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
Vacant, District 2
Anita Marie Lewis, District 3
Sonia Garcia, District 6
Alex Arroyo, District 7
Michelle Gumz, District 8
Vacant, 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.
Cover Photo Bison make their return to Kane County prairie after more than 200 years. Photo by Communications & Marketing Supervisor Brittany Kovach.
Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil — Reginald Heber
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
It’s maple sugaring time! Come to Creek Bend Nature Center to explore the art, science, and folklore of the “sugar bush.” Learn how to identify and tap a maple tree and try your hand at drilling and setting a tap. We’ll simmer sap over an open fire and watch as it thickens to syrup. Relax with a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy ice cream with a drizzle of syrup in the Maple Café. After a day of fun, purchase some locally-sourced maple syrup to take home with you. Back by popular demand: Relax under the heated beer tent and enjoy our exclusive “Maple River” brown ale, custom-crafted with real maple syrup by our friends at Riverlands Brewing Company. No registration required.
Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8; Noon - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Spring Ephemeral Community Science
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 back yard.) When you see a woodland wildflower, snap a photo and submit your observation on the free
iNaturalist app under our project, Kane County, IL: Spring 2026 Ephemerals. We’ll help you learn about different flower species with plant identification signs posted along woodland walks. No registration required.
Saturday, March 1 - Saturday, May 31
Burnidge Forest Preserve 14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin
Saturday, March 1 - Saturday, May 31
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve 5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove
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, April 4; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Saturday, May 2; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Bird Appreciation Series ��
In conjunction with “A Day with the Birds” traveling exhibit at Creek Bend Nature Center, these hands-on birding-themed educational programs have been crafted for the whole family to enjoy. After each, head over to Creek Bend Nature Center to explore the new exhibit!
Continued on Page 4
Bison return to Kane County prairie after more than 200 years
Laurie Metanchuk, Community Engagement Director
Have you heard the big news?
Bison have returned to Kane County prairie for the first time in more than 200 years.
It marks a historic milestone for conservation, cultural connection and land restoration efforts in Illinois.
The six-animal herd now calls Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve home through a partnership between the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, as land owner, the American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC), which owns the bison, and Ruhter Bison, which manages the herd. The project also fulfills a commitment made to voters through the District’s 2024 Land Acquisition and Preserve Improvement Referendum.
Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison roamed freely across Illinois’ vast prairie landscapes. As settlement and development expanded, nearly all of the state’s prairie was lost — today, less than onetenth of one percent remains. While prairie restoration efforts have grown over the past century, returning bison, a keystone species, has rarely been possible due to land and herd size limitations.
“This is something people have hoped for since we first understood that human actions could cause extinction,” said Forest Preserve District Executive Director Benjamin Haberthur. “Only recently have land, partnerships and conservation efforts aligned to make projects like this possible. This moment represents generations of work and stewardship,” he said.
Bison play a critical ecological role in prairie systems. Their grazing patterns help maintain diverse plant communities, while wallows — shallow depressions formed when bison roll on the ground — collect water and create microhabitats for insects, amphibians and other wildlife.
“Everything in a prairie ecosystem is connected,” said Patrick Chess, the District’s director of natural resource management. “Bringing bison back supports biodiversity and helps restore natural processes that have been missing for centuries.”
The arrival of the herd was marked by a small ceremonial land blessing, led by AIC, reflecting the deep cultural significance of bison to Indigenous communities.
“This is more than a conservation project — it’s a homecoming,” said AIC Co-Executive Director Jay Young. “Bison are relatives who carry our teachings and responsibilities. Welcoming them back helps reconnect our community to land, identity and history.”
AIC will serve as community stewards of the herd in collaboration with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Educational programming and community science opportunities will allow the public to learn more about prairie restoration and bison ecology. Visitors are asked to be patient as bison continue to acclimate to their new home. Burlington Prairie remains partially closed during winter months to provide time for the herd to settle in.
For more information, visit www.kaneforest.com. n
Bison: Early Admission
Want to get a sneak peak before the preserve gates reopen to the public in April? Register for “Bison: Early Admission,” a series of naturalist-guided programs offering an up-close look at bison, prairie ecology, and the ongoing restoration efforts at the preserve. Bison: Early Admission will be offered on:
• Tuesdays: March 17, 24, and 31 10-11 a.m. or 2-3 p.m.
• Sundays: March 15 and 29 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Early Admission programs are for ages 18 and above, only. Programs are free, but registration is required and space is limited. Registration begins on Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. on the District’s website at www.kaneforest.com/register
Note: Because we expect these programs to max-out quickly, we will not take phone or email registration. If you miss this opportunity, don’t fret. We’ll also be offering naturalistguided bison programming in the summer. Watch for the summer edition of The TreeLine! n
Photo by Communications & Marketing Supervisor Brittany Kovach
Bird Watching Walks ��
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look, and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves, this spring. Naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Tuesday, March 10; 9-10 a.m.
Fox River Bluff East Forest Preserve 5N860 Weber Dr., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, April 22; 9-10 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
South Africa is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. It offers a wide variety of experiences, including spectacular landscapes and game reserves, a diverse cultural heritage, and highly regarded wineries. President of Kane County Audubon John Sprovieri and Kane County Audubon member Regina McNulty will take you on a coast-to-coast tour of this fabulous country, from the eye-popping wildflower blooms of West Coast National Park to world-famous Kruger National Park, where you can get up close and personal with lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos. John and Regina will share their adventures dining with wildlife, why we should be grateful “load shedding” is not in America’s vocabulary, and the many fabulous birds and beasts of South Africa.
Sunday, April 26; 9:30-11 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles FREE
Warbler Walk ��
According to President of Kane County Audubon John Sprovieri, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is one of the 15 best spots in Kane County for bird diversity, with 192 bird species recorded since it was established in 1969. Join Mr. Sprovieri for a guided bird walk around the preserve. Early May is an ideal time for birdwatching, with the return of our resident breeding birds and a slew of migrants passing through on their way north. We’ll be on the lookout for sparrows, flycatchers, thrushes, woodpeckers and (or course!) warblers. No experience is necessary. Ages 16 and above.
Sunday, May 3; 8:30-10 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
See our Learn from the Experts Birding Programs on Page 8. ��
Nature 101 Series ��
Are you new to the world of nature exploration and learning? Or maybe you are looking to become more
comfortable in the natural world? If so, our introductory-level nature programs are sure to provide the basics you need to enjoy and appreciate our wild places.
Botany for Beginners ��
Learning how to identify plants is an incredibly rewarding exercise with terms like “hypocrateriform” and “obdiplostemonous,” it can also be an intimidating science for newcomers. Join naturalists as we demystify some of the botanical terminology used to identify plants. We will then head out in the field to put our newfound vocabulary to work!
Sunday, March 1; 10-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Evening Ephemerals ��
Picture this: the sun is setting along the Fox River while wildflowers carpet the woodland trails around you. What could be better? Join us, as we soak up the spring season during this Naturalist guided hike.
Photo courtesy Adobe Stock/Christopher
Tuesday, May 19; 7-8 p.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve 35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles FREE
Orienteering for Beginners ��
Gain confidence with this introductory program on orienteering. A naturalist will cover the basics of map-reading and compass-work to orient to our surroundings. Then, you’ll refine your new-found skills by completing an orienteering course that will build your confidence. Ages 10 and above.
Sunday, May 10; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Learn to Kayak ��
During this beginner’s lakebased paddling skills class, get dryland instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor. Then, hit the water to practice your skills. Boaters must 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. Ages 16 and up.
Saturday, May 30; 10 a.m. - noon
Oakhurst Forest Preserve 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora Fee: $69/person (includes use of kayak, personal flotation device, and paddle.)
EcoLab: An Egg-ceptional Experiment
Get ready for Easter with this egg-ceptionally fun Eco-Lab! We’ll delve into the ecology of birds with a focus on the wonders of their eggs. Participants will work together on an egg-xperiment that culminates in a product to take home and observe
carefully over the following few days. By Easter, the result of your egg experiment is sure to be a hit with family and friends! Ages 8 and above.
Wednesday, April 1; 6-7 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $5/person
Earth Day Tree Planting
Calling all volunteers! Join the Forest Preserve District for a tree planting in honor of Earth Day. All you’ll need to do is insert the tree, tamp down soil, water and mulch. It’s easy! We’ll have giveaways, a naturalist-guided hike, and environmental education. Parking behind the Recycling Center off Fabyan Parkway.
Enjoy a naturalistguided hike while learning about the history of Earth Day and the importance it plays all across the world. We’ll search for signs of spring as we explore the preserve.
Wednesday, April 22; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Folklore of Flowers
Who is Jack and why is he in a pulpit? What was the traditional use of Bloodroot? Learn the answers to these questions, and more, as we explore the woodland diversity of this preserve while listening to stories and learning about uses of our native wildflowers.
Friday, May 15; 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve 35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles FREE
What’s Happening Hike?
Every nature hike in a Kane County forest preserve can be a hide-and-seek treasure hunt. With the warming spring temperatures, we’ll have the opportunity to see a mix of wildflowers, migrating birds, frogs and who knows what else! Discover what Mother Nature has in store for us on this spring stroll.
