FALL 2015    
A facility of the St. Charles Park District
3795 Campton Hills Road
In the James O. Breen Community Park

HOURS
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Sunday, 12-4pm

630-513-4399 / stcnature.org
Harvest Moon Hike
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.
Advance registration required.

REGISTER HERE 

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.

Can You Find BIGFOOT?  
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
FREE! HAPPY HIKERS WALKING GROUP
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.

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
Woodland Santa's Holiday Workshop
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.

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 
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. 
Adult Nature Programs
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.
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 


SCOUTING OUT
Hickory Knolls 
 
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.

To schedule a scouting adventure,
contact Pam Otto at 630-513-4346 or potto@stcparks.org. For more program details, visit stcnature.org.

__________________________________

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  
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

All programs held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, unless noted.
3795 Campton Hills Road / 630-513-4399 / stcnature.org
RES=Resident / NR=Nonresident