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Love the outdoors? Become a Kane County Certified Naturalist

Register now for certified naturalist program

Are you a closet naturalist? Do you secretly stash samples of wildflowers and rocks and moss-covered twigs to study? Do you sneak a peek at field guides to learn the birds in your yard?

Are you someone who loves nature but doesn't know how to learn more about it? Do you wish you could explore the woods but feel too shy to do it on your own?

Come out of the closet and join like-minded people in the Kane County Certified Naturalists program.

This award-winning program for adults - called KCCN for short - is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, and the Geneva Park District. Enrollment for the 2015 class is now open.

The goal of KCCN is to connect people with the nature of Kane County through knowledge, experience, and community involvement. The program begins in January with a series of five evening classes, followed by three field trips in spring to some of Kane County's premier natural areas.

After the core classes and field trips are completed, participants may select from a variety of classes offered throughout the remainder of the year. Students earn credit for attending these classes and for participation in volunteer activities in the three partner agencies. Information about the continuing education classes and volunteer opportunities will be provided with class materials in January.

The emphasis of Kane County Certified Naturalists is on learning the nature of Kane County - in our backyards, in forest preserves and parks. Why focus on nearby nature? It's cool! And much of it is rare and endangered. Oak woodlands and tall grass prairie are, in fact, more rare and endangered than the tropical rain forests. It's surprising, but true. Our natural areas may not get the press that exotic places do, but in KCCN you'll learn about the priceless ecological gems right here in Kane County.

Topics of the core evening classes include the ecology of native woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, with plenty of info about native plants and wildlife. We also study the geologic history that has shaped our present landscape, and climate issues that will shape our future. These classroom sessions are a combination of lecture, discussion, activities and readings that tie together the threads of Illinois' natural and cultural history.

Come spring, we embark on field trips to natural areas such as the Dick Young Forest Preserve, Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve, Peck Farm Park, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, and the Hickory Knolls natural area. Students often cite these field trips as the highlight of the course.

"The most fun part of KCCN was the field trips," said Jean LeRoy of Elgin. "Going outside to experience what we had spent the winter learning about made it all come together. The leaders were very informative and have such a vast level of knowledge concerning preservation and restoring native lands that it was a pleasure to walk with them."

At the completion of the yearlong course, there is a graduation ceremony around the campfire at LeRoy Oakes. Alumni join the new graduates in celebrating another year of learning about the nature of Kane County. All "KCCNers" will tell you that it's a lifelong adventure in learning - and a wonderful one at that.

There are two information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about Kane County Certified Naturalists. The first information session will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. The second session will take place from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. You're welcome to come by to pick up information packets including the syllabus and registration materials. There will be a brief presentation, and KCCN instructors will be on hand to answer questions.

The Kane County Certified Naturalists program proves that you don't have to be a kid to learn about nature. Curiosity about the natural world is for all ages, and natural wonder knows no bounds. When you learn to love nearby nature, it's easy to want to protect it. Join us as we explore, and restore, the nature of Kane County.

What people have to say about KCCN:

• "Joining the KCCN program provided me with tons of information about local natural areas," - Susan Bell, St. Charles

• "The coolest thing about KCCN is that now a walk in the woods is a more interesting experience. I not only look at the trees and birds but also the geology and the ecology of the land." - Jeff Bates, Carol Stream

• "(The knowledge I've gained) has helped me in all areas, especially now that I've joined a green team committee at church." - Karen Burkhalter, Sugar Grove

• "I took the class to improve my knowledge of native plants that I could use to enhance my garden. I have been able to incorporate this new found knowledge in creating a garden that needs less watering and feeds the wildlife around us." - Jean LeRoy, Elgin

• "In the Certified Naturalist program, everyone's enthusiasm about becoming better stewards of our local environment (is) contagious. The combination between classroom learning, field observation, volunteerism and continuing education has proven to be a great environment to hone my environmental sensitivities. It feels more like a community than a class." - David Schoenknecht, Elgin

• "People who participate in the KCCN program become engaged in the environment in their backyard. The program provides them with knowledge, and as a result they typically give back to the community in the form of volunteering." - KCCN instructor Trish Burns, Geneva Park District

Kane County Certified Naturalists program students Tom Lucas and Cathy Martens watch birds of prey on field trip at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
A KCCN class pauses for a group shot on a woodland ecology field trip at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
KCCN students Joni Kupar and Tom Priscoll study geology during a winter field trip to the Hickory Knolls Natural Area. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Naturalist Pam Otto teaches students. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine

Becoming a certified naturalist: class times and dates

Information sessions:

• 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles.

• 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles

Core classes: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27; Feb. 3 and 10 (snow date, Feb. 17) at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Field trips: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 11, May 2, May 16, and June 20. Locations vary; details provided upon registration.

Fee: $250, which includes five classroom sessions, four field trips, continuing education ("Learn from the Experts") classes for one year, and instructional material

Registration deadline: Jan. 6, but don't delay. The class fills up quickly.

Details: Call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

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