Sunday, May 17; 1-2 p.m.
Kenyon Farms Forest Preserve 8N700 Barry Rd., South Elgin FREE
Photo of Sharp-lobed Hepatica by Plant Ecologist
Monika Kastle
n n n
Youth Programs
Advance registration is required for all nature programs, unless otherwise specified.
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 naturebased 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.
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 11; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, April 8; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, May 13; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Twigs to Trees
Extending our popular Little Saplings program, Twigs to Trees is designed for 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.
Shamrock Shenanigans
Tuesday, March 17; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Spring Explorations
Tuesday, April 14; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Nature Play
Tuesday, May 19; 4-5 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
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, or crafts. A parent or caregiver must accompany child.
Herons & Egrets
Thursday, March 19; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Critter Babies
Thursday, April 16; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Crayfish Mania
Thursday, May 21; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child n n n
Adult Programs
Advance registration is required for all nature programs, unless otherwise specified.
Senior Stroll
Seniors (age 50 or better) are invited to join naturalists 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 5; 10 a.m. - Noon
Les Arends Forest Preserve 2S731 State Rte. 31, Batavia FREE; donations accepted
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! Ages 18 and above.
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 healthy movement, deep breathing and focus on awareness to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Ages 18 and above.
Sunday, March 22; 10-11 a.m.
Lake Run Forest Preserve 40W255 Tanner Rd., Aurora FREE
Sunday, April 19; 10-11 a.m.
Rutland Forest Preserve 41W230 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire FREE
Sunday, May 17; 10-11 a.m.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve 35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles FREE
Mushroom Monitor Training
Are you fascinated by fungi? Do you like to walk in the woods? If so, why not become a mushroom monitor in a Kane County forest preserve of your choice? No experience is needed, just a desire to learn, observe and collect/report data. During this monitor training session, you will learn the basics of mushroom anatomy, ecology and identification as well as procedures for conducting a monitoring visit. Monitoring sites will be assigned to volunteers at the
Photo by Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick
end of the training session. Ages 18 and above.
Sunday, March 22; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles FREE
Cinco de Mayo Yoga & Wildflowers
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us and join Jared Fedota from YogaSix Studio for an outdoor, guided yoga session. This program will leave you feeling grounded, empowered, and connected to nature as you move through a full mind-body experience. After the yoga practice, head out on a naturalist-guided stroll to enjoy the beautiful ephemeral wildflowers blooming in the woodlands.
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 registrants.
Promise or Peril? The
Annual Spring Bird Count & the Health of Illinois’ Birds ��
Illinois’ birds face a host of threats (habitat loss, global warming, pesticides/herbicides, and collisions with buildings) that have adversely affected the state’s bird population.)
How bad is the problem and what can we do about it? One way to answer those questions is with data gathered by citizen scientists. The Spring Bird Count is a yearly census of Illinois’ bird population that has been conducted since 1972. Each May, hundreds of volunteers venture out across the Land of Lincoln to determine what bird species—and how many of each species—are present in all 102 counties. John Sprovieri, president of Kane County Audubon, will discuss the history of the Spring Bird Count, what we’ve learned from the data, and how you can help.
Saturday, March 14; 9:30-11 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Smithsonian Bird Friendly® Certified Coffee: Conserving Birds, One Cup at a Time ��
Did you realize that you can protect migratory birds simply by making smarter beverage choices? Join us to enjoy a responsibly-sourced cup of steaming coffee while you learn about the history of coffee consumption and production, and its connection to birds. Greg DuBois, contributing author for Illinois Audubon Magazine and bird monitor at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, will share the story of the decline of migrating birds in North America since 1970. He’ll explain how the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is working to mitigate this decline and reveal ways that you can help — one cup at a time.
Saturday, March 21; 9:30-11 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Cryptic Birds of the Night: Monitoring Illinois’ Nocturnal Birds ��
Like diurnal birds, nocturnal birds serve an important role in helping to maintain healthy ecosystems. Historically, nocturnal species are often misunderstood, and long-term bird monitoring programs have been unable to gather reliable data for species long suspected of being in decline. Understanding nocturnal birds’ natural history and population trends is especially important for conservation management efforts. Tara Beveroth, Associate Avian Ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, will demystify these cryptic species She will introduce project MOON (Monitoring of Owls and Nightjars), a citizen science program that you can join to help nocturnal birds!
Saturday, March 28; 9:30-11 a.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $10/person
by Naturalist Josh Libman
Photo
Sense of Place: Hampshire Forest Preserve
Join Naturalist Erica Lemon to learn about the history of the land that makes up present-day Hampshire Forest Preserve. From farming, to restoration work, Hampshire 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.
