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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Sunday, September 27
6-7pm
All Ages
RES $10/NR $15 per household
Code 30471
Come see the Harvest Moon rise through the trees and cast its mystical light over the Hickory Knolls prairie. Listen to stories about moon lore and learn amazing facts about our Earth's lunar little sister. Wrap up with a hike to under the big moon's golden glow. Led by Jeanette Joy.
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Sunday, October 25
2-3pm RES $10/NR $15 per household
Code 30470
Nature puts on a grand display in the Fall. Learn about trees and why leaves change color. Explore our collection of seeds, leaves and flowers and then take a hike to see the colors. Toast the season with a glass of apple cider to wrap things up. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
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He lives... He eats... He haunts...
Saturday, October 3
5-7pm
Spend an evening searching for this mysterious creature in the Hickory Knolls Natural Area. Prairie Maze / Campfire / Games / Storytelling
Advance Wristband Sales: RES $7.50/NR $11 Code 30497
Gate Admission: RES $10/NR $15
Ages 3 and under are FREE
Scouts & Youth Groups: For special group rates, call 630-513-4399
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FREE! HAPPY HIKERS WALKING GROUP
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Wednesdays/Sep 2-Nov 25
8:30-9:30am
Ages 18+
FREE but please register
Code 29900
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. Celebrate fall as we witness the blaze of colors in our natural area. Hikes are roughly one hour long over moderate terrain. Please wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather. Current hikers, please note new, later start time for fall.
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Gather your friends, family, troop or group to compete in Hickory Knolls' deer decorating contest! This year's fun theme is 'Favorite Christmas Songs'. Deer are the property of the St. Charles Park District. Official rules are available at
stcnature.org.
Deer Pick Up - Beginning Sunday, November 1
Displays Ready - Saturday, December 5 by 3pm
Winners Announced at Woodland Santa's Holiday Workshop on Sunday, December 6
RES $20/NR $30 per deer entry
Code 30569
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Woodland
Santa's
Holiday
Workshop
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Sunday, December 6
10-11:30am
Santa Arrives at 10:15am
RES $10/NR $15 per child w/adult
Code 30566
Watch Santa arrive pulled by his dashing huskies, then spend some time helping him get ready for his Big Day. Write a letter to Santa, make an ornament and have your picture taken with the Big Guy, himself! Breakfast snacks included.
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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.
A Murder of Crows
Ages 18+ W Oct 28 7-8:30pm Code 30302
$10 HKDC
Crows are deified in mythology, vilified in modern culture, and enshrouded in mystery. They have been associated with death, the afterlife, and the netherworld. In this program, we'll look at the role of the crow in history and culture and then examine their place in ecology. The discussion will include population trends since the appearance of West Nile Virus.
Fall in the Fen
Ages 18+ Su Sept 20 1-2:30pm Code 30303
$10 FCF
Autumn is the perfect season to explore Ferson Creek Fen. Fed by mineral-rich groundwater, this exceptional wetland is home to an array of rare, native plants, each of which is uniquely adapted to live in alkaline, yet peaty, conditions. A host of unusual wildlife, including weasels, queen snakes and osprey, also frequent the area. Be prepared to fall under the natural charm of Ferson Creek Fen in early fall. REGISTER HERE
Meet the...Canada Goose
Ages 18+ Th Nov 12 7-8:30pm Code 30473
$10 HKDC
You may think you know all about this ubiquitous waterfowl...but how much about Canada goose ecology do you really understand? Find out about the history of this regal-looking yet often-reviled bird, and learn about the latest research regarding current and future population trends. REGISTER HERE
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FALL NATURE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
Carnivorous Plants
Ages 5+
Sa Oct 24 2-3pm Code 30015
RES $10/NR $10*
Kids come and learn about insect eating plants.
Each child will receive a carnivorous plant to take
home and care for.
*Program located at Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center.
REGISTER HERE
Indian Summer Celebration
Ages 6-12
W Sep 16
4-5pm Code 29901
RES $6/NR $9
Enjoy the last days of summer with a celebration.
Learn how Native Americans gave thanks and
prepared for the winter ahead. Hike out to our
Native American village to experience what life was
like, back in the day. Please dress for the weather.
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Birding Basics with Kane County Audubon
Ages 18+
Sa Sep 26 8-10am
Code 30496
FREE but please register
Autumn is a great time to learn how to identify birds! The first portion of this class will be indoors, covering key points like how to use a field guide and binoculars, and what to look and listen for. The next portion will be outside, learning to use newfound skills. Binoculars and field guides will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own if you have them.
Tree Planting: What, Where and How?
Ages 18+
Th Oct 8 6:30-8pm
Code 30752
FREE but please register
Are you looking forward to planting a tree soon? Have you decided what kind of tree, or where to plant it in your yard? In celebration of Arbor Day, board-certified master arborist Steve Matravers will share his knowledge to help ensure you choose the right tree for the right place in your yard. Discussion topics will include incorporating native species as well as the use of proper planting techniques to allow your new tree to grow strong and healthy. An outdoor demonstration on tree planting will follow.
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Girls' Night Out at the 'Knolls
Ages 21+
Th Sep 24 7-8:30pm
Code 30472
RES $15/NR $25
Ladies, grab your girlfriends and head over to Hickory Knolls for a fun-filled night with nature.
Take a refreshing walk through the woodland and prairie, then head back to the nature center to unwind with chocolates and wine.
There's a Fungus Among Us
Ages 21+
F Nov 6 7-9pm
Code 30570
$20 per person /
$35 per couple
Interact with fellow partygoers at this adults only mystery party to solve the nature-based crime. Fee includes beer, wine and snacks. Advance registration required. 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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Become a Naturalist
Geology / Climate / Ecology / Prairie
Woodlands / Wetlands / Aquatic Systems
Free informational sessions about Kane
County's nature-education program.
Call now to reserve your spot! 630-513-4346.
Thursday, Dec 3 / 7pm
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
Saturday, Dec 5 / 10am
Creek Bend Nature Center
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles
Ages 18+ / Classes begin in Jan 2016
$250 per person
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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.
There is a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a date. The remaining balance of the party is due the day of the party.
Standard and Premium party package available.
Ages 4+
Bug Bonanza
Six-legged fun and games
Dino Dig
Who doesn't love dinos?!
FUNtastic Fairies
A magically good time
Ages 7+
Reptile Extravaganza
Fun with snakes & turtles
Hickory Knolls Whodunnits
Follow the clues, solve the crime!
Nighttime Nature
Campfire and hike
To book your party or for more information, call 630-513-4399
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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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