Learn about 'Natural History of Illinois: 200 Years of Change' at Nov. 3 program

Learn how Illinois' native landscapes have changed since statehood during a Nov. 3 nature program by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

Director of Natural Resources Ben Haberthur will describe the ecological transformation of Illinois and explain why natural ecosystems are rare today. He also will discuss regionwide efforts to restore Illinois' splendid prairies, woodlands and wetlands.

"The Natural History of Illinois: 200 Years of Change" will be the topic at the "Learn from the Experts" nature program from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Barbara Belding Lodge.

The lodge is located in Brewster Creek Forest Preserve at 6N921 Route 25 in St. Charles.

This "Learn from the Experts" program is for ages 18 and up. The fee is $10 per person. Advance registration is required. Call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register.

Learn from the Experts programs are taught by experts in their respective fields and offer in-depth learning opportunities about our local ecology. The programs are offered through a partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District and Geneva Park District.

The next program will be "Reading the Earth's Vital Signs" from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva. The news is filled with record-breaking weather events and data indicates that regional climate change is occurring. This class, led by Naturalist and Manager of Peck Farm Park Trish Burns, will take an in-depth look at the current science of climate change. Participants will discuss the interface with climate, today, and in the future.

On Sunday, Dec. 2, the "Learn from the Experts" program will talk about the "Illinois Bison-tennial." The program will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Barbara Belding Lodge. On the eve of the Prairie State's 200th birthday, this program will feature the natural and cultural history of bison (aka buffalo) in Illinois. They will discuss the indigenous people's connection with the species, the European's first impressions of this huge mammal, and the fate of bison in the 19th century. A look at present-day bison reintroductions will bring you up-to-date on the role of the magnificent animal in the state's ecology.

Glaciers, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes - the North American continent is an exciting place! In "Geology 101," Trish Burns, naturalist and manager of Peck Farm Park, will present the dynamic history of North American geology, with emphasis on the forces that shaped Illinois. The "Learn from the Experts" program will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva.

Learn how to identify trees without leaves during the "Winter Tree Identification" class. Environmental Education Manager Valerie Blaine will demonstrate the importance of bark, branches, twigs, leaf scars and buds in tree identification from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 12, at Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

For more information, visit www.kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.