Senior Stroll draws walkers no matter what the weather

The Kane County Forest Preserve District's monthly Senior Stroll at Fabyan East Forest Preserve in Geneva attracted 16 walkers Thursday morning. The group, which meets the first Thursday of the month, visits a different site every month and learns about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Naturalists Ben Katzen and Erica Lemon instructed participants on the history of the land once owned by Col. George Fabyan, and strollers saw some spring plants starting to poke up through leaves and learned how to identify invasive garlic mustard plants by smelling its pungent leaves.

Milly Fricke of Elgin has been attending the strolls for more than eight years.

"The stroll we're on is the best, so there's no stroll that's better than the other one," said. " ... It's the camaraderie. It's the knowledge of nature and to see the beauty in any kind of weather."

She praised the knowledge of the naturalists.

"They know so much. Every time we come, we learn things. That's important, too. At our age and stage, you know, lifelong learning," Fricke said.

The strolls last about an hour, with social time and refreshments following the walk. No registration is required. The next Senior Stroll is May 7 at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, 35W076 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles. Call (630) 232-5980 or visit kaneforest.com.