Kane County Forest Preserve notes
Cave biology: Adults are invited to a cave biology class from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23 at Red Oak Nature Center in Batavia.
This class is part of the "Learn from the Experts" series of adult ecology classes co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, the Geneva Park District, and the Fox Valley Park District.
Steve Taylor of the Illinois Natural History Survey will begin the class with an indoor presentation on caves and karst, emphasizing invertebrate life in these unique environments. He will then lead the class outdoors to explore Devil's Cave along the Fox River.
Taylor is an editor for the Journal of Cave and Karst Studies and an expert biospeliologist. His research has focused on the biota of caves and other subterranean environments in relation to groundwater quality. To register for this class, call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com. The fee for the class is $25 per person. Please, no children in this class. Red Oak Nature Center is located at 2343 S. River St. in Batavia.
Guided hike: Enjoy the transition from spring to summer Memorial Day weekend, with a hike through Big Rock Forest Preserve.
Families are invited to join forest preserve district naturalist Ben Katzen on a free guided hike from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 24 at Big Rock Forest Preserve. Join them as they explore the forest, creek and wetland, look for signs of wildlife, and learn about the ecology of these natural communities.
"Big Rock has lots of variety of habitat and therefore lots of wildlife," explains Katzen. "We'll be on the lookout for mammals like deer, birds such as red-tailed hawks, snakes and plenty of other creatures."
Register by calling (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.
Big Rock Forest Preserve is located at 46W524 Jericho Road, Big Rock.
Story Time in the Woods: Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center will be filled with stories when St. Charles Public Library staff bring books, finger plays, songs and more for children, infant through age 5.
"Story Time in the Woods" is scheduled for Friday, May 29. The programs run from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Tekakwitha Woods, 35W076 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles. Everyone is welcome to stay and explore the interactive exhibits in the Nature Center after the program.
"Story Time at the Nature Center is a great way to involve the little ones in the world of stories," says Forest Preserve District of Kane County naturalist Jaclyn Olson. "Kids also enjoy walking the trail through the woods to the Nature Center."
Registration is required. To reserve your spot, call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.
Natural history: Naturalist Mary Ochsenschlager will lead a field class on the natural history of Bliss Woods in Sugar Grove from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4.
The fee is $10 per person. The class is part of the Learn from the Experts series of adult ecology classes sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Geneva Park District and the Fox Valley Park District.
Ochsenschlager, recently retired from the St. Charles Park District, is an active steward at Bliss Woods and has in-depth knowledge of the site. The class will include an overview of the geologic history of the area, the changing landscape, its flora and fauna, and restoration management of the site.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve is at 5S660 Bliss Road in Sugar Grove. To register for this program, call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.
Senior Stroll: Seniors are invited to join Kane County Forest Preserve District naturalists for the monthly Senior Stroll from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at Tyler Creek Forest Preserve in Elgin.
Tyler Creek Forest Preserve was one of the first preserves purchased by the district in 1928. A diverse flora thrives under majestic oaks and massive walnut trees.
Tyler Creek winds through the preserve, providing superb habitat for wildlife, says Valerie Blaine, nature programs manager.
"As we walk the wooded trails along the creek, the naturalists will point out the native flora and fauna of the preserve," Blaine said. "We'll also discuss the interplay of nature and cultural history in the area."
Social time follows the walk. The program is free; donations are welcome. Tyler Creek is located at 401 Davis Road in Elgin. Call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com for information about the Senior Stroll.