Celebrate the new year with morning hike at LeRoy Oakes

There's no better way to kick off 2018 than a hike in the wintry woods.

Bring the whole family - grandkids and grandparents - on this special holiday hike. Attendees will look for the first animal tracks made in the snow. They also will examine trees and seeds, as well as surprises from Mother Nature.

Coffee and hot cocoa will be served inside Creek Bend Nature Center after the hike.

This Forest Preserve District of Kane County program runs from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

This free hike is for participants of all ages. Advance registration is required. Call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register.

If you can't make the New Year's Day hike, a free "Winter Wildlife Hike" will be offered from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, starting at Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles; and 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin.

There are many animals that brave the Illinois winter. On this naturalist-guided hike, participants will look for signs of wintering wildlife and learn about their adaptations for surviving the cold. Advance registration is required. Call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register.

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