• Nature Nearby is written by Naturalist Valerie Blaine, nature programs manager for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. You may reach her at blainevalerie@kaneforest.com.

Spring is an equal opportunity celebration. You don’t have to be a nature geek to be drawn outdoors this time of year. You can be wowed by the profusion of wildflowers even if you don’t know the name of a single one of them.

You can be amazed by the brightly colored spring birds, even if you’re not a birder. You can marvel at the chorus of frogs, even if you have no idea what kind they are.

Now, just think how much MORE amazed you can be if you know a little bit more about the nature all around you!

This is where Forest Preserve District nature programs come in.

Evening Wildflower Walk

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County offers a lot of places to enjoy the miracles of spring. For families or individuals of all ages, try our Evening Wildflower Walk at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve, 41W600 Hughes Road in Elburn, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10.

You’ll stroll through the woods with a naturalist and learn about the native wildflowers that carpet the forest floor. The naturalist will present tips for identifying wildflowers and tell some stories about the folklore of plants. We’ll throw in a little about the ecology of the woodland, too!

All ages are welcome on this hike. The program is free, but registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

By the Light of the Moon

Another all-ages program is our By the Light of the Moon walk from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, 6N921 IL Route 25, St. Charles.

This is one of our series of moon-inspired night hikes. This month, you’ll learn the legends of the Flower Moon (as the May full moon is known). Listen to the stories and learn a little astronomy while we walk the trails. We’ll enjoy a night hike even if skies are cloudy!

The program is free, but registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

Story Time at the Nature Center

Little ones have lots of opportunities to enjoy nature programs this month. Story Time at the Nature Center will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, May 18, at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

Kids, infant through age five, are welcome to this program; children must be accompanied by an adult. St. Charles Public Library staff bring books, finger plays and songs in this interactive program.

All are welcome to enjoy the exhibits and activities in the Nature Center following the program. The program is free, but registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

Nature Tykes

Nature Tykes — In this program geared for 3-year-olds, we’ll explore the natural world through stories, nature hikes, songs, games, and crafts.  A parent or caregiver must accompany child.

The program will be held on Thursday, May 24, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

The fee is $5/child. Register in advance by calling 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

Little Naturalists

Little Naturalists – Four-year-old children will discover the wonders of nature through stories and a short nature hike during this program from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Creek Bend Nature Center.

All sessions are held at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. The fee is $5/child.

Register in advance by calling 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

(Note: This is a “drop-off” program; adults and siblings may enjoy the trails or wait in the Nature Center during the program.)

Trek With a Naturalist

For adults, we offer Trek with a Naturalist from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Johnson’s Mound, 41W600 Hughes Road, Elburn.

This is one of our monthly series of hikes that are faster-paced than general programs. We’ll pause every so often to learn about the ecology of the preserve, but most of the time will be spent in active hiking.

The program is free, but registration is required. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

We hope you’ll join us and soak in the beauty of spring this month! You’ll be glad you did.

Please let us know in advance if you need special accommodations for any of these programs.