Hawthorne Hill Nature Center offers nature programs this winter

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive in Elgin, offers a variety of nature programs this winter. Registration is required. For information and registration, visit www.cityofelgin.org. Registration should be in a week before the event.

Nature Crafts:

There is so much beauty found in nature. This program allows youth, age 5 to 12, to collect and create items from nature. January's program will focus on pine cone owl crafts. In February, they will create a heart-shaped bird seed feeder. Participants need to be accompanied by an adult. Scout groups are welcome! It will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 27 or Feb. 10. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for nonresidents.

Nature Lovers Book Group:

Gather monthly with other nature lovers, age 18 or older, to discuss a nature-themed book, whether fiction or nonfiction. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee, tea and cookies will be provided. Members of the group will choose book selections for following months. The free program will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 31, Feb. 28 or March 28.

Winter Bird Walk:

Explore the diversity of birds that inhabit Hawthorne Hill Nature Center during winter. Participants will go on a short hike in the woods to listen to and observe resident woodpeckers, owls and other winter migrants. The free evening winter hike will end with a cup of hot chocolate! Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair provided by the nature center. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required one week in advance. It will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. The instructor is Maura Neuffer.

Hike N Story:

Join them each month for a seasonal nature story followed by a naturalist-guided sensory hike outdoors. Afterward, enjoy nature play time and exploration in the hands-on exhibit room. Hike 'n Story is a nature program and a time to get outdoors with other families to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Hawthorne Hill. Hike 'n Story is open to all families, but stories will be targeted to preschoolers, age 2 to 5. Dress to be comfortable outdoors. It will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Feb. 7 and March 7. The instructor is Maura Neuffer. The program is free.

Volunteer Appreciation Night:

Have you spent time volunteering at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center as an open hours greeter, instructor, exhibit creator, trail monitor or natural areas volunteer? Hawthorne Hill is a facility that greatly depends on its skilled, creative and friendly volunteers! If you have volunteered at Hawthorne, or if you would like to meet our volunteers and show your appreciation, join them for Volunteer Appreciation Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Food and beverages will be provided. Advanced registration is required.

Animal Tracks in Winter:

Animal tracks in winter tell amazing stories! Become a nature detective by learning to identify animal tracks, scat, and skulls of various animals who live at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. Kids, age 6 to 15, will begin their adventure inside by closely observing different tracks. Then go for a short hike to see how well they can apply your tracking skills. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. The instructor is Maura Neuffer. Scout groups are welcome. It will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in the center's meeting room. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for nonresidents.

Leapin' Leprechauns!:

Get ready for spring and St. Patrick's Day by learning to plant green shamrocks! Learn a leprechaun song, taste some genuine Irish soda bread, and go on a short scavenger hunt to search for things green. Kids, age 5 to 12, may even find some green leapin leprechauns and treasure hidden along the trails! Shamrock plants and containers will be provided for all registered participants. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. The program will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10. The instructor is Maura Neuffer. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for nonresidents.

Nature Photography:

Bring your digital camera and learn from an expert photographer how to take pictures of trees, birds and wildlife. You will learn about composition, exposure, and use of lenses. This is your chance to use your creativity through photography in a natural setting. Linger after class to shoot photos on Hawthorne Hills' 67 acres to develop your own nature photography portfolio! Participants, age 16 or older, are welcome to participate. Advanced registration is required. Cost is $10 for residents or $12 for nonresidents. The instructor is Bill Bailey. It will be offered from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24.