Bats are talkative creatures, but our ears can’t hear them.  Unless, of course, we use a super special “Bat Detector!”  This device picks up the bats’ “clicks” used in echolocation.  We’ll use the bat detector to locate bats and follow their movements.  We’ll also play some bat games and learn about bat ecology.  Advance registration is required.

 

Friday, Aug. 16; 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $1/person; $4 family of four or more

Ever hunt for dragons? Ever seen a beautiful damsel? Wonder what a darner is? Learn all about damselflies, dragonflies and darners on this guided hike. We’ll “hunt” for these awesome insects in their native habitat and observe some specimens up close. Advance registration is required.

 

Saturday, July 27; 10-11 a.m.
Pingree Grove Forest Preserve
14N187 US Rte. 20, Pingree Grove
FREE

Take an adventure at area museums this summer, with the Passport to Adventure program.  Participating sites in the Forest Preserve District include Creek Bend Nature Center, Durant House Museum and Pioneer Sholes School at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in Saint Charles; and the Fabyan Villa Museum in Geneva. The passport program encourages children and their parents to visit a variety of history, nature, science and art museums to explore the people, events and environment of the area.  Children ages 4 through 12 will experience the world around them through exhibits and activities at each site they visit.  Passports are available in late May at the Geneva and Saint Charles Public Libraries.  More information about the program is available at Creek Bend Nature Center at 847-741-8350. 

Stroll along the prairie trail amidst a profusion of colorful flowers and grasses. During this naturalist-guided walk, you’ll learn to identify some of the plants and animals. We’ll see examples of prairie restoration and discuss the importance of this imperiled ecosystem.  Registration is not required for The Prairie Landscape.

 

Sunday, Aug. 25; 2-3 p.m.
Meet at the Durant House Museum
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
FREE

Grandparents, moms, dads, kids and cousins are invited to make masterpieces together in this family art activity. Based on the technique made famous by British artist Andy Goldworthy, we’ll  gather  leaves, stones, moss, twigs and other treasures from nature to create our art. There are no electronic media involved in this unplugged version of art! Advance registration is required.

Sunday, June 23; 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $1/person; $4/family of 4 or more