Local Historian Al Watts researches the District’s first 100 years
Lauren Swanson Communications & Marketing Specialist
In advance of the Forest Preserve District’s 100th anniversary in June, we sat down with local historian Al Watts, to talk about our origins.
Q: During your research on the District, what information have you found most interesting?
A: Many things! One thing of note is how influential women were in creating the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. They had to obtain at least 500 signatures to get a vote on the ballot to establish the creation of the District. Sixteen pages of petitions were turned in, and all were collected by women involved in local women’s clubs. The vote ended up passing by a margin of nearly 2-1. Grace E. Bliss, president of the Kane County Federation of Women’s Clubs (1924-1925) and Bertha George, former federation president (1920-1924) were key players. Their contributions, as well those of many others, set the stage.
Q: Why is it so important to remember and honor the past?
A: It’s important to recognize the sacrifices and hard work that people did to create and protect these open spaces and natural resources, so we don’t take them for granted. The women who pushed for the Forest Preserve District to be created were concerned about air pollution, loss of nature and public access to recreation. In particular, they worried that the Fox River was becoming monopolized by private land use, which was limiting public access. There are still people fighting against that today, to ensure these resources remain available to everyone.
Q: Can you talk a bit about the District’s growth in the beginning?
A: The District was slow to grow. For the first 40 years, land for only six preserves had been acquired, totaling about 600 acres. Only four preserves, totaling about 300 acres had been purchased between 1925-1940. Fabyan Forest Preserve’s 235 acres was acquired in 1940, and from 1940-1963, only one 40-acre parcel for Hampshire Forest Preserve was acquired. In the 1960s, however, things changed.
Federal and state law began providing grants known as Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) grants. Between 19631969, land for nine forest preserves was purchased. It truly was OSLAD grants that allowed local government to more easily acquire these properties, which exponentially helped agencies grow statewide.
Al Watts is researching the District’s history in advance of the Centennial Celebration, June 8, 2025.
For more information on the District’s founding and the first four preserves that were established, check out Al Watts’ presentations, Jan. 8 and Jan. 14, entitled “Nature for All: The Origin Story of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.” For more details, see pages 7 & 8.
Watts will complete his Master’s Degree in Public History from American Public University in January 2025, and holds a B.S. in History and Advertising from Iowa State University. Since 2021, he’s held the title of Community Engagement Director at the Preservation Partners of Fox Valley.
Sponsor an oak tree and be part of the Centennial Celebration
We’re having a birthday party, and everyone’s invited! Save the date for the Forest Preserve District’s Centennial Celebration: Sunday, June 8, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m. at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn. Johnson’s Mound was the District’s very first forest preserve, and staff thought it only made sense to return to the preserve that started it all.
In addition to remarks from dignitaries, we’ll unveil some amazing
new features at the preserve, including an 800-oak tree centennial grove, a new connector trail, and a public art piece to commemorate the District’s first 100 years.
The Kane Forest Preserve Foundation is raising private funds to offset the cost of the trees and sculpture. Tree sponsors will be inscribed on a permanent bronze plaque to be installed at
the celebration site. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this meaningful celebration and enrich the natural landscape for generations to come. To sponsor an oak tree, visit the Foundation at www. kaneforestpreservefoundation.org. Tree purchases must be completed by March 31, 2025.
Celebrate with us and showcase your commitment to environmental stewardship!
“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” - Anamika Mishra
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.
Bird Watching Walks
Enjoy the changing seasons as we hike, look and listen for the birds inhabiting our forest preserves, this winter. District naturalists will cover basic bird-identification skills and share a few interesting stories along the way.
Sunday, Dec. 8; 10-11 a.m.
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve 701 North Williams Rd., Carpentersville FREE
Friday, Jan. 17; 10-11 a.m.
Hannaford Woods/Nickels Farm Forest Preserve 5S002 Merril Rd., Sugar Grove FREE
Friday, Feb. 14 10-11 a.m.
Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve 5N753 IL Rte. 31, St. Charles FREE
Mammals in Winter
People can put on coats, hats and gloves to keep warm during snowy Midwestern months. But what do Illinois mammals do to beat the cold? Join a naturalist as we walk and look for signs of mammals, learning about the special adaptations that help wildlife survive the harsh winter environment.
Saturday, Dec. 14; 10-11 a.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve 44W780 Allen 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 fellow yarn enthusiasts. Share tips and patterns with others and pick-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, Dec. 14; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Saturday, Jan. 11; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Saturday, Feb. 8; 4-5:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
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 all three sessions! Ages 8 and above.
Saturday, Dec. 28; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $25/person
Saturday, Jan. 18; 9:30-11 a.m.
