FALL 2019  
A facility of the St. Charles Park District
Facility Hours
Tu-Sa: 10am-4pm
Sun: 12-4pm  

630-513-4399  |  stcnature.org 
 
 


   
Scopes in the City
All Ages
Sa    Sep 21  |  7:30-9pm
FREE but please register  (#19871)

Take a Child Outside and observe the night sky! Adler Planetarium astronomers will have you looking up in awe. Telescope observing from 7:30- 9:00 pm is free and open to all (weather permitting). Free, but please register.


Come Play With Me
All Ages
Su    Sep 29   |   2-5pm   
FREE -- Drop-In  

Celebrate Take a Child Outside Week (TACO) by bringing your favorite kiddos out for some exploration and games at Hickory Hideout, Hickory Knolls' nature play area. Mix your best mud pie, dig for dinosaur bones and balance your way around the tree stumps. Ongoing activities and additional loose parts play will be self-guided, but will have play facilitators on site to engage you and your young explorer. No registration required. 


Walking TACO Hike
Ages 2+
Su    Sep 29   |   5:30-6:30pm   
RES $10/NR $15  (#19876)

Take a hike! Prepare a walking taco dinner and then enjoy a stroll along the trails on a naturalist-led hike. Work up an appetite for dessert as you discover what is happening in the surrounding prairie, wetland and forest. 


Fantastic Forts
Ages 7-12
M    Oct 14  |   1-3:30pm
RES $10/NR $15  (#19872)

Take a hike... out to a secret spot to create a hidden haven! Help nature by lopping invasive species and then use your imagination and various natural resources to build your own fort. Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.
NEW! Not So Scary Campfire
All Ages
Th    Oct 24   |   7-7:45pm   
FREE but please register  (#19873)

The St. Charles Public Library will bring a delight of tales. Just the right mix of spooky and fun to get even the littlest of ghouls giggling. End the evening with a Halloween inspired s'more. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult.


Trick or Treat with the Critters
Ages 1-6
Th    Oct 31  |   10am-4pm
RES $2/NR $3  (#19864)

View the galaxy from your neck of the woods. The sun goes down by 7:40 and the views just begin. Bring your own telescope or share a peak through a volunteer's scope. Help will be on hand to help you learn how to use your telescope if needed.


Wild Wednesdays - Winter Wildlife 
Ages 2-6 
W    Dec 4-18  |   9:30-10:15am  
RES $30/NR $45  (#19867)

The perfect cure for cabin fever for your critter loving little one. Join us for a month of fun, crafts, games and tons of hands-on critter visits. In Winter Wildlife, be a scientist and learn how animals survive the winter.


Click on code #s to register.
 
 
Guided Programs: 1 hour, $50/15 scouts,
Offered M-F after school and
select Wednesday evenings & weekends

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 
Laura McCoy at 630-513-4393 or lmccoy@stcparks.org .  
 
For more program details, visit stcnature.org. 
 
 
NEW! Scouting Out Evening Explorers  
Ages 5-12

Plan the perfect scout outing for your Cub Scout Den or Girl Scout Troop. Each month will include hands-on activities that you can apply to scouting requirements. Leaders can register more than one child. Adults are free and at least one adult must accompany scouts for the program.  

Wildlife Survival 
Th    Nov 14    6:30-7:30pm     
RES $10/NR $15   (#19878) 
How do animals prepare to survive our Illinois winters? Let the critters of Hickory Knolls share the secrets of wildlife.

Marshmallow Madness 
Th    Jan 16    6:30-7:30pm     
RES $10/NR $15    (#19883)
Use simple machines to launch marshmallows!
 
Letter Boxing
Th    Apr 23  |  6:30-7:30pm     
RES $10/NR $15   (#19884) 
Take a modern day treasure hunt as you follow clues and hike the trails. 
 

Save the Date - STEAM Scout Day
Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts
March 21, 2020  |  1-4pm
Pottawatomie Community Center 
More info to follow. 
Happy Hikers
Ages 18+
W    Sep 4-Dec 18  |  8:30-9:30am
FREE but please register  (#19865)

Every season, there's a reason for friendship, fun and fitness! Enjoy the changing of each season, too! Celebrate fall while witnessing the blaze of colors in the natural area. Hikes are over moderate terrain. Wear appropriate shoes. Dress for the weather. Current hikers, please note the new later start time for fall.
Autumn's Alchemy
Ages 50+
Th    Oct 17  |  1-2pm    (#20473)
Adult Activity Center (AAC) Member: FREE
Nonmember: $2

St. Charles' fall colors can be absolutely spectacular! See how native trees and shrubs are particularly good producers while also learning about the other changes that occur as temperatures start to cool. Indoor slide show will be followed by a short walk outside, weather permitting. This program is held at Pottawatomie Community Center.

Click on code #s to register.
We have a unique space for you! 
Weddings, Business Meetings, Family Gatherings
Ceremonies & Celebrations!
 
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. Audio visual technology and wifi available. Access to nature center exhibits and grounds including native gardens and more than 130 acres of natural areas. 
Available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Kitchen available at an additional fee.
For more information, contact Amanda Schiferl at
630-513-4345 or aschiferl@stcparks.org.


Sunday, December 1
10-11:30am 

RES $5/NR $8 per person (#19875)
Tuesday, December 31
11am-12:15pm

RES $5/NR $8 per child (#19862)
Adults are FREE!

Thursday-Friday, January 2-3
9am-3pm

RES $75/NR $113 per person (#19863)

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