Owls, backyard wilderness, nests and eggs will be the themes for winter nature programs for preschoolers, from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

In “Nature Tykes,” 3-year-olds explore the natural world through a variety of activities with their parent or caregiver. Sessions include a combination of stories, nature hikes, songs, games and crafts. On Thursday, Jan. 28, owls will be the theme. On Thursday, Feb. 25, the topic is “backyard wilderness.” And on Thursday, March 24, nests and eggs are on the agenda.

“Nature Tykes” programs run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center. Registration is $5 per child, per session.

“Little Naturalists” is the Forest Preserve District’s hour-long program for 4- to 5-year-olds. Kids will discover the wonders of nature through a variety of activities including songs, hikes, songs, games and crafts, led by Forest Preserve District naturalists. This is a “drop-off” program. Parents, caregivers and siblings may enjoy the trails of LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, or wait inside the nature center, during the program.

On Thursday, Jan. 28, our program focuses on owls. On Thursday, Feb. 25, our topic will be backyard wilderness. And on Thursday, March 24, our theme will be nests and eggs. “Little Naturalists” programs run from 1-2 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center. Registration is $5 per child, per session.

To register, call 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com. Creek Bend Nature Center is located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

To see a full roster of Forest Preserve District nature programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.

Little Naturalists

Owls of the Forest
Thursday, Jan. 28; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Backyard Wilderness
Thursday, Feb. 25; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Nests and Eggs
Thursday, March 24; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Fluff and Feathers
Thursday, April 28; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Pretty Petals
Thursday, May 26; 1-2 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Nature Tykes

Owls of the Forest
Thursday, Jan. 28; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Backyard Wilderness
Thursday, Feb. 25; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., Saint Charles
Fee: $5/child

Nests and Eggs
Thursday, March 24; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Fee: $5/child

Fluff and Feathers
Thursday, April 28; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Fee: $5/child

Pretty Petals
Thursday, May 26; 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Fee: $5/child