advertisement

Identify trees in the winter at Jan. 30 'Learn from the Experts'

GENEVA - Learn to identify trees in the winter during a "Learn from the Experts" nature program from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30.

During "Winter Tree Identification," you'll learn the basics of tree identification (without leaves) and gain experience using a botanical key to identify native trees.

Valerie Blaine, nature programs manager at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, will share tips to help demystify winter tree identification and emphasize observation of bark, branches, form, habit, habitat, twigs, leaf scars and buds.

The session will begin indoors with a presentation. During the second hour, participants will head into the woods to practice tree-identification skills.

The registration fee is $10 per person. Advance registration is required. To register, call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

This program will be held at the Creek Bend Nature Center, which located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.

"Learn from the Experts" programs are for ages 18 or up. They are taught by experts in the field and offer in-depth information and learning opportunities about our local ecology. This program series is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, and the St. Charles and Geneva park districts.

The next program on Feb. 6 will be "Meet the Smooth Green Snake." This native but little-known snake was once a common part of the local landscape, but its numbers have declined steeply over the past few decades. Thanks to efforts by Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lake County Forest Preserve District, the smooth green snake has a shot at a comeback. Dr. Allison Sacerdote-Velat of the Lincoln Park Zoo will detail the work being done to study and help this species gain a stronger presence in the Chicago region.

The series will be followed on April 17 by "A Sense of Place: The History of Grunwald Farms." Each program in the "Sense of Place" series highlights the special landscape of Kane County. The preserve features rolling topography, a fen alongside Blackberry Creek, and a large lake. The history of this 237-acre preserve is a blend of farming, mining and restoration. On this walk, they will relay the tales Mr. Grunwald has told about growing up on the farm. Also see the results of land reclamation and habitat restoration.

The spring session will wrap up on May 14 with "Big Trees of Kane County." Help discover and document the giants as part of The Illinois Big Tree Registry. This statewide program encourages citizens to appreciate, record and report the largest native trees.

For information, call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Visit www.kaneforest.com or follow the district on Facebook or Twitter.

During the second hour of the "Learn from the Experts" program, participants will head into the woods to use bark, branches, twigs, leaf scars and more to identify trees. AP File Photo
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.