Kane County Forest Preserve District notes
Looking for a way to spend an evening socializing, snacking and stargazing?
Enjoy "Astrofeast" at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve in Elburn.
Sky experts from the Kane County Astronomical Association and Fox Valley Astronomical Society will set up telescopes for all to use.
Interested amateur astronomers are welcome to bring a light supper, snacks and beverages for a night of tailgating and 'scoping.
The program is free, but interested attendees are encouraged to register by calling (847) 741-8350, ext. 10.
The Kane County Forest Preserve District may add or cancel programs depending on interest, so if you plan to attend, please let them know.
For details on Astrofeast or other environmental education programs from the forest preserve district, visit www.kaneforest.com.
After the Burn: Learn more about the benefits of prescribed or controlled burns during "After the Burn," a March 29 Learn from the Experts program.
Prescribed burns rejuvenate native plant growth while discouraging the spread of invasive species. Controlled burns are an essential part of natural-area management plans, yet opportunities to explore recently burned areas are rare. The program will cover the mechanics of these events and show the difference a well-planned burn can make in the environment.
Denis Kania, manager of natural areas for the St. Charles Park District, will lead the class at Campton Hills Park, Campton Hills and Peck roads in St. Charles.
Learn from the Experts programs focus on various topics in local ecology. The adults-only workshops are co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and St. Charles, Geneva, and Fox Valley park districts. Attendees are eligible for Kane County Certified Naturalist credit.
Call (847) 741-8350, ext. 10, to register for any of the Learn from the Experts programs. Registration is $10 per session. Additional details are available at www.kaneforest.com.
Other upcoming programs in the series include:
• "Illinois' Freshwater Mussels" on April 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pottawatomie Community Center, St. Charles.
• "Reptiles and Amphibians of Northeastern Illinois," a two-part program, on May 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pottawatomie Community Center in St. Charles and May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Otter Creek Bend Park in St. Charles.
Astrofeast: Looking for a way to spend an evening socializing, snacking and stargazing?
Enjoy "Astrofeast" at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 28 at Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve in Elburn.
Sky experts from the Kane County Astronomical Association and Fox Valley Astronomical Society will set up telescopes for all to use.
Interested amateur astronomers are welcome to bring a light supper, snacks and beverages for a night of tailgating and 'scoping.
The program is free, but interested attendees are encouraged to register by calling (847) 741-8350, ext. 10.
The Kane County Forest Preserve District may add or cancel programs depending on interest, so if you plan to attend, please let them know.
For information on Astrofeast or other environmental education programs from the forest preserve district, visit www.kaneforest.com.
Rare plant monitors: There are three different training sessions scheduled for volunteers interested in becoming rare-plant monitors. All workshops are from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are scheduled for: April 5 at Volo Bog in Ingleside; April 17 at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Joliet; and April 27 at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Each workshop will cover the same agenda, so volunteers only need to sign up for one. Plant monitors will receive an introduction to the "Plants of Concern" program, learn monitoring skills and receive training with GPS units. To learn more about the "Plants of Concern" program, visit www.plantsofconcern.org.
Call Marian Hofherr at (847) 835-6873 or e-mail at mhofherr@chicagobotanic.org to register for any of the three workshops.
Only having to visit the sites three to four times a season, volunteering as a preserve monitor is an easy way to help the Forest Preserve District of Kane County maintain and preserve the quality of its natural areas. For details on volunteer opportunities with the district, contact Julia Bourque at (630) 762-2741 or BourqueJulia@kaneforest.com.
Weekend volunteers needed: The Kane County Forest Preserve District is looking for volunteers to host the Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center in St. Charles on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Nature Center -- filled with a 3-D exhibit of the Fox River, wildlife exhibits and nature-related activities for children -- is tucked away between the trees of Tekakwitha Woods, near the Fox River.
The weekend host would be responsible for opening and closing the Nature Center and greeting visitors during operational hours: noon to 4 p.m. during the months of April to November and 1 to 4 p.m. during the months of December to March.
Serving as a Nature Center host is a peaceful, yet exciting experience, says Julia Bourque, volunteer coordinator for the Forest Preserve District.
"The woods of Tekakwitha are mainly inhabited by birds, squirrels and rustling leaves, creating a serene atmosphere. However, during those times when scout groups and families come through to explore the Nature Center, the quiet goes away and the excitement of children and adults learning about nature through a hands-on, sensual experience comes alive," Bourque said.
"It is so neat to see the enthusiasm and sense of wonder that kids have when they see the Nature Center for the first time," said Sarah Kimber, who has been a Nature Center and Nature Programs volunteer for four years.
To learn more on how to become a weekend Nature Center Host, contact Julia Bourque, volunteer coordinator, at (630) 762-2741 or BourqueJulia@kaneforest. com.
Tekakwitha Woods is at 35W076 Villa Maria Road, off Route 25, one mile north of Army Trail Road in St. Charles. For information on Tekakwitha Woods, the Nature Center or Forest Preserve District programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.