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts Fee: $25/person
Sunday, Feb. 2; 9:30-11 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $25/person
Owl Prowl
Not all wildlife seeks to escape our harsh Midwestern winters. In fact, some species of owl are particularly active at this time of the year — courting mates and raising their young. Join naturalists for a sunset hike in the woods while we discuss all things owl.
Monday, Dec. 30; 4-5 p.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve 14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin FREE
Hike Into the New Year
Say goodbye to 2024 with a fresh air hike and a hot cocoa toast to both the new year and 100 years of Kane County forest preserves! Gathering at the District’s first preserve, our naturalist will meet you at the cabin and head into the winter wonderlands. Recharge for the new year ahead while helping us celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Forest Preserve District.
Tuesday, Dec. 31; 4-5 p.m.
Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve 41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn FREE
Linen, the Most Useful Fiber: A Presentation & Spin-In
This program includes an educational fiber-arts presentation open to all, and a hands-on workshop for current spinners. Bring your spinning wheel and lunch to Creek Bend Nature Center for the spin-in. At 10:30 a.m., spinners and non-spinners are all invited to join local fiber artists and historical interpreters Tom and Joanne Blodgett to learn about flax and linen fiber art. They will demonstrate how the fibers are extracted from the plant and subsequently spun into linen. After the presentation, stay for the rest of the open spin-in workshop. No registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 11; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wolf Moon Hike
Stroll under the light of a winter moon and learn why Native Americans named each of the full moons. We will explore the trail and river area for nightlife and share how Native Americans used this land, long before we arrived.
Monday, Jan. 13; 7-8 p.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia FREE
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! Help the Forest Preserve District celebrate our centennial anniversary by completing 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 the premier of this new winter festival. No registration required.
Saturday, Jan. 18; Noon - 3 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Natural History of Coyotes
Over the past 100 years, regional coyotes have generated a long and interesting story. Do you know how Illinois’ coyote populations have changed over the years or what Kane County coyotes have done to successfully survive our changing landscape? Find answers to these questions and more as we hike through the winter prairie, look for coyotes and attempt to discover their secrets.
Sunday, Feb. 9; 10-11 a.m.
Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve 39W933 Russell Rd., Elgin FREE
EcoLab: Wet and Wild Experiments
Step into the Creek Bend Nature “Laboratory” as we investigate the properties and abilities of water. Participants will conduct a series of wild experiments that test their knowledge of water, and quite possibly get them a little wet! Our final experiment will include making a “lava lamp” to take home. Ages 10 and above.
Sunday, Feb. 16; 10-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $5/person
After-Hours Letterboxing
Get into the preserve after hours to embark on a fun and unique new activity. Letterboxing is a recreational hobby that pre-dates the geocaching era. Instead of using GPS coordinates, we will read a set of natural-feature
Centennial Program
Centennial Program
Centennial Program
clues that describe our surroundings and guide us to hidden letterboxes. Attendees will receive their own starter letterboxing kit. Please be sure to register all participants so there are enough kits for everyone. Ages 7 and above.
Thursday, Feb. 27; 6-7 p.m.
Hampshire Forest Preserve 44W780 Allen Rd., Hampshire Fee: $2/person
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, Dec. 11; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, Jan. 8; 10:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Wednesday, Feb. 12; 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.
Playful Penguins
Thursday, Dec. 19; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Cardinals in the Snow
Thursday, Jan. 16; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Peek-a-Boo, Groundhog!
Thursday, Feb. 20; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles Fee: $5/child
Adult Programs
Advance registration is required for all nature programs, unless otherwise specified.
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, Dec. 1; 10-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles FREE
Sunday, Jan. 26; 10-11 a.m.
Rutland Forest Preserve 41W230 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire FREE
Sunday, Feb. 23; 10-11 a.m.
Burnidge Forest Preserve 14N035 Coombs Rd., Elgin FREE
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. For the February outing, dress for the weather. It will include a pleasant ramble lasting about an hour, followed by social time and refreshments in the shelter. No registration required.
Holiday Potluck Party Thursday, Dec. 5; 10 a.m. - Noon
Barbara Belding Lodge
Photo by Communications & Marketing Supervisor Brittany Kovach
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles FREE; Donations accepted; Bring a store-bought dish to pass
Travelogue: Backpacking the Sierra Nevada Range
Thursday, Jan. 2; 10 a.m. - Noon
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles, FREE; Donations accepted
Senior Stroll
Thursday, Feb. 6; 10 a.m. - Noon
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora FREE; Donations accepted
Trek with a Naturalist Winter is a wonderful time for an invigorating hike. This monthly program is designed for those who like active hiking — all year long. We visit different preserves, each month. The naturalist will stop occasionally to interpret the ecology of the preserve, but the main goal is to cover ground! Ages 18 and above.
