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A facility of the St. Charles Park District
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3795 Campton Hills Road
In the James O. Breen Community Park
HOURS
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Sunday, 12-4pm
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Happy Hikers
Walking Group
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Ages 18+
Wednesdays, Dec 2- Feb 24
9-10am
FREE but please register (
Code 31429)
Every season there's always a reason for friendship, fun and fitness. We hike all year round to enjoy the seasons and the changes they bring. Hikes are roughly one hour long over moderate terrain. Please wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather.
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Ages 3-5
M-W Dec 28-30 9am-12pm
RES $55/NR $80
(Code 31307)
Ages 6+
M-W Dec 28-30 1-4pm
RES $55/NR $80
(Code 31308)
Join Elsa, Anna and Olaf in winter adventures around Hickory Knolls. We will play games, try wintery science experiments, make crafts and meet many animals who enjoy winter. Come prepared for an outdoor hike if the weather allows. Snowpants recommended.
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The following classes are taught by top experts in their field and offer in-depth information and learning opportunities. Classes are offered in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Geneva Park District.
Winter Tree Identification
Ages 18+
Sa Jan 30 / 1-3pm
RES/NR - $10 (Code 3081)
Identifying trees in winter is not as daunting as it may seem! During this class you'll learn the basics of tree identification without leaves. Instructor Valerie Blaine will share tips to help demystify tree i.d., and will emphasize observation of bark, branches, form, habit, habitat, twigs, leaf scars and buds. Handouts and reference material will be provided. Creek Bend Nature Center.
REGISTER HERE
Meet The... Smooth Green Snake!
Ages 18+
Sa Feb 6 / 10-11:30am
RES/NR - $10 (Code 31322)
This native but little-known snake was once a common part of our local landscape, but its numbers have declined steeply over the past few decades. Thanks to efforts by Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lake County Forest Preserve District, the smooth green snake has a shot at a comeback. Dr. Allison Sacerdote-Velat will detail the work being done to study and help this species gain a stronger presence in the Chicago region. Q & A session will follow the presentation. HKDC.
REGISTER HERE
Plants and You: Edibles, Medicinals and More!
Ages 18+
W Feb 3 / 7-8:30pm
RES/NR - $10 (Code 31430)
Every bite of food you eat has its origin in a green plant. The medicine that you take can be traced to plants. The roof over your head, the clothes on your back, and the perfume that you wear are all made of plants. In this class, naturalist Valerie Blaine will present an overview of edible, medicinal, and otherwise cool plants that we use in everyday life. Creek Bend Nature Center.
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Adult Nature Programs
Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring
Ages 18+
W Feb 24 6:30-7:30pm
RES/NR - $5
(Code 31317)
Learn from the Masters...Master Gardeners, that is. Find out the seasonal chores that should be done in spring to get your garden off to a good start. Topics covered include planting seeds indoors and out, planting cool season flower, seasonal lawn care as well as watering, fertilizing, dividing and pruning.
Volunteers Needed!
Like Frogs? Become a Frog Monitor!
Monitoring is easy! Visit a specific wetland at least three times between March and June to identify frogs by their calls. Recordings of the various calls will be provided. Experts will provide the training which includes visually identifying amphibians, listening techniques, and other pertinent information. This project is coordinated by the Chicago Wilderness Habitat Project.
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Winter Nature Programs for Kids
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Snowshoe Hike: Making Tracks
Ages 6+
Sa Feb 23 / 1-2:30pm
RES $10/NR $15 (Code 31312)
Venture outside to explore the frosty landscape on snowshoes. Investigate the tracks of winter animals and learn how to identify who's who. Snowshoes and hot chocolate provided. Dress for the weather. Snowpants/waterproof pants recommended.
Why Do We Have...Shadows?
All Ages
Sa Feb 6 / 10-11am
RES $10/NR $15 (Code 31313)
Parents, how many times have you heard the question 'Why?'? We'll help answer some of the pressing questions that your child has presented to you through hands on activities, crafts, animals visits and games. During this program, we will explore the science behind shadows as we look at what you need to make a shadow and even make it move! Parents are free with a child's paid registration.
REGISTER HERE
Making Tracks...On T-Shirts
All Ages
Th Feb 11 / 7-8pm
RES $10/NR $15 (Code 31315)
How do animals move? You are invited to slither like a snake, hop like a rabbit and fly like a bird as we move to the beat of nature. Bring a t-shirt to make a track inspired shirt to take home. Parents are free with a child's paid registration.
REGISTER HERE
Why Do We Have...Rainbows?
All Ages
Sa Mar 12 / 10-11am
RES $10/NR $15 (Code 31318)
How many times have you heard the question 'Why?'? We'll help answer some of the pressing questions that your child has presented to you through hands on activities, crafts, animals visits and games. During this program, we will discover how nature makes rainbows. We will make one to climb through and look at colors in nature. Parents are free with a child's paid registration.
REGISTER HERE
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Simply Great Nature: Birds
F Jan 29 / 11:30am-12:30pm
RES $5/NR $10
(Code 31310)
Share some special time with your child as you discover the birds who make Illinois their home during winter. We'll share feather-themed activities, a craft and a story. To make this time even more special, adults attend for free.
Simply Great Nature: Love the Earth
Ages 2-6
F Feb 12 / 11:30am-12:30pm
RES $5/NR $10
(Code 31314)
PCC
Share some special time with your child as you celebrate your love for nature by creating crafts from repurposed items and thinking outside of the box for ways to play. To make this time even more special, adults attend for free.
Reading Gone Wild
Ages 3+
Su Feb 28 / 1-2:30pm
FREE but please register (Code 31321)
Our animals love stories too! Bring a book to read to the animal
s of Hickory Knolls and enjoy a story with the entire family. Peter Rabbit, Ollie the lizard and our other friends will be joined by therapy dogs for a cozy event. Storytellers from the St. Charles Public Library will kick off the event with a medley of stories. Bring a donation of paper towels for Anderson Animal Shelter.
REGISTER HERE
Bunny Buddies
Ages 3+
Su Mar 20 / 1-2pm
RES $15/NR $22 (Code 31320)
Get ready to hop into spring! Children and parents will work together to decorate flower pots and plant lettuce seeds for a take-home garden. We will play rabbit-inspired games. Meet Peter Rabbit and take your photo with him-- our resident 'Easter Bunny.'
REGISTER HERE
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SCOUTING OUT
Programs for boy and girl scouts are one hour long and held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. The fee is $50 for up to 15 scouts and scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Topics can be customized to meet the needs of your group. Naturalists will assist individual scouts working on their Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards or their Eagle Scout Rank.
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Celebrate your Birthday at
Hickory Knolls!
Parties are two hours long and are held in the Wahoo Room. Weather permitting, parties will venture outdoors.
For more information visit stcnature.org
Ages 4+
Bug Bonanza, Dino Dig or FUNtastic Fairies
Ages 7+
Reptile Extravaganza, Hickory Knolls Whodunnits
or Nighttime Nature
To book your party call 630-513-4345.
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All programs held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, unless noted.
3795 Campton Hills Road / 630-513-4399 / stcnature.org
RES=Resident / NR=Nonresident
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