Kane County event shows nature may be beautiful, but it's also yucky

Sometimes, the yuckiest things in nature are the coolest.

Consider a bird that vomits on anything that disturbs it. Some spiders make milkshakes from the insides of their prey. Other critters that walk on their phlegm, and there's much more.

Kane County Forest Preserve District naturalist Erica Lemon led a group of 15 people for this nature program that included a short hike and an activity.

"The Gross, the Bad and the Yucky" was held Sunday at Creek Bend Nature Center, within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles.

In addition to explaining various fungal activity on trees, and insect life during the 45 minute walk around the Creek Bend Nature Center, Lemon talked about various forms animal dung observed along the trail.

"The fox and coyote have a unique bend in their scat, unlike a dog which is straight," Lemon said.

After the walk, Lemon led the group to a picnic table where they crafted their own homemade dung by combining mixtures of modeling clay, various seeds and animal fur.

To view the full roster of forest preserve district nature programs, visit www.kaneforest.com. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter.