Got Cabin Fever? Forest Preserves Have a Cure for Kids and Adults
- This article was written by Valerie Blaine, nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. You can reach her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com.
January is the time of year when cabin fever sets in. Well, the Kane County Forest Preserve District’s got just the cure!
There are a lot of reasons to get outdoors this month. Here are just a few:
For kids and families, Creek Bend Nature Center will host a “Nature Story Time” for children, infant through age 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. Librarians from the St. Charles Public Library bring books, finger plays, songs and more.
Homeschool groups are invited to Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora for “Homeschool Explorations” from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20. The focus will be native wildlife and adaptations to winter. The fee is $2/person. Please register in advance by calling 630-444-3190, or email programs@kaneforest.com.
“Nature Tykes,” for 3-year-olds, is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Creek Bend Nature Center. And in the afternoon, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., 4- and 5-year-old “Little Naturalists” will see a program onxxx. The fee for these programs is $5 per child, and advance registration is required. Please call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
Don’t forget the “Learn from the Experts” nature program from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, when you can learn “Winter Tree Identification.” I’ll talk about tree identification (without leaves), and you can gain experience using a botanical key to identify native trees.
And, if you want to get out of the house with family and friends but don’t want to brave the elements, you’re welcome to visit Creek Bend Nature Center at any time during open hours for an indoor nature experience. Here, you’ll find interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. Stop by any time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For information, please call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