Saturday, April 4; 9:30-11 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve 44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire Fee: $10/person
Spring Ephemerals
Join our naturalist staff as we embark on a stroll through beautiful woodlands in search of emerging spring wildflowers. From week to week, new flora comes and goes and we only get to see native flowers for a short time. Learn identification techniques along with interesting historical uses of these plants.
Kames, Kettles, and Eskers: Southern Kane County Ice Age Circle Tour
After two soldout motor coach tours around the Ice Age features of Northern Kane County, we are headed south!
Curated with the support of experts Dr. Brandon Curry and Volunteer Steward Mary Ochsenschlager, the tour features geologic wonders like Johnson’s Mound and the Kaneville Esker.
We will stop at the Holcim gravel operation south of Elburn to explore the extensive aggregate mining that derives from Kane County’s glacial drift. We’ll learn more about Ice Age megafauna with Brian and Joyce Ostberg of the #Behistoric YouTube channel. And, we’ll experience the marvels of glacial remnants like Nelson Lake, Prairie Kame, the Elburn Complex, and more! Lunch will be provided on this 5-hour luxury motor coach tour. Nature will be providing the ephemeral spring wildflowers! No KCCN coupons accepted for this program.
Saturday, April 18; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tour starts and ends at Creek Bend Nature Center 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $50/person
Learning to Bird by Ear: Recognizing and Identifying Birds by Their Vocalizations ��
Many experienced birders will say that 90% of their birding is done “by ear.” Often, sounds are our first clue to the presence of birds, and sometimes these sounds are critical to bird identification. This presentation by Geoff Williamson, chair of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee, will describe basic concepts in bird
vocalizations and provide organizing principles for learning to bird by ear. Geoff will discuss the many resources available to acquire or improve your ear-birding skills.
Sunday, April 19; 1-2:30 p.m. Barbara Belding Lodge Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Virtual Programs
Experience nature, right from the comfort of your own home with our virtual program offerings. Follow us on social media. Visit @forestpreserve for the latest virtual programs released each month. View seasonal Nature, Virtually Everywhere! programs at bit.ly/FPDKCYouTube
Spring Wildflowers
Learn all about the ephemeral flowers that carpet our woodlands every spring.
Bird Song Mnemonics
Now is the perfect time to brush up on your bird-song identification. Every species has its own unique song to sing, all you have to do is tune in!
Wonders of Spring
There is an abundance of life in our forest preserves all year ‘round - especially as winter thaws into spring! Enjoy the changing season from the comfort of your own home with this digital experience.
Photo by Communications & Marketing Supervisor Brittany Kovach
Explore Birding and Support Local Birds
Barb McKittrick, Envirornmental Education Manager
Birding is booming! Bird watching is a rapidly growing hobby, especially since the pandemic.
A November 2024 U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service study found that more than a third of U.S. adults enjoy birding. That’s 96 million birders in the United States. If you haven’t already joined the movement, we’d like to recruit you this spring.
Maybe you’re thinking - why should I care about birds? Along with just being beautiful and generating joy among people that observe them, birds play an important role in our local ecosystems. They eat insect pests, scavenge and clean up dead animals, hunt rodents, disperse seeds and help pollinate plants.
But birds worldwide are in trouble. A 2019 report by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology indicates that North America alone has lost three billion birds since 1970. Habitat loss and degradation is the biggest overall driver of bird declines. Habitat loss occurs when land is converted for agriculture or development; degradation happens when large wildlife corridors are fragmented, when land is altered by invasive plants, or when water quality is compromised. The second biggest threat to bird populations is cat predation, and the third is bird collisions with human-built structures. Climate change is helping to intensify these threats.
You can join the bird watching in-crowd and help birds — all at the same time. There are lots of ways to get involved. Start out by learning to appreciate birds right in your own community. That often starts with learning to identify them. Pop in to the new Birding Nook at Creek Bend Nature Center to watch some of our common backyard birds in action.
Learn to use a bird field guide and practice with a pair of binoculars. Naturalist hosts will be on hand during your visit to answer any questions you have about birds – or any other animal, tree, rock, fungi or forest preserve!
