The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com

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The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
The           TreeLine
A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County   www.kaneforest.com   Fall 2021
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
The Forest Preserve District
                                  of Kane County was formed
                                  June 8, 1925.

                                   Our mission is to acquire, hold
                                   and maintain lands within

                                                                       OAKHURST
                                   Kane County that contribute
                                   to the preservation of natural
                                   and historic resources,
habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock protect and
preserve such lands for the education, recreation and pleasure
of all Kane County citizens.
                                                                       FOREST PRESERVE
The District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission.
Kane County Board members serve as the Forest Preserve
Commission. They are:

Christopher W. Kious, President, District 23
Mavis Bates, President Pro Tem, District 4
Myrna Molina, Secretary, District 1
Drew Frasz, Treasurer, District 18
Dale Berman, District 2
Anita Lewis, District 3
Bill Lenert, District 5
Ron Ford, District 6
Monica Silva, District 7
Michelle Gumz, District 8
Tom Koppie, District 9
David Brown, District 10
John Martin, District 11
Ken Shepro, District 12
Todd Wallace, District 13
Mark Davoust, District 14
Barbara Wojnicki, District 15
Mike Kenyon, District 16
Deborah Allan, District 17
Mo Iqbal, District 19
Cheryl Fritz Strathmann, District 20
Cliff Surges, District 21
Vern Tepe, District 22
Jarett Sanchez, District 24
                                                                     Join us for the grand
The TreeLine is published quarterly by the Forest Preserve           reopening celebration of
District of Kane County. Issues are mailed or emailed to all
subscribers, based on their preference. To subscribe to the
print or electronic edition (or both), call 630-232-5980 or
                                                                     Oakhurst Forest Preserve!
email forestpreserve@kaneforest.com and request your free
subscription to The TreeLine.

Monica Meyers
Executive Director                                                   After the ribbon-cutting,
Laurie Metanchuk
Director of Community Affairs                                        enjoy our fall festival,
Brittany Kovach
Communications & Marketing Coordinator                               "Harvest of the Acorn
Barb McKittrick
Environmental Education Manager                                      Moon." See page 5 for more
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
1996 S. Kirk Rd., Ste. 320                                           details on the festival.
Geneva, Illinois 60134

Phone:        630-232-5980
Email:		      forestpreserve@kaneforest.com
Web:		        www.kaneforest.com
Social:       @forestpreserve

Cover Photo
Common Milkweed found at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Photo by Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick.

           Page 2                                                                                 The TreeLine Newsletter — Fall 2021
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
Recreating Tallgrass Prairies
Native Seed Harvests with the Forest Preserve District
Patrick Chess, Natural Resource Manager            any given year to ensure the survival       works to control annual agricultural
                                                   of the existing population. After           weeds growing across the field. This

N
         ature in autumn is defined by             successful harvest, the seed is placed      reduces competition for the native
         change. We see it in the colors           onto racks to dry. The dried material       plants and allows them to send down
         of the leaves, the direction              is then milled, sifted, and winnowed        their roots and establish. Over time,
that geese fly, and the frenetic                   to separate the seed from the chaff.        wildlife begins to move into the
caching of food by the gray squirrel.              Species are then selected for their site    newly created habitat which creates a
People also experience change in                   suitability and spun into mixes. Careful    thriving and functional ecosystem.
the fall. We gather together to watch              consideration is given to numerous               Nature in autumn is defined by
football games, sprinkle our food with             factors in the mixing process including     change. The nights get longer and the
pumpkin spice, and feast to celebrate              the soil conditions and the hydrology       days grow cooler. In the preserves,
the harvest season.                                present at the planting location.           the seeds ripen, bearing hope for the
     At the Forest Preserve District of                 Seed mixes are broadcast across        restoration of Kane County's tallgrass
Kane County, we use fall as a time to              the bare soil of harvested cropland         prairies.
enact landscape level changes. Illinois            right before winter snowfall announces
once contained about 22 million                    the end of fall. The seed settles into a
acres of prairie. Over time, 99.9% of              critical period of winter slumber. Time     Seed Harvest Volunteers
prairie was lost, with the vast majority           spent in cold moist conditions spark
converted to agricultural practices.               changes inside the seed, letting the        Join us at an upcoming Seed Harvest!
Today, the District is working to                  plants know that winter is here and         Come out to the serene prairie and
recreate the tallgrass prairie by                  that the ideal germination conditions       help us collect natvie seeds that will
converting agricultural fields back to             presented by a warm wet spring are          be used to re-establish native plant
                                                   around the corner.
                                                                                               communities in the Kane County forest
natural areas.
                                                                                               preserves. We'll meet at a different
     This work is accomplished                          Change does not occur overnight,       forest preserve each week. Check our
through the joint efforts of staff and             and the recreation of the tallgrass         social media @forestpreserve or call
volunteers teaming together to gather              prairie is no exception to this rule.       630-232-5980 for more information!
hundreds of pounds of native seed                  Even a successful planting takes
from within the preserves. The process             three to four years until most of the       July - September;
is both time and labor intensive.                  plants begin to flower and it begins to     Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
To properly recreate the immense                   resemble a prairie. In the interim, staff
biodiversity present across the
tallgrass prairie ecosystem, the District
harvests seed from over 200 species of
native plants every year.
     Collection begins in May and
continues into November with the vast
majority of species collected between
September and October. Plants must
be monitored throughout the growing
season to ensure seed is collected
at the opportune moment. Collect
too soon, and the unripe seed won't
germinate in spring. Wait too long, and
you risk the seed dispersing with the
autumn breeze or being stored away by
our squirrel counterparts.
     Seed is generally collected by
hand with pruners and placed into
five gallon buckets. Roughly half of
a plant population is harvested in

