Venture by car into the deep dark woods of Camp Tomo-Chi-Chi Knolls for an evening of nocturnal nature at its scariest. Look for a mysterious greeter at the gate holding a lantern. Only the brave (and pre-registered) will be admitted to drive along the long, winding road towards the lodge, deep in the woods. As you navigate the twists and turns along the mile-long drive, peer out of the car windows to glimpse mysterious animals lurking in the shadows.  Drive slowly past ancient oak trees whose gnarled limbs appear ready to reach out and grab passers-by.  After the drive, enter the lodge where bats, snakes and spiders await you.  Therein, you’ll learn myths about animals and what makes them so scary.  You’ll also discover the truth about these animals that are so important in our ecosystem. There will be stations set up in the lodge with live (and un-live) animals, activities and crafts for all ages. Guided hikes begin at dusk. 

The variety of rocks, minerals and gemstones is truly staggering. The beauty of these different materials when viewed closely provides a better appreciation of the planet upon which we live. We will examine a variety of samples and study some of the processes that created these remarkable materials. Note: This program is for ages 10 and up.

Celebrate the harvest season at our annual fall festival!  Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora provides a lovely autumn setting for the festival’s offerings: hay rides, nature crafts, pumpkin painting, games, folk music, guided nature walks and more!  All ages are welcome to this fun, family event!  Note: No registration is required.

Join us each month for a program that focuses on a different topic at a different forest preserve. Activities include locating spiders, examining seeds, searching for deer and more! Note: This program is designed for homeschool families. All ages are welcome but the activities are geared for kids ages 5-10.

Join us on a makeshift journey into the amazing world of microscopic life! During this indoor program, we’ll take a tour of a miniature world of beauty and wonder using microscopes, hand lenses and other aids to peer into the realm of tiny creatures.  You’ll see teeming life in a spoonful of soil, in a drop of pond water and on a piece of moss-covered bark. Note: This program is for ages 10 and above.

Families with children ages 6 and above are invited to a fun-filled Saturday morning of creating fall-themed crafts at The Lodge at Brewster Creek.   We’ll delve into the world of art, get creative, and use a variety of natural items to make several crafts.  All materials are provided.

Come to Tekakwitha Woods for a fun, naturalist-led walk over the Fox River and through the woods.  We’ll begin at the parking lot, wind our way through the woods, and cross the Fox River on the bike bridge.  Along the way, we’ll look for wildlife and learn about how the natural world prepares for winter.  The program concludes at the Nature Center, where families are welcome to warm-up and enjoy the hands-on exhibits and displays. 

Learn to view nature from different angles. Fall foliage, grasses backlit by the autumn sun,  cottonball clouds in the cobalt October sky — the subjects are endless! Bring your digital or 35 mm camera and learn fun ways to photograph.   Note: The program is for beginning photographers, ages 10 and up.