Live reptiles, a toad and new exhibits arrive at Knoch Knolls Nature Center

In addition to the fish living in the 900-gallon tank, Knoch Knolls Nature Center's exhibit area now features an Eastern Box Turtle, an American Toad and a Western Fox Snake.

The live animals can be seen whenever the Nature Center is open, thanks to new display cases recently acquired to house the creatures. Other new pieces added to the Nature Center include a toddler table, a science table and a science cart, all of which contain hands-on materials for kids to explore. The interactive displays will change seasonally and will feature local wildlife, flowering plants and trees.

"We're excited to be able to welcome reptiles and a toad to the Nature Center and to offer more interactive materials for kids in the exhibit area," said Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman.

A new program coming to Knoch Knolls Nature Center on Feb. 27 from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. will give middle school teachers hands-on activities to take back to their classrooms to teach students about the importance of water and how to conserve it. Developed by Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), the one-day workshop will be offered in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District. The workshop includes the latest edition of the Project WET curriculum guide and offers 6 CDH credits. Interested teachers may register for this workshop at www.napervilleparks.org.

Other winter programs at Knoch Knolls Nature Center include Cross Country Ski (or hike) with a Naturalist for families on Feb. 13 and for adults on Feb. 27, Family Nature Nights on Feb. 26 and Mar. 19, Wildlife Tracking for ages 9-12 on Feb. 20, and Meet the Raptors for ages 8 and up on Mar. 5. Online registration for any of these programs is available at www.napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter.