Spring activities at forest preserves beckon
By Valerie Blaine
Daily Herald Correspondent
If you’d like to experience the excitement of spring outdoors, opportunities abound in the Kane County forest preserves. Check out these public programs, or visit the preserves on your own any day of the week. To register, call (847) 741-8350 or email programs@kaneforest.com
Maple Sugaring Days: Join the time-honored tradition of maple tapping from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11, at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn. Explore the art, science, and folklore of the “sugar bush,” or maple grove, from early Native American times to the modern sugaring industry. District naturalists will demonstrate how to tap a maple tree, and you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at drilling and setting a tap. Simmer sap over an open fire and watch as it thickens to syrup. There will be a “Sugarin’ Time” hike, during which you’ll learn how to distinguish maples from other species of hardwood trees in the woodland. Free.
The World of Woodcocks: The class meets from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Campton Forest Preserve. Begin with an outdoor introduction to woodcock behavior, ecology, and adaptations. As dusk descends on the woods and prairie, head down the trail to find “front row seats” for the amazing air show to come. Male woodcocks will signal audibly as they begin their aerial courtship displays. For ages 16 and older. Meet at the baseball field parking lot on La Fox Road. $10.
Skunk Cabbage Hunt: Come along on this hike, set for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at Big Rock Forest Preserve, to see skunk cabbage in all its glory and learn about the many traditional uses of this unique plant. Search for other signs of spring. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free.
Frog-o-rama: One of the most pleasant sounds of spring is the symphony of frogs. From 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at Rutland Forest Preserve, search the wetlands for chorus and leopard frogs and learn to identify them by songs and physical characteristics. Come prepared to get a bit muddy and wet. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free.