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How you can become a certified naturalist

"Who knew?"

If I had a nickel for every time I heard this in my job as a naturalist, I'd be as rich as a king. I hear it most often in the Kane County Certified Naturalist program.

The certified naturalist program is designed for people who want to know the "who knew?" kinds of things about nature. It's a program of discovery.

"I had no idea of the diversity of habitats in the Kane County Forest Preserves," said KCCN student James Frediani of Batavia. "The best part (of KCCN) for me was discovering new places to visit that I didn't know existed so close by."

Sugar Grove resident Mark Musaraca echoed these feelings.

"I was surprised to learn that Kane County had so much to offer. (All) of the places we toured for our field trips were just beautiful," Musaraca said.

The program is a collaborative partnership of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, and the Geneva Park District. As such, it affords the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of natural areas in Kane County. It also opens doors to volunteer opportunities in all three agencies.

KCCN welcomes a new class of adult learners each year, and the 2016 class will begin in January. The program begins with coursework that builds a comprehensive knowledge of Illinois ecology, with specific emphasis on Kane County. There are six core classes in the winter, covering the basics of woodland ecology, prairie, wetlands, and the ecological processes that unite them all. The core classes are held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles.

In spring and summer, students take part in four field trips at sites throughout Kane County. The continuing education component of KCCN includes "Learn from the Experts" classes, held throughout the year at various locations, on a variety of topics in natural and cultural history.

In addition to coursework, volunteer hours are required for certification. There's ample opportunity to volunteer within the three sponsoring agencies.

"KCCNers" can volunteer in areas that interest them - from brush cutting and seed harvesting to greeting visitors at special events.

KCCN students receive their certification once they have completed the coursework and volunteer hours. Each year, graduates can recertify by volunteering and by taking ongoing Learn from the Experts classes.

People in KCCN learn a lot, to be sure. But most of these folks discover an additional benefit to the program. They gain a sense of community. The camaraderie in this community is often cited as the biggest plus of the program.

"The best part of the KCCN experience has been to meet so many enthusiastic people that are excited to learn more about our local natural environment," said Lee Haggas of St. Charles.

Others concur.

"I have met so many people who share the same passion for nature and the outdoors as I do," said Patti Brotz of Bartlett.

Frediani chimed in, "It's easier and more fun to learn with people who share your passion for the great outdoors. I have made new friends and I am constantly amazed at their knowledge of parts of nature that I never really noticed before."

KCCN participants have noted other benefits, too: inspiration and fulfillment. Mary Ann Reynolds of Aurora said that KCCN "fuels the nature lover fire inside" and has led her to be a good steward of the earth.

"I want to protect/preserve/restore and evolve with my 'nature neighbors' as well as the people that live next to me," she said. "I feel in harmony with the earth and am listening to its needs as well as the needs of my family and friends."

KCCNers not only talk the talk, they walk the walk. Collectively, they put in hundreds of hours of volunteer work in the areas of habitat restoration and education throughout the county. Whether chipping in with the forest preserve district's Earth Day event, greeting visitors at the Peck Farm Park's butterfly house, or helping with school field trips at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, these volunteers put their knowledge - and their passion - into action.

Who's a good candidate for KCCN? Anyone who has an inkling that there are cool things in nearby nature, and wants to know more. Anyone who's curious about woods and prairies, but just hasn't had the chance to explore them. Anyone who's a closet nature nerd and wants to come out. Anyone who walks the trails in the county and wonders, "what's that plant?"

In other words, you are a good candidate for KCCN. But here's a heads-up from Patti Brotz: "If you join the KCCN program, be prepared to be amazed. It will change you."

Registration is under way for the program. Visit www.stcnature.org for details.

•Valerie Blaine is the nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. You may reach her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com

Kane County Certified Naturalist program participants take a field trip to Johnson's Mound in Elburn in May 2014. Top row, from left: Cathy Martens, Jeff Bates, Tom Lucas; second row: Jon Hull, Karen Hull, Debra Wisser, Rachel Lucas, Mandy Morgan; third row: Carolyn Sweson, Katie Skaar, Jim Bolz, Kevin O'Neill; fourth row: Lisa O'Brien, Barb McKittrick, Jane Bolz, Linda O'Neill, Sharon Sutton, Jennifer Hoffman, Dustin Howell (standing), Cecilia Valdavia, Nancy Hannah, Karen Burkhalter, Dean Bulkhalter; front row: Pam Otto. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine
Debra Wisser and Pam Otto work on a project during a KCCN field trip at Creek Bend Nature Center in May 2014. Courtesy of Valerie Blaine

Interested in becoming a naturalist? Check out an upcoming information session

Who knew? KCCNers know. And you can, too.

If you'd like to learn more about the program and how to register for the 2016 class, come to a KCCN information session.

The first session will be held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. The second will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Feel free to stop by, ask questions, and pick up information packets with detailed schedules and application material. The core classes will begin Jan. 12, 2016.

For information, call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Visit <a href="http://www.stcnature.org/Programs/Kane-County-Certified-Naturalists.htm">www.stcnature.org</a>/.

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