Forest preserve offers variety of programs

Looking for a break from your hectic holiday schedule?

The Kane County Forest Preserve District offers a number of winter programs to get you outside and away from all the hustle and bustle.

These winter programs are free, but be sure to call (847) 741-8350 to register. The district may add or cancel programs based on attendance estimates, so please let them know if you plan to attend. For directions or information on forest preserve district programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.

Habitat Hideouts: Home is where the habitat is, but where do animals hide out in the dead of winter? Find out on this naturalist-guided hike through the woods from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, off Freeman Road in Gilberts. Participants will learn the requirements of good habitat for our native wildlife and discover how animals have "winterized" their homes. Come at 10 a.m. for this all-ages program.

New Year's Resolution Hike: For a salubrious start to the new year, head to the woods from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, off Dean Road, west of Randall Road in St. Charles This nature walk is suitable for any and all who are awake, coherent, and eager to shake off the excesses of the night -- or the year -- before. Bring a coffee mug and have it filled with hot coffee at the preserve. Bring binoculars to see cool birds. Bring your New Year's resolutions -- and get going! The New Year's Resolution Hike begins at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome.

Senior Stroll: In January, the monthly Senior Stroll features an armchair tour of faraway lands.

Naturalist Jack Pomatto of the Kane County Forest Preserve District will show slides and share stories of his travels in Africa. This indoor, 90-minute program will be Jan. 3 at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center in St. Charles.

"Senior Stroll: African Adventures with Jack Pomatto" begins at 10 a.m.

Senior Stroll is a free monthly program for senior citizens. The group meets at different forest preserves throughout Kane County. Weather permitting, the program includes a brief, naturalist-guided hike with a focus on varying nature topics. (There will be no hike during the January program.)

Senior Stroll is free of charge, but Nature Center donations are welcome. To register, call (847) 741-8350, ext. 10. For directions or information on forest preserve district programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.

Tekakwitha Woods is at 35W076 Villa Maria Road, off Route 25, one mile north of Army Trail Road in St. Charles Township.