Saturday, Dec. 7; 9-11 a.m.
Fabyan West Forest Preserve 1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva FREE
Saturday, Jan. 4; 9-11 a.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve 2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia FREE
stops to interpret the preserve history and Winter Solstice folklore. Don’t let the chill keep you away, because we’ll provide steaming hot coffee to keep you warm as you meander. Relax, unwind, and sip your way through the wintery wonderland. Please bring a refillable tumbler.
historical events it experienced during its lifetime? Some of these impressive trees are called “witness trees” and they have a special place in the history of Illinois and our earliest forest preserves. During this program, we’ll share a story of our regional witness, or “bearing” trees and provide you with the tools needed to discover witness trees in your own area.
Thursday, Dec. 19; 6:30-8 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Thursday, Feb. 27; 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Schweitzer Forest Preserve 16N690 Sleepy Hollow Rd., West Dundee FREE
Winter Solstice & Coffee Stroll
Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle for a wintery morning stroll through one of our most popular preserves. We’ll enjoy a leisurely wander, with occasional
Saturday, Dec. 21; 9-10:30 a.m.
Fabyan West Forest Preserve 1925 Batavia Ave., Geneva Fee: $2/person
n n n
Learn from the Experts Programs
Learn from the Experts (LFEs) 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; checks should be made payable to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
Witness Trees
Have you ever looked at a giant of a tree, perhaps a big oak, and wondered what
Program
To register: visit www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com
Program
Nature for All: The Origin Story of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County
The year was 1922. Land along the Fox River in Kane County was being seized for private development. Acres of woodland and farmland were converted into housing. Open spaces were filled. Nature was in retreat. Children were trapped indoors. Back then, Kane County was derided as being “slackers in preserving forests.” Then, in 1925, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County was established. And today, more than 23,000 acres have been preserved and conserved for the education and recreation of all. How did it all happen?
Join Al Watts, historical consultant to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, to encounter the women who led the effort to establish a Forest Preserve District in Kane County, 100 years ago. Learn why and how they did this work. Discover what is now known about the histories of the first tracts of land acquired by
Centennial
Centennial
the District, and the natural features that attracted the land’s acquisition. You’ll even get a sneak peek at other uncovered stories, soon to be shared, as the District celebrates its centennial year. Register for one session only.
Wednesday, Jan. 8; 6:30-8 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Tuesday, Jan. 14; 6:30-8 p.m.
Barbara Belding Lodge
Brewster Creek Forest Preserve 6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Creatures of the Subnivean Zone
There is a whole world of busy activity just beneath a fresh blanket of snow! We’ll explore which animals call this subnivean zone between snow and ground their winter playground, and discuss the relationship and adaptations of animals trying to survive our Illinois winters. If snow abounds, we’ll get outside to explore a quinzhee snow shelter.
Sunday, Jan. 26; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Centennial Program
What Once Was: Extirpated and Extinct Animals of Kane County
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has changed quite a bit in the last 100 years, and so has the wildlife community inhabiting it. Join naturalists for a hands-on discussion detailing the colorful creatures that were once abundant in our region. We’ll highlight modern conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing some animals, in an effort to recover their populations. This program will include both indoor and field portions; dress for the weather.
Saturday, Feb. 1; 10-11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles Fee: $10/person
Winter Tree Identification
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.
Saturday, Feb. 22; 9:30-11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve 37W700 Dean St., 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 @forestpreserve for the latest and greatest happenings released each month. View seasonal Nature, Virtually Everywhere! programs at bit.ly/FPDKCYouTube
Beaver Dam
There’s an abundance of life yearround in the forest preserves, even in the dead of winter. In this video, watch the assembly of a beaver dam in realtime, over the period of a few weeks.
Conifer Concoctions
After some fun in the snow, nothing warms you up better than a mug of hot pine tea! Join us as we discuss various brew methods for pine and cedar tea.
Holiday Nature Craft
Skip the trip to the big-box craft supply stores and learn how to use nature-found materials to create unique, eco-friendly home and gift decor.
Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley Winter Programs
To register, visit ppfv.org or call 630-377-6424
Candlelight at Durant-Peterson House and Sholes School
At the House: Take a step back in time and enjoy the warm glow of the hearth, music in the parlor, old-fashioned ginger cake, and fragrant evergreens throughout the home. With candles lighting your way, costumed docents will share history as you stroll from room to room. Experience how families in the 1800s might have celebrated Christmas.
At the School:
Historically, students of each one-room school would have put on a Christmas Pageant — so join the students of Sholes School for theirs! Come see how the students and teachers in our one-room school decorated for the event. Then watch as the teacher directs her students to recite their favorite lessons from the year. Afterward, join in while they sing Christmas Carols!
Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8; 3-7 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Space is limited. Tickets include both museums. Reservation required at ppv.org/Candlelight
Suggested donation: $5/adult and $1/child.
Fireside Sunday
Take a break from the January chill and warm yourself by the fire in our historic 1843 pioneer home. Enjoy the sights and smells as we prepare foods over the fires in the hearth and
on the old wood-burning stove. Take time to play some old-fashioned games and learn about what the pioneers did to keep themselves busy in the winter. Sholes School will be open for you to practice your cursive on a slate, read from the McGuffey’s Readers, and recite some wonderful memory gems.
Sunday, Jan. 19; 1-4 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Suggested donation: $3/adult and $1/child; No reservations required.
Be My Valentine
Learn the history of Valentine’s Day with fun and interesting facts about how people in the 17th and 18th century created and shared valentine cards. Watch demonstrations on how to fold your own paper “puzzle” with a hidden square to write your secret message to your valentine. Then, take a short walk to the Sholes School Museum to try your hand at writing a Valentine’s message in cursive, with quill pen and ink. It’s not as easy as you think!
Sunday, Feb. 9; 1-4 p.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Suggested donation: $3/adult and $1 child; No reservations required.
December
1 Nurtured by Nature - 10 a.m. - LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
5 Executive Committee Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - Forest Preserve District Headquarters
5 Senior Stroll Holiday Potluck - 10 a.m.Barbara Belding Lodge
7 Trek with a Naturalist - 9 a.m. - Fabyan West Forest Preserve
8 Bird Watching Walks - 10 a.m. - Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
10 Full Commission Meeting - 8:30 a.m.Kane County Government Center
11 Stories at Creek Bend Nature Center10:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
14 Mammals in Winter - 10 a.m. - Hampshire Forest Preserve
14 Yarn Art Social Circle - 4 p.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
17 Finance & Admin Committee Meeting - 2 p.m. - Forest Preserve District Headquarters
19 Little Saplings - 9:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
19 Witness Trees - 6:30 p.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
21 Winter Solstice & Coffee Stroll - 9 a.m.Fabyan West Forest Preserve
26 Land Acq Committee Meeting - 1 p.m.Forest Preserve District Headquarters
26 Planning & Utilization Committee Meeting - 2 p.m. - Forest Preserve District Headquarters
28 Snowshoe Adventure - 9:30 a.m. - LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
30 Owl Prowl - 4 p.m. - Burnidge Forest Preserve
31 Hike Into the New Year! - 4 p.m.Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve
January
2 Senior Stroll Travelogue - 10 a.m.Barbara Belding Lodge
4 Trek with a Naturalist - 9 a.m.Les Arends Forest Preserve
8 Stories at Creek Bend Nature Center10:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
8 Nature for All: The Origin Story of the Forest Preserve District - 6:30 p.m.Creek Bend Nature Center
11 Linen, the Most Useful Fiber Presentation & Spin-In - 9 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
11 Yarn Art Social Circle - 4 p.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
13 Wolf Moon Hike - 7 p.m. - Les Arends Forest Preserve
14 Nature for All: The Origin Story of the Forest Preserve District - 6:30 p.m.Barbara Belding Lodge
16 Little Saplings - 9:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
17 Bird Watching Walks - 10 a.m.Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve
18 Snowshoe Adventure - 9:30 a.m. - Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
18 Polar-Palooza - Noon - Creek Bend Nature Center
26 Nurtured by Nature - 10 a.m. - Rutland Forest Preserve
26 Creatures of the Subnivean Zone - 1 p.m.Creek Bend Nature Center
February
1 What Once Was...Extirpated and Extinct Animals of Kane County - 10 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
2 Snowshoe Adventure - 9:30 a.m. - LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
6 Senior Stroll - 10 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center/LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
8 Yarn Art Social Circle - 4 p.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
9 Natural History of Coyotes - 10 a.m.Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve
12 Stories at Creek Bend Nature Center10:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
14 Bird Watching Walks - 10 a.m. - Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve
16 EcoLab: Wet and Wild Experiments10 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
20 Little Saplings - 9:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
22 Winter Tree Identification - 9:30 a.m.Creek Bend Nature Center
23 Nurtured by Nature - 10 a.m. - Burnidge Forest Preserve
27 Trek with a Naturalist - 3:30 p.m.Schweitzer Forest Preserve
27 After Hours Letterboxing - 6 p.m.Hampshire Forest Preserve
March
1 Maple Sugaring Days - 12 p.m.Creek Bend Nature Center
2 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.
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 and other audiovisual materials for promotional purposes, including printed material, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of the District.
Creek Bend Nature Center
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.
Social Media: Online Registration:
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.
