Illinois may be known as the Prairie State, but we’ve got some awesome trees as well as grasses.

Join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on Saturday, May 14, to discover and document the “giants” as part of the Illinois Big Tree Registry. This statewide program encourages citizens to appreciate, record and report the largest native trees. Learn how to get involved during this workshop, led by Forest Preserve District of Kane County Naturalists Valerie Blaine and Josh Libman.

The program will begin with instruction covering tree identification, the history of the Big Tree program and citizen involvement. Afterward, the group will head outdoors to practice measuring trees.

This program is from 9 a.m. – noon at Creek Bend Nature Center, which is located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles.

Advance registration is required. This program is for adults age 18 and older, and has a registration fee of $10. Call 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com to register. For more information, visit  www.kaneforest.com.

Learn from the Experts programs are taught by experts in their respective fields and offer in-depth learning opportunities about our local ecology. The programs are offered through a partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District and Geneva Park District.

SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District news release