nature programs
Nature
Programs
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
Red Oak Trail Bags
Trail Bags are a great way to explore Red Oak’s trails by using special
backpacks and fun tools that teach about nature topics. Trail Bags
are free of charge. There is a deposit required. Adult supervision is
required. (MG)
Age
Fee
Location
All ages & adult
Free (deposit required)
Red Oak Nature Center
Organized in conjunction with the St. Charles Park District, Geneva
Park District and the Kane County Forest Preserve District, Learn From the Experts
classes are taught by specialists with years of experience in their chosen fields.
Expect in-depth information, interesting discussions and maybe even a surprise
or two at these learning events. (MG)
Prairie Plant Propagation
Day
Date
M-F: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sa-Su: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Year-round
Cave Hike
There’s only one cave in the Aurora area and it’s at Red Oak Nature
Center! Hike down the Fox River Bike Trail to Devil’s Cave, then listen
to the legend of how this unique geological formation was given its
haunting name. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (JK)
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
All ages
Free
MIN: 1/MAX: 30
Red Oak Nature Center
Day
Date
Time
Su
June 27
3 to 4 p.m.
Su
Aug. 15
3 to 4 p.m.
Letterbox Hunt
Letterboxing is a fun “treasure hunt” that is being done worldwide. At
Red Oak, a small, weatherproof box has been hidden somewhere on
the grounds. Visit the Nature Center building to get clues on how to
find the box. (MG)
Age
Fee
Location
All ages
Free
Red Oak Nature Center
Day
Date
M-F: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sa-Su: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Year-round
With native prairie plants growing in popularity for home landscaping
or naturalizing larger areas, this program will give the participant greater insight
on tips and techniques for native plant germination, care and installation. While
focusing on several of the major species of grasses and forbs, participants will
gain the confidence to raise their own valuable prairie community at home.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 1/MAX: 10
Geneva Park District Greenhouse
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
41227
Th
June 3
6 to 8 p.m.
The Birds and the Bees
Without birds, bees, butterflies, bats, wasps and a myriad of other
pollinators, the grocery store shelves would be bare. Indeed, humans could not
survive without pollinators and all they provide. Find out about the fascinating
array of native pollinators and the plants they pollinate, then discuss the effects
of the decline in native pollinators, the impact of non-native species and other
threats to ecological health. Everyone will then head out to the field to observe
pollinators and pollinated alike.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 1/MAX: 10
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
41230
Su
June 20
2 to 5 p.m.
nature programs
www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
GPS & Geocaching
Geology of Illinois
Learn the basics of a GPS unit and how this device can be used on a
geocaching adventure. Bring a unit if possible; a limited number will be available
to use.
Illinois is often referred to as a flat and boring state with nothing but
cornfield and soybeans. The geology of Illinois is not simple or uncomplicated.
Learn the basics of geology and the fascinating work of glaciers.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
16Y and up
$10
MIN: 7/MAX: 20
Red Oak Nature Center
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 8/MAX: 45
Peck Farm Park, Geneva
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
41040
Sa
June 26
9 to 11 a.m.
41516
Th
Aug. 12
6:30 to 8 p.m.
What's That Tree? Summer Dendrology
Identifying trees in the jungle of green leaves can be challenging.
Learn the basics of tree identification and gain experience using a botanical key
to identify native trees. Instructor Valerie Blaine will share tips to help demystify
tree identifications and will emphasize observation of bark, branches, form, habit,
habitat, twigs, leaf scars and buds. During the second portion of the class,
everyone will head into the woods to practice tree identification skills.
The Sound of Night Music
The hills are alive with the sound of music...insect music, that is!
After a brief listen-and-learn session to familiarize everyone with the songs of the
major players, take a walk and hear katydids and crickets croon.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 1/MAX: 10
Norris Woods, St. Charles
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 1/MAX: 10
Tekakwitha Woods, St. Charles
41228
W
Aug. 18
7 to 9 p.m.
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
41226
W
July 7
6 to 9 p.m.
