workshops
Learn the art and science of fly tying in these free introductory workshops!
Instructors from Oak Brook Trout Unlimited will provide all the equipment and materials you need to design and create the perfect fly for your next fishing adventure. Register for one session only. Ages 16 and above.
Tom Stewart, a 3rd generation fisherman who grew up along the Fox River in Elgin, will share his knowledge about the sport of fishing and secrets for successfully fishing the Fox River. After spending 30 years with the Forest Preserve District as a senior ranger, Tom is currently the president of the Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, a conservation organization that promotes outdoor recreation and wise stewardship of the land. Tom will highlight conservation ethics, discuss the tackle needed and point out the best
Friday, May 16; 1-2 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Welcome to your Watershed
We all live in a watershed. Our actions impact the animals that depend on aquatic habitats to survive. Join a naturalist for a creek exploration walk to investigate the health of the waterway and to learn more about your Fox River Watershed. Wear shorts and bring an extra pair of shoes for wading. Ages 5 and above; adults must accompany children in the water.
Thursday, April 17; 7-9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Thursday, April 24; 7-9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Thursday, May 1; 7-9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Thursday, May 22; 7-9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Spring Break EcoLab: Macro-Mania Investigation!
What life teems beneath the surface of the water?
Macroinvertebrates, for one! These tiny aquatic organisms, including insects and crustaceans, tell a mighty story about the health of our water ecosystems. Become a “forensic investigator” of waterway health by collecting macroinvertebrate specimens and bringing them to our “science lab” for microscopic examination. After identifying our collected creatures, we will be able to “solve the case” of the unknown water quality. Ages 8 and above.
Thursday, April 3; 10-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk
Celebrate motherhood and mothers as we embark on a wildflower discovery walk at a local forest preserve! Adults will enjoy intriguing stories about the various wildflowers, while children and children-at-heart will relish a wildflower scavenger hunt. Bring the whole family out for this stroll through the beautiful natural landscape!
Sunday, May 11; 9-11 a.m.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve 5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove FREE n n n
Youth Programs
Advance registration is required for all nature programs, unless otherwise specified.
Stories at Creek Bend Nature Center
Join a librarian from the St. Charles Public Library for
read-aloud stories, finger plays, songs and more, during these fun programs for children from infancy through age 5. 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.
Wednesday, March 12; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, April 9; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, May 14; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Little Saplings
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 and/or crafts. A parent or caregiver must accompany child.
Burrowing Badgers
Thursday, March 20; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Muskrat Mania
Thursday, April 17; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Damsels to Dragons
Thursday, May 15; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
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EARTH DAY SHRUB-PLANTING EVENT!
Calling all volunteers! Join us to help 500 hazelnuts and other shrubs, all in honor of Earth Day. Holes will be pre-dug. All you’ll need to do is insert the shrub, tamp down soil, water and mulch. It’s easy! We’ll have giveaways, a naturalist-guided hike, environmental education with a pop-up naturalist exhibit, and a Traveling Science Center. Be sure to arrive by 10 a.m. We’ll plant shrubs until they’re gone (and they’re usually planted in the first 90 minutes.) This event is great for individuals or groups. No registration required.
Saturday, April 26; 10 a.m. sharp Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts FREE
Adult Programs
Advance registration is required for all nature programs, unless otherwise specified.
Senior Stroll
Seniors are invited to join 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.
Thursday, March 6; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve 44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire FREE
Thursday, April 3; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve 5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove FREE
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. A naturalist will stop occasionally to interpret the ecology of the preserve as we walk but the main goal is to cover ground. Ages 18 and above.
Thursday, March 20; 5-7 p.m.
Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve 5S002 Merrill Rd., Sugar Grove FREE
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve 35W076 Villa Maria Rd., St. Charles FREE
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 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.
Ages 18 and above.
Sunday, March 23; 10-11 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts FREE
Sunday, April 20; 10-11 a.m.
Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve 8N700 Barry Rd., South Elgin FREE
Sunday, May 18; 10-11 a.m.
Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn FREE
Learn to Kayak
Our 2025 kayaking series begins with a beginner’s lake-based paddling skills class. Get dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor, and then hit the water to practice and expand upon these skills. Boaters must be at least 16 years old and able to hold breathe 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.
1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora Fee: $69/person (includes use of kayak, personal flotation device and paddle)
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Learn from the Experts Programs
Learn from the Experts (LFE) programs are classes about local ecology, sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District and the Geneva Park District. Taught by staff of these agencies or other top experts, LFEs offer insightful information about topics that impact Kane County. Ages 18 and above. No online registration for Kane County Certified Naturalist discount coupon registrants.
100 Years of Deer
Learn about the rise and fall of Kane County’s only native ungulate over the 100 years of our Forest Preserve system, going from near extinction to overpopulation. Get to know the most iconic of the woodland mammals as we explore its place in our ecosystems and its natural life cycle. We’ll conclude the program by explaining how forest preserve
Photo by Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick
Photo by
Police Officer Mark Kosevich
Centennial Program
agencies currently manage deer populations.
Thursday, March 6; 7-8 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Short Stories from the Mazon Creek Fossils of Northeastern Illinois
Only 50 miles southeast of Chicago lies the home of Mazon Creek fossils. More than any fossil site in the world, Mazon Creek has painted us a complete picture of prehistoric life and environment. Examples of Mazon Creek fossils can be found in all major natural history museums. Jack Wittry, Collections Associate Science and Education at The Field Museum of Chicago and Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Science at Northeastern Illinois University, will share stories of specimens preserved in Mazon Creek fossil beds, including algae, 150-foot tree-like plants, jellyfish, 87 species of insects, and the planet’s earliest reptiles. For the strong of heart, he will describe the Tully Monster, our state fossil, and display the largest known Tully Monster fossil. Jack will also share several less fearsome Mazon Creek fossils.
Saturday, March 15; 9:30-11 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Spring Ephemerals of Kane County
Embark on a naturalist-guided stroll through the beautiful woodlands in search of emerging spring wildflowers. Each week, new flora comes and goes and we only get to see our native flowers for a short time, so now is the time to learn botanical identification techniques along with interesting historical uses of native woodland flowers.
Sunday, April 13; 9-11 a.m.
Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn Fee: $10/person
Robert Ridgway: When Amateur Bird Watching Became a Rigorous Science
Join Illinois’ most pre-eminent bird man as he recalls the history of the Audubon Society and the evolution of bird watching as it grew from a hobby to a scientific discipline.
Internationally-acclaimed storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis “becomes” Robert Ridgway in this one-man, firstperson performance of Ridgeway’s wilderness travels, his life-long work at the Smithsonian Institution, his birding trips into Central America, and his journey across Alaska. A dynamic indoor presentation, equal parts storytelling and discussion, will focus on birds, preserving habitat, and becoming a birding citizen scientist. The second half of the program will involve caravanning to Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve to join Ridgway and a District Naturalist for a storytelling bird walk.
Sunday, April 27;
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Begin at: Barbara Belding Lodge Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles; FREE
Fishing the Fox River
ethics, discuss the tackle needed in various situations and point out the best public access locations. Discover how you and your family can enjoy a day of fishing along the fabulous Fox River!
Saturday, May 10; 10-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
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Virtual Programs
Experience nature, right from the comfort of your own home with our virtual program offerings. Follow us on social media @forestpreserve for the latest and greatest happenings released each month. View seasonal Nature, Virtually Everywhere! programs at bit.ly/FPDKCYouTube
Wonders of Spring
There is an abundance of life in our forest preserves all year ‘roundespecially as winter thaws into spring! Enjoy the changing season from the comfort of your own home with this digital experience.
Birds in Your Yard
Tom Stewart, a 3rd generation fisherman that grew up along the Fox River in Elgin, will share his knowledge about the sport of fishing and secrets for successfully fishing the Fox River. After spending 30 years with the Kane County Forest Preserve District as a Senior Ranger, Tom is currently the President of the Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League - a conservation organization that promotes outdoor recreation and wise stewardship of the land. Tom will highlight conservation
Setting out a bird feeder is a fun way to observe local wildlife. Join Matt “Bird Man” Valiga as he discusses various ways to attract birds to your yard.
Freshwater Mussels
Learn all about freshwater mussels in this video collaboration with the Urban Stream Research Center.
Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley Spring Programs
Maple Sugaring at the DurantPeterson House Museum
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is hosting Maple Sugaring Days, and the 1843 Durant-Peterson House will be open! Learn how pioneers used maple sugar and maple syrup as a natural sweetner and warm yourself by the fire, both outside and inside, as we discuss 19thcentury recipes. Knowledgeable docents share stories of families that lived in the homestead from 1843 until 1931. Stop by the oneroom Sholes School next door where the teacher will be giving lessons!
Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Durant-Peterson House
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Suggested donation $3/adult and $1 child. No reservations required.
Civil War Soldier Encampment on the Museum Lawn
The return of the favorite event where the 19th Illinois and 6th Wisconsin Regiments Civil War Reenactors teach history through living it. Walk through displays of equipment that soldiers used and see what camp life was like. At this hands-on event, visitors can handle equipment, try on uniforms, and taste a little 1860s cooking. Just for kids: At 2:30 p.m. KIDS CAMP will begin. Once “enlisted,” kids will learn drills from experienced soldiers and practice as a regiment. The DurantPeterson House and Sholes School will be open too.
Sunday, April 27; 1-4 p.m. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Durant-Peterson House
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Suggested donation $3/adult and $1/ child. No reservations required.
Opening Weekend for Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden!
After the long winter, come join us May 4 for our opening celebration. Experience the beauty of spring as you stroll through the Japanese Garden. Learn interesting facts about our local history and view unique artifacts as you tour the 1907 Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned Villa — the home of George “The Colonel” and Nelle Fabyan.
Sunday, May 4; Noon - 3 p.m.
Additional dates — May through Sept. Visit ppfv.org for open days, Villa tour tickets, and special events
Fabyan West Forest Preserve
1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva Villa Museum — Guided tour $10/adult.
Self-guided tour $5/adult and $3/child. No reservations required.
Japanese Garden — Donations welcome. No reservations required.
Forest Preserve District Calendar at a
March
1 Maple Sugaring Days - 12 p.m.Creek Bend Nature Center
NOTE: All events are subject to change/cancellation. Please register in advance, so that we have accurate numbers and can contact you if a program is moved or cancelled.
Hosted by the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation
Sponsor the Sale!
https://bit.ly/PlantSaleSponsor
Order Online through April 15
https://bit.ly/NativePlants25
Shop In-Person & Online Order Pickup
Saturday, May 3
8 a.m. - Noon
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve For More Info, Visit: www.KaneForestPreserveFoundation.org
Forest Preserve District of Kane County 1996 S. Kirk Rd., Ste. 320 Geneva, IL 60134
Don’t miss a nature program!
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If you would like to be on a permanent quarterly mailing list for this publication, visit http://bit.ly/ForestPreserve_Email, Email us at forestpreserve@kaneforest.com or call 630-232-5980
NATURE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To register for programs and/or schedule school or scout field trips: visit www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190, or email programs@kaneforest.com. Telephone reservations are accepted Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Payment
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 other wise 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.
Special Accommodations
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: 630444-3950 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.
Program Waiver and Release
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.
Cancellations
Please call us if you need to cancel, so that we may contact others on our wait list.
Photo 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.
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is committed to recycling and green printing methods. This brochure is printed on recycled stock with soy-based ink. When finished, please recycle this material.
