Kane County Forest Preserve District events
Up in Arms: If you've ever wrestled with the issues of hunting, wildlife and preservation, please join us for "Up in Arms," a thought-provoking nature program sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, the Geneva Park District, and the Fox Valley Park District.
"Up in Arms" is offered from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Pottawatomie Community Center in St. Charles. Naturalist Valerie Blaine and ranger Tom Stewart of the Forest Preserve District will lead this interactive session.
They will take a look at the topic from several vantage points and examine the questions: Who hunts and why? Can a naturalist be a hunter? Can a hunter be a naturalist? What influences our opinions of hunting? What ethical dilemmas are involved in hunting? The goals of this program are to raise awareness of the issues and to provide an open discussion.
"Up in Arms" is part of the ongoing program series, "Learn from the Experts." Registration and a fee of $10 are required. Call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com for more information.
Little Acorns: Registration is open for the "Little Acorns," a fun nature program for preschoolers, presented by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Four-and 5-year odds will explore the natural world through a variety of activities during the hourlong program. The program takes place at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve in St. Charles.
The next "Little Acorns" will be a "Hoot 'nanny'" from 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. The fee is $5 per child, per session, and advance registration is required. Call (847) 741-8350, to sign up your little ones for "Little Acorns."
Tekakwitha Woods is at 35W076 Villa Maria Road, off Route 25, one mile north of Army Trail Road in St. Charles. Visit www.kaneforest.com.
November workdays: Join a Forest Preserve District volunteer steward at a workday this November to help preserve, protect and restore the natural resources of Kane County.
No experience is necessary and adults must accompany children. Dress for the weather, wearing work gloves, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Call District Volunteer Coordinator Julia Bourque at (630) 762-2741 to confirm scheduled dates and times.
Kane County forest preserves and remaining workdays for the month include:
• Bliss Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove: Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin: Saturday, Nov. 15, from 1-3 p.m.
• Campton Forest Preserve in St. Charles: Weekends, call for dates and times
• Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia: Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m.
• Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva: Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Freeman Kame Forest Preserve in Rutland Township: Weekends, call for dates and times
• Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn: Thursday, Nov. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
• LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles: Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meet at the parking lot near the Great Western Trail head. Rain cancels.
• Les Arends Forest Preserve in Batavia: Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Staff will be present to help burn brush piles this workday. Heavy rain cancels.
Winter field trips: Winter is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors with your class. Teachers are welcome to schedule school field trips in Kane County forest preserves. District naturalists lead themed hikes with educational activities for classes at all levels.
Among our winter offerings are "Winter Animal Adaptations" and "Animal Tracks and Signs." School programs may be held at forest preserve locations throughout Kane County and are free of charge for Kane County schools. Don't let your students go into hibernation this winter. Register now for a school field trip in the winter wonderland of the forest preserves. For registration and information, call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail to programs@kaneforest.com. Visit kaneforest.com/natureEducationBrochure.pdf to view the Nature Education Programs brochure.
Programs for home school families: Join Kane County Forest Preserve District naturalists for a new program series designed for home school families. Activities are designed for ages 5-10 but all ages are welcome. Each month a different topic will be explored at a different forest preserve.
The November session will be "Getting Ready for Winter." The program will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, 35W076 Villa Maria Road in St. Charles. The fee for this program is $2 per person or $8 per family of four or more. Call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com. If you need special accommodations, contact KCFPD at least a week ahead of time.