Lichens
Learn about local lichen with Rich Hyerczyk, founder of the Chicago
Lichenological Society. This three-hour field course will explore the taxonomy,
morphology and ecology of lichenized fungi, with an emphasis on identification
of species common in the area. Bring a hand lens for close-up views.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 1/MAX: 10
West Side Community Park, St. Charles
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
41462
Sa
July 17
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prairie Plant Identification
With more than 800 plant species native to Illinois prairies, it can
often feel like walking into a room full of strangers when stepping into a prairie.
This program provides the tools to help identify native prairie plants as well as
their historical and current relationships with humans.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Location
18Y and up
$10
MIN: 1/MAX: 10
Peck Farm, Geneva
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
40512
Sa
July 24
9 to 11 a.m.
Scout Badge Work
Blackberry Farm
Trained instructors at Blackberry Farm are available to help Scouts with
their badge programs. Leaders are responsible for the purchase of the
badge patch; otherwise the cost is $7 per Scout. The fee includes all
materials and staff time to assist Scouts in meeting the requirements
for each badge. Class time is usually two hours. Call 630-892-1654 for
dates available and information on the badge program.
Thornton Quarry Trip
Ever driven on the Tri-State Tollway toward Indiana and noticed the
Thornton Quarry, which offers a variety of fossils dating back to the Silurian
time, about 425 million years ago! Take a tour of the quarry and do some fossil
hunting. Bring bags, hand lenses and other fossil hunting equipment, plenty of
water and a bag lunch. Registration and fees due by July 30.
Age
Fee
Class Size
Departure Location
18Y and up
$25
MIN: 10/MAX: 28
Pottawatomie Community Center, St. Charles
Barcode
Day
Date
Time
41936
Sa
Oct. 2
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Day
& Picnic
Spend a relaxing day fishing with your
grandkids at Blackberry Farm!
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shady picnic area. Afterward, visit the
animals or take a ride on the fun attractions. A box lunch, drink and
fishing bait will be provided. Each person attending the picnic must
be registered individually. Fishing poles are provided; however,
the supply is limited. Bring poles if possible.
Blackberry Farm
9 a.m. to noon
Saturday, June 12 (Barcode 39206)
Saturday, July 31 (Barcode 39207)
$9 (Residents) / $12 (Non-residents)
Ages 2 and up & adult
(lB)
nature programs
Awesome Ants!
What has three body parts, six legs and an incredibly fascinating
social life? The correct answer is … ants! Learn about these complex
creatures at this fun program. Be prepared to take a walk to search
for some of the many ant species that live in the woods. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. (JK)
Surprising Salamanders!
Learn about this lesser known amphibian that inhabits the wet
areas…the salamander. Learn about its unique lifestyle and even get
a chance to meet one up close. Children must be accompanied by an
adult. (MG)
Age
Fee
Location
Age
Fee
Location
All ages
Free
Red Oak Nature Center
All ages & adult
Free
Red Oak Nature Center
Day
Date
Time
Day
Date
Time
Su
July 11
2 to 3 p.m.
Sa
July 24
2 to 3 p.m.
Busy Bees!
Learn what it’s like to live and work as a honey bee. Discover why bees
do what they do and see how their behavior has a positive effect on
the environment. Participants also will have a chance to check out
some beekeeping equipment and view a working honey bee hive. Children must
be accompanied by an adult. (JK)
Age
Fee
Location
All ages
Free
Red Oak Nature Center
Day
Date
Time
Sa
July 18
2 to 3 p.m.
Bug
Terrific Turtles!
Which animal carries its home around all the time? The turtle, of
course! This family event will give an up-close look at the turtles that
live in the area and provide interesting facts about this unique reptile.
A couple of turtles might even come out to meet the class. Children must be
accompanied by an adult. (MG)
Age
Fee
Location
All ages & adult
Free
Red Oak Nature Center
Day
Date
Time
Sa
July 31
2 to 3 p.m.
FREE!
All Ages
Fest
sat. Aug. 21 Red oa
9 a.m. to noon
(MG)
k
nature
center
Bring the family for a morning with
the wonderful world of bugs! Travel
the Fox River bike trail from Red
Oak to Lippold Park to meet these
amazing creatures who live in the
pond, prairie and forest.
Join in the ANTics:
• Meet live bugs
• Compete against insects in our
first-ever Bug Olympics
• Buzz on over to the Predator
Pavilion
• Prizes and giveaways
• Bug crafts and games
A stroller-friendly,
family-friendly event!