It’s June, and things are about to get wild in Kane County’s forest preserves! There are lots of nature programs this month, designed to get you out into the “wild” of our beautiful preserves.

“Wild Things Wednesdays” is a new program series the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is offering this summer. Beginning Wednesday, June 14, and continuing through Wednesday, Aug. 2, naturalists will lead weekly hikes and outdoor activities for kids entering first through sixth grades.

The programs will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Each week there will be a different theme as we explore the woods, search for wildlife in the prairie, wade in the creek learning about aquatic life, and more!

To kick off the summer series, our June theme is “Extreme Animals.” (Think cougars and coyotes, tiger beetles and turkey vultures – and lots of other awesome wildlife in Kane County!) Drop off and pick up will be at Creek Bend Nature Center, in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. The fee is $30/session, or $200 for all 8 sessions this summer.

For younger kids, “Little Naturalists” and “Nature Tykes” provide fun learning experiences at Creek Bend Nature Center. This month’s program, “Be a Bird Sleuth,” will be held on Thursday, June 22. Three year-olds, (the “Nature Tykes”) will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with their caregiver.

Four- and 5-year olds (the “Little Naturalists”) will meet from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Moms, dads, grandparents or other care-givers may enjoy the trails or visit in the nature center during this drop-off program. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. The fee is $5/child.

All ages are welcome to celebrate the summer solstice during the first in our summer series of “Family Fun Nights.” On Wednesday, June 21, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. you’ll learn about the wonders of the sky as sun sets on the longest day of the year. Naturalists will lead activities both on the trail and around the campfire.

This month, you’ll learn how the earth tilts, how it rotates around the sun, and how plants and wildlife respond to the changing seasons. Family Fun Nights will take place at Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles. Advance registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. The fee is $5/person.

For adults, there are several opportunities to get out and enjoy the forest preserves. The Senior Stroll kicks off the adult programs on Thursday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora. This free, naturalist-led walk will be at a leisurely pace, as you look for wildlife, admire wildflowers, and learn about the history of the preserve.

For those who want some vigorous exercise, check out our monthly hiking program, “Trek with a Naturalist” on Thursday, June 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pingree Grove Forest Preserve. The emphasis is on hiking, and we will cover a lot of territory — so bring your good hiking shoes! There is no fee for this naturalist-guided program, but please call or email in advance to let us know you’re coming. Contact us at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

And finally, if you’ve always wondered how to identify trees in the area, come out to one of our tree identification classes for adults. During these sessions, you’ll learn the basics of tree identification. You’ll look at the whole tree in its environment, observing not only leaves, but bark, branches, leaf scars, buds, form, habit and habitat.

You may sign up for one or both of these classes: Sunday, June 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove; Wednesday, June 28, from 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. at Rutland Forest Preserve. Tree identification classes fill quickly, and space is limited.

Call soon to register. Contact us at 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. There is a $10 fee per class.

No matter your age, there is a program for you in the Kane County forest preserves this June! Be sure to get out and enjoy the fullness of summer in our wonderful natural areas.

This article was written by Valerie Blaine, the nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. You may reach her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com.