Take a Hike Program
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is telling you to “Take a Hike” in 2010 — literally.
We’re inviting individuals and families to get to know Kane County’s forest preserves better, as part of our new Take a Hike program. We’ve chosen the Top 10 Hikes in Kane County for you to explore this year. Throughout 2010, we’ll highlight 10 preserves and add a corresponding activity for each.
Bring completed activity sheets to the Nature Center at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, where we’ll keep track of your success. Once you’ve hiked at least 7 of the 10 preserves, we’ll reward you with our commemorative “Take a Hike” patch (while supplies last).
Take a Hike is perfect for scouts, youth groups, coworkers or families to complete together. It’s also a great way to keep in shape, in touch, and in tune with nature – all while having fun recreating in the Kane County forest preserves!
Call our naturalist staff at (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com with questions or for additional information. Information will be available on our Web site on the following schedule. Activity sheets will be posted by the first of the month.
January - Febuary: Burnidge Forest Preserve
The rolling terrain of this 600-acre preserve is frequently blanketed in snow during January and February. Bundle up and wear your snow boots for an adventure through Burnidge. Your whole family will enjoy an exploration of this winter wonderland! Keep an eye out for wildlife tracks in the snow, white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, hawks and hardy songbirds. Download our winter scavenger hunt to see how many items you can find!
Burnidge Activity Sheet
March: Big Rock Forest Preserve
It’s March and our earliest wildflowers are in bloom! Hike out to the fen at Big Rock and see the finest display of
skunk cabbage in Kane County. Take the trail over the big bridge and walk the path into the woods. Take the
left fork. You’ll pass a sign telling you about the wetland and walk up a slight ridge. Look down and you’ll see lots of
skunk cabbage plants. You may even smell them, too! Tell us what you find.
Big Rock Activity Sheet
April: Dick Young Forest Preserve
The wetlands are waking up from the long, cold winter. Springtime brings an acoustical treat. Birds are singing and frogs and toads are well into their spring symphony this month. It can be downright noisy in the marsh! This month's Take a Hike activity is all about frogs. Download the activity sheet to learn more!
Dick Young Activity Sheet
May: Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, Elburn
Spring ephemerals are in all their glory. Head over to Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve to discover the diversity of our native spring wildflowers. See if you can spot the wildflowers in our Wildflower Matching Game!
Johnson's Mound Activity Sheet
June: Les Arends Forest Preserve, Batavia
Les Arends Activity Sheet
July: Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve, Burlington
Burlington Prairie Activity Sheet
August: Hannaford Woods/Nickels Farm Forest Preserve, Sugar Grove
Hannaford Woods/Nickels Farm Activity Sheet
September: LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles
October: Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, Gilberts
November-December: Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, St. Charles