How to become a Kane County Certified Naturalist
If you're a regular on the trails in Kane County, chances are you've wondered about the names of the trees and wildflowers around you. You've probably puzzled over an insect or two.
If your interest is piqued and you'd like to learn about all the cool things you encounter in nature, the Kane County Certified Naturalists program may be just the thing for you.
The Kane County Certified Naturalists course is designed for adults who are eager to explore nearby nature.
This yearlong course helps students build a comprehensive knowledge of Illinois ecology, with specific emphasis on Kane County.
Sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, and the Geneva Park District, the program promotes natural areas throughout the area.
Kane County Certified Naturalists (KCCN for short) includes both indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
It begins with six core classes in the winter covering the basics of woodlands, prairie, and wetland ecology. We examine the natural systems that tie these all together and the integral role we play in stewardship.
Come spring, we head outdoors to get our feet wet (often, literally!). There are four field trips held in forest preserves and park district natural areas.
The field sessions bring together the factual knowledge gained in the classroom and the tangible experience outdoors.
The initial year of study and exploration culminates in a graduation ceremony around the campfire. Graduates are feted with food (s'mores included), official certificates, and congratulations. KCCN alums and fellow "nature nuts" join in the celebration.
The KCCN experience doesn't end at graduation. In fact, graduation is just the beginning. Once the core classes are complete, KCCN graduates can choose from a variety of classes dubbed "Learn from the Experts" classes.
These are offered all year, every year, covering a range of topics such as plant identification, glaciers, amphibians, habitat restoration, insect ecology - you name it.
The classes are generally one to three hours in length and are held at various times and locations. You can pick and choose which work for you.
The KCCN community grows each year as graduates continue to take classes and volunteer throughout the county. Since the inception of the program in 2007, the number of active Kane County Certified Naturalists has grown to roughly 100.
Learning about the natural areas in Kane County is cool, but being a steward of the environment is even cooler.
Interested?
The 2018 Kane County Certified Naturalist course will begin in January. The Tuesday evening classes will be held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13 and 20. Each class runs from 6-9 p.m.
Spring and summer field trips dates and locations will be announced the first day of class. The fee for the course is $250 and includes a year's worth of classes, field trips, and study materials.
Want to know more? Stop by one of our KCCN open houses, where we will provide detailed schedules and answer questions. The first open house is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30, from 7-8 p.m. at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles.
The second open house will take place Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10-11 a.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. You do not need to attend an open house to apply.
Launch a lifetime journey of nature exploration with Kane County Certified Naturalists. Call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com for application information.
• Valerie Blaine is the nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. You may reach her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com.
What naturalists love about the program
Here is a sampling of what Kane County Certified Naturalists have to say about the program.
Kim Haag, Campton Hills: "The learning never ends, which is great."
Teri Schmidgal, Elgin: "The classes and the field trips are fun and the content is accessible to learners with differing areas of interest - geology, biology, environmentalism, conservation, history or others. What I value the most is the variety of programs that are available in Kane County that have allowed me to explore the wonderful forest preserves and nature centers that are right in my backyard."
James Frediani, Batavia: "I had no idea of the diversity of habitats in the Kane County Forest Preserves. The best part for me was discovering new places to visit that I didn't know existed so close by."
Mark Musaraca, Sugar Grove: "I was surprised to learn that Kane County had so much to offer. (All) of the places we toured for our field trips were just beautiful."
Suzi Meyers, St. Charles: "KCCN allows you to keep growing in knowledge. It has been life-changing in so many positive ways."
Carol Mazur, Gilberts: "Not only did I learn a lot about local forest preserves and native plants, I also met two fellow KCCN members I now can call two of my best friends."
Corey Begalka, Elgin: "This is a journey with kindred spirits discovering the beauty and challenges of Kane County's wonderful natural areas, venturing to places you probably never knew existed in our area. The class is eco-therapeutic, healing whatever ails your spirit."
John Stern, St. Charles: "This program has brought more balance to my physical and mental well-being. There are memories made and retained forever."