Kane County place to be for outdoor exploration

For a complete roster of spring and summer programs from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, visit the Web site at kaneforest.com.

Dendrology: Identifying trees in the jungle of summer's green leaves can be a challenge. Kane County Forest Preserve District naturalist Valerie Blaine will conduct a summer dendrology class for adults from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, June 8, at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, 35W076 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles. Meet at the Nature Center.

During this class, you will learn the basics of tree identification and gain experience using a botanical key to identify native trees. Blaine will share tips to help demystify tree ID, and will emphasize observation of bark, branches, form, habit, habitat, twigs, leaf scars and buds. The session will begin indoors with a presentation. Handouts and reference material will be provided. During the second portion of the class, participants will head into the woods to practice tree identification skills.

"Tree identification is baffling to many people," Blaine says, "but it's really not that hard if you learn what to look for and when. I recommend learning trees in all four seasons. This upcoming class in June is a great place to start."

This class is part of the Learn from the Experts series of adult ecology classes co-sponsored by the Kane County Forest Preserve District, St. Charles Park District, Geneva Park District and Fox Valley Park District. There is a $10 fee. To register, 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, 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.

"Near to Nature": Children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers are invited to explore the woods and fields with naturalists from the Kane County Forest Preserve District.

Three hourlong sessions are offered in June. Each program will include a nature hike, games and fun activities.

"Near to Nature" programs are scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Rutland Forest Preserve, 41W230 Big Timber Road, Hampshire; on Wednesday, June 10, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W370 Dean St., St. Charles (meet at the shelter on the south side of Dean Street); and on Thursday, June 11, at Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, 1644 S. River St., Batavia.

"We are increasingly aware of a 'disconnect' between young people and the natural world," says the district's nature program manager Valerie Blaine. "Electronic media, air-conditioned entertainment centers and shopping malls often trump the outdoors for kids and their parents. Our 'Near to Nature' programs will help to re-establish a connection with the wonders of the natural world."

You may sign up for any combination of the programs. The fee is $5 per child. Please register by calling (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.