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A facility of the St. Charles Park District
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HOURS
Tu-Sa: 10am-4pm / Sun:12-4pm
Th: 4-8pm (
begins May 4)
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New Ice Age Exhibit Launched at
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
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 A new exhibit at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center made its official debut at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, February 28.
The new display, located at the west end of Hickory Knolls' lobby, has as its centerpiece a bull musk ox surrounded by terrain typical of the end of Illinois's last Ice Age. Interpretive signs tell the story of change as a constant in our region's past, and how plants and animals that are familiar to us today were vital then too, according to Pam Otto, Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services.
Click to continue reading.
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Ages 3+
Bring your flashlight and your sense of adventure as you head into the wild to find what the Easter Bunny has left behind. Gather some treats and trade in your empty eggs for a roasting stick and marshmallow. Preregistration required. Child must be accompanied by a paying adult.
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This event is held at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles
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Bunny Buddies
Ages 3+
Get ready to hop into spring! Children and parents will work together to decorate a stepping stone. We will play rabbit-inspired games. Meet Peter Rabbit and take your photo with him - our resident 'Easter Bunny.' Adults are free. Preregistration is required.
NEW! Egg Extravaganza
Ages 1+
Tu-F Apr 11-14 / 10am-4pm
FREE but please register (#12107)
Drop in during the week for a self-guided challenge - Which of the animals at Hickory Knolls lay eggs? Follow clues to visit the animals at the center and claim a small prize when complete.
Bunny Breakfast & Hike
Ages 3+
Sa Apr 15 / 9-10am
Peter Rabbit knows a lot about being a mammal. Enjoy donuts, juice and coffee while meeting this furry friend and some other critters. Then head out for a short hike to see what native mammals make their home in the forest. Under age 3 is free; child must be accompanied by a paying adult. Advanced registration required.
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NEW! Peeps® Rock'n The Campfire
Ages 3+
F Apr 21 / 7-8pm
Do you like to play with your food? Create a Peep® habitat to take home and then head outside to make a Peep® smore treat at the campfire. Stale Peeps® were never so much fun! Preregistration required. Child must be accompanied by a paying adult.
NEW! Spring Bird Count for KIDS!
Ages 8-12
Sa Apr 29 / 9-11am
FREE but please register (#12733 )
Join Hickory Knolls Discovery Center Naturalists and the Kane County Audubon Society for the first of ever spring bird count for KIDS! Learn about birds and their migration patterns as we head out into the woods in search of our feathered friends. Binoculars provided to be used the day of the event. Free, but registration is required.
*Held at Hickory Knolls Natural Area
Wild Edible Plants in Spring
Ages 8+
Sa May 20 / 9-11am
Nibble on the new shoots of spring and see how delicious plants can be! Learn where most of our food originally came from while hiking through our natural area. Finish with a taste of some wild edible plants and go home with a great recipe. Ages 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Click on code #s to register.
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Spring Nature Programs for Adults
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Singing Bowls Spring Equinox Meditation
Ages 16+
M Mar 20 / 7-8:30pm
Spring may come in like a lion, but leave as relaxed as a lamb. Meditate to bring your stress levels down. Relax, unwind and let nature be your healer. Gather with Mike McGuigan, local musician and sound therapist, for an evening to commune with the oaks.
Ages 18+
RES $5/NR $8
Better health could be right outside your door. New research is showing that time spent in nature has regenerative powers, improving mood, easing stress and increasing motivation. Come take a walk in our natural area and learn some techniques to raise your awareness of the outside world. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
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Crane Creek: Birding Mecca of the World
Explore Crane Creek State Park on the shores of Lake Erie - a premiere spring migrant trap for birds waiting to make the lake crossing into Canada. Visit Metzger Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge as well. All levels of birding experience welcome. Fee includes 2 .5 days of field instruction, group equipment, an informal list review and instruction each evening in Port Clinton, OH. Not included are transportation, meals and lodging. Use May 10 as a travel day. Birding hours: Thursday & Friday from 7am-4:30pm and Saturday from 7am-12pm. Directions and hotel list will be sent following registration.
Click on code #s to register.
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Guided Programs: 1 hour, $50/15 scouts,
held at HKDC
Self-Guided Programs: $15 for 1-day use of
curriculum and materials, used on- or off-site
Programs scheduled on a first-come, first served basis
Naturalists assistance for individual scouts working on Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards or an Eagle Scout Rank
To schedule a scouting adventure, contact
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Celebrate your Birthday at
Hickory Knolls!
Partie
s 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,
FUNtastic Fairies
Animal Adventures
Ages 7+
Reptile Extravaganza,
Nighttime Nature,
Birthday Chefs
Ages 10+
Hickory Knolls Whodunnits
Art on the Wild Side
To book your party call 630-513-4345.
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Give Nature a Hand
Join naturalist staff for weekly restoration days in the community's scenic natural areas!
Saturdays - 9am-12pm
1st: Hickory Knolls Natural Area
2nd: Norris Woods Nature Preserve
3rd: Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve
4th: Persimmon Woods
To volunteer, call 630-513-4367.
For more details, visit stcnature.org.
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It's time to get your Rain Barrel
 - Water Your Plants
- Wash Your Car - Lower Your
Water Bill - Reduce Polluted Runoff for Streams
& Rivers
Rain Barrels are a simple, efficient, low-cost method for homeowners to collect and recycle water. Using rain as a resource in rain gardens and rain barrels can have a dramatic impact on water quality in our rivers and streams and will help reduce flooding. Rain barrels are simply large containers that capture rainwater at the end of your downspout. It only takes about a half hour of steady rainfall to fill up a rain barrel.
Place order: April 1 - May 7
Pick up order: May 20
55-gallon recycled food grade plastic rain barrel equipped with a spigot, garden hose threaded overflow, top screen to keep out bugs & debris and screw-off lid. Installation accessories available for an additional fee.
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Rental Space for Any Occasion!
Weddings, Baby Showers, Business Meetings, Family Reunion or Special Events!
The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is a 10,500 sq. ft. building featuring a spacious lobby that soars more than 20 feet in height, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the oak savanna just outside the doors. A wide range of attractions appeal to visitors of all ages including live animal displays, interactive floor-to-ceiling murals, indoor turtle pond and wetland exhibit, and more.
Available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Kitchen and audio visual equipment at an additional fee.
For more information, 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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