After mastering some of the basics, you might want to join a local birding walk. The Forest Preserve District offers monthly Bird Watching Walks, where our naturalists cover basic bird identification skills and
share bird stories as we stroll, look and listen for birds. In May, you can join John Sprovieri, president of Kane County Audubon, for a guided Warbler Walk at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. A great way to build your bird knowledge, and help protect local bird populations, is to participate in an avian-focused community science program. There are so many to choose from! Learn about the Audubon
See Explore Birding, continued on page 11
Christmas Bird Count at the new A Day with the Birds traveling exhibit at Creek Bend Nature Center, open March 16 - May 17. You’ll not only learn about the bird count, but will get acquainted with some of our local winter birds through bird specimens, artifacts, murals and artwork. If fairweather community science is more your speed, join us for an indoor talk: Promise or Peril? The Annual Spring Bird Count and the Health of Illinois’ Birds. You’ll learn about the history of the Spring Bird Count, what we’ve learned from the data, and how you can help.
Classroom-style presentations can further boost your bird appreciation levels. This spring, we’re offering three adult-level indoor bird talks given by local scientific experts.
• Cryptic Birds of the Night: A Look into the Natural History of Illinois’ Nocturanl Birds and the Importance
and Challenges of Population Trend Monitoring
• Learning to Bird by Ear: Recognizing and Identifying Birds by their Vocalizations
• Smithsonian Bird Friendly® Certified Coffee: Conserving Birds, One Cup at a Time
If getting a physical workout is more enticing than an indoor presentation, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County has many volunteer opportunities for you to help restore bird habitat in our shared natural areas. Join a District volunteer steward at a restoration workday to help remove invasive species, harvest native plant seed and make the land better for all wildlife — including breeding, feeding and migrating birds.
Other ways to protect birds around your home include being a
responsible pet owner and gardening for wildlife. Keep cats indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces, like “catios.” Plant bird-friendly, native plants in your yard and limit the use of pesticides and herbicides that can harm visiting bird species. To reduce bird collisions, turn off outdoor lights at night, especially during spring and fall migration periods. You might consider installing bird collision deterrents, like FeatherFriendly, on your windows or supporting local programs aimed at reducing light pollution, such as Lights Out Chicago.
However you choose to join the birding movement or support bird populations, our team of interpretive naturalists hope to welcome you soon to a nature program, nature-themed event or to Creek Bend Nature Center. See you then! n
Kane Native Plant Sale
Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley Spring Programs
For more information, visit ppfv.org or call 630-377-6424
Maple Sugaring at the Durant House Museum
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is hosting Maple Sugaring Days and the 1843 Durant-Peterson House and 1872 Sholes School will be open too! Come learn how the pioneers used maple sugar and maple syrup as an organic sweetner. Warm yourself by the fire, both outside and inside, as we discuss 19th century recipes. Taste the sweetness of maple-glazed walnuts while knowledgeable docents share stories of the Durant and Peterson families. Stop by the oneroom Sholes School where the teacher will teach you poems about maple syrup.
Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8; 1-4 p.m.; LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles; Suggested donation $3/adult and $1/child
Historic Farming and Gardening
The risk of frost is nearly past! That means farmers will be planting their fields soon. We read in Abba Durant’s diary (written from 1866 to 1875) that her brothers helped with farm tasks, especially planting, cultivating, harvesting, and selling the wheat, barley, oats and corn that they grew. Come spend time at the DurantPeterson House Museum and learn what farming and gardening was like in the 1800s. Sholes School will be open. Learn why science lessons were not taught in the one-room school. There will also be seeds to earn about and take home for planting in your own garden.
Sunday, April 19; 1-4 p.m.; LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve; 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles; Suggested donation $3/adult and $1/child
Opening Weekend: Fabyan
Villa Museum and Japanese Garden!
After the long winter, come join us during the Opening Weekend! 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 re-designed Villa – the home of George “The Colonel” and Nelle Fabyan.
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3 For additional dates: May - Sept., visit ppfv.org/fabyan-villa-museum Fabyan West Forest Preserve; 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva Villa Museum - Guided tour at 11 a.m. is $10/adult or self-guided tour between 12-3 p.m. is $5/adult and $3/child. No reservations required.
Japanese Garden - Donations welcome. No reservations required.
Forest Preserve District Calendar at a Glance
March
1 Spring Ephemeral Community Science - Burnidge Forest Preserve, Bliss Woods Forest Preserve & Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
1 Botany for Beginners - 10:00 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
30 Land Acquisition Committee Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - Forest Preserve District Headquarters
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. Registration is required unless otherwise noted.
Forest Preserve District of Kane County 1996 S. Kirk Rd., Ste. 320 Geneva, IL 60134
Don’t miss a nature program!
Subscribe to The TreeLine
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 taken of participants during the program, and other audiovisual materials recorded during the program, for promotional purposes, including use in printed material, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of the District. If this is specific concern for you, please let the Staff member in charge of your program know.
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.
