Kane County Forest Preserve District notes

Insect Safari: See six-legged critters in all shapes, sizes, colors and forms during the Forest Preserve District of Kane County's "Insect Safari" nature program. The free program, "Insect Safari," will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center in St. Charles. Visitors will discover the different insects living in nearby nature.

"The number of insects is staggering and the diversity of lifestyles is mind boggling," said Valerie Blaine, nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District. "Armed with nets, jars and field guides, we'll explore field and stream to find these little beasts."

"Insect Safari" is a free program but registration is encouraged as the district may add or cancel programs depending on interest. To register or for information, call (847) 741-8350. Information about all district nature programs is available on our Web site at www.kaneforest.com/naturePrograms.asp

Have you ever heard a bat talk?: The mammals are indeed chatty creatures but our ears cannot hear them. This summer, take part in "Bat Watch," one of the Forest Preserve District's several family summer programs.

District naturalists will use a special "bat detector" to pick up the bats' clicks used in echolocation. Attendees will locate bats and follow their movements. We'll also play games and learn about bat ecology.

This popular nature program is offered at the following preserves:

• Binnie Forest Preserve in Dundee - 7:45 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2

• LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles - 7:45 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6.

• Hannaford Woods/Nickels Farm Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove - 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Registration for "Bat Watch" is $5 per person or $20 for a family of four or more. To register, call the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at (847) 741-8350. Additional information about this and other district nature programs also is available at www.kaneforest.com/ naturePrograms.asp.

Wood chips available: If you are in need of wood chips for your yard, look no further.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will have free wood chips available for pick-up at two locations this month. You are welcome to bring your own shovels and containers. For larger quantities, Forest Preserve personnel will be operating front-end loaders. Please note, nothing larger than a pick-up truck will be filled.

Wood chip pickup is available Saturday, July 19 at Glenwood Park Forest Preserve in Batavia and Saturday, July 26 at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin. Pick-up times for both locations are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The chips are from trees removed throughout Kane County because of storm damage or clearing efforts. None of the wood chips are from ash trees.

Glenwood Park Forest Preserve is at 1644 S. River St. in Batavia. Burnidge Forest Preserve is at 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin. For more information, call the Forest Preserve District at (630) 232-5980.

Restoration continues: The second phase of a multi-year restoration project is slated to begin July 17 at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin.

From July 17 to Aug. 8, Forest Preserve District staff will continue a long-term brush control project using machinery. Brush control will primarily occur off-trail in the south central portion of the preserve.

Invasive Honeysuckle will be cleared along with Autumn Olive, both non-native plants that have been quickly overtaking and degrading once open habitats across the preserve.

"Burnidge should be a savanna, basically a very open, expansive prairie with rolling hills covered by scattered trees," said Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources for the Forest Preserve District. "Autumn Olive is the prime problem and is virtually unusable to native wildlife. Removing this brush is vital for native prairie plants and wildflowers to thrive," he said. Autumn Olive is commonly used in mine land reclamation and stabilization of highway banks, but became established at Burnidge from hedgerow plantings.

Prairie restoration projects are part of the Forest Preserve District's mission of preserving natural resources and habitats within Kane County, as well as a goal of developing high-quality, diversified preserves that enhance significant environmental resources and features.

Signs have been posted at Burnidge to make visitors to the area aware of the restoration work taking place. Regular trail users should pay special attention if they encounter bright orange signs warning of "Brush Cutter Ahead."

If you have any questions about the project, call the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at (630) 232-5980. More information about Burnidge Forest Preserve is available on the district's Web site at www.kaneforest.com.