To register: Call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com                                                                  Page 3
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
Fall into nature at a local forest preserve
All-Ages Programs                            nurturing the feathered friends that          Learn to Bird with Merlin

A
        ll ages are welcome to attend        visit your home.                              and eBird
        these programs unless                                                                  Mobile technology now offers
                                             Released via our social media pages on
        otherwise specified. Children                                                      up a world of tools for the beginning
                                             Thursday, Sept. 16
must be accompanied by an adult.             •    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
                                                                                           birdwatcher. Join us for an informative
Organized groups must schedule a                  forestpreserve                           indoor lesson about the Merlin and
separate tour. Advance registration          •    Instagram: https://www.instagram.		      eBird smart phone apps, then head
is required for all nature programs,              com/forestpreserve                       outside with a Forest Preserve District
                                             •    YouTube: http://bit.ly/youtube_		        Naturalist to test them in the field.
unless noted.
                                                  forestpreserve
To register, call 630-444-3190 or            FREE
email programs@kaneforest.com.                                                             Wednesday, Oct. 20; 9:30 - 11 a.m.
                                                                                           Creek Bend Nature Center
                                                                                           LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
                                             Prairie in Bloom                              37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Creating a Bird-Friendly Home                    We can see amazing natural               Fee: $2/person
     If you enjoy observing wild birds       colors in the fall, but not all those
around your property, you probably           hues are found in the trees! Join a

                                                                                                                                     Photo courtesy Adobe Stock/Jeff
know there are ways to increase your         District naturalist on an early fall hike
chances of spotting them. To learn           to discover the wonderful shades of
more tricks and hints for attracting         yellow, purple, white and orange that
a wide diversity of different bird           can be found in a tallgrass prairie.
species, tune in and enjoy this video
program. Forest Preserve District            Saturday, Sept. 25; 10 - 11 a.m.
Naturalists will explain some of the         Pingree Grove Forest Preserve
                                             14N187 Route 20, Pingree Grove
best ways to entice local birds, as
                                             FREE
well as techniques for protecting and

                              It’s Our Fox River Day
                                    Saturday, September 18 — 9 a.m. - noon
                          Glenwood Park Forest Preserve — 1644 S. River St., Batavia
                                                     AND
                          Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve — 35w003 Rte. 31, South Elgin

                         Join us for a Fox River clean-up, exhibits, music and more!
                         The Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Friends of the Fox River will host a river clean-up at
                         at two locations this year: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve in Batavia & Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve in
                         South Elgin!

   What to Bring:        Help beautify the river, river banks and trails while enjoying live music, environmental education
   n Closed-toe shoes    exhibits and more. Drinking water, snacks, disposable gloves, and trash bags will be provided.
   n Heavy work gloves   All volunteers —individuals, groups and organizations — are invited.
   n A canoe or kayak,
    if you have one      To register as a volunteer: visit: https://friendsofthefoxriver.org/fox-river-day/
                         or email CleaveRobb@kaneforest.com or McKittrickBarb@kaneforest.com
                                                                                                              Cosponsored by:

Page 4                                                                                               The TreeLine Newsletter — Fall 2021
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
To register: Call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com
                                                                                                                                       Photo by Community Affairs Director Laurie Metanchuk

                                                                     Photo by Communications & Marketing Coordinator Brittany Kovach

Page 5
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
NIGHTTIME NATURE SERIES                    explore! Stay up-to-date with the latest   Waterfowl Watch
    Explore the nocturnal world with a      happenings in the District, and have            Enjoy the changing seasons
naturalist. These after-hours programs      some fun with Naturalist Josh Libman       as we hike, look, and listen for the
provide a glimpse into the wildlife that    as we highlight the wonderful ways to      birds inhabiting our forest preserves
we usually don't get to see during the      enjoy our open spaces.                     this fall. Forest Preserve District
daytime. We'll visit different forest                                                  Naturalists will cover basic bird
                                            Episode 9: Releases Thursday, Oct. 28
preserves, with different nocturnal                                                    identification skills and share a few
                                            Visit: https://anchor.fm/forest-preserve
habitats, each month.                                                                  interesting stories along the way.

                                            Owls of Kane County                       Saturday, Oct. 16; 9 - 10 a.m.
Search for Spiders                              Rarely seen, but very important to
                                                                                       Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve
                                                                                       8N700 Barry Rd., Elgin
     They're creepy, they're crawly,        the local food chain, the owls of Kane     FREE
and they're cool! Spiders are also very     County fill a unique niche in our forest
important to the lives of us humans.        preserves. Find out what species of                          n    n    n
How so, you might ask? Come to this         owls we have locally and learn about
program to find out! We'll search           their habits and behaviors in this
nooks and crannies, high and low, for       virtual program.                           Youth Programs
different species of spiders. If we catch
a few specimens, we'll look at them         Released via our social media pages on
                                            Thursday, Nov. 18                          Story Time at Creek Bend Nature
close up, and then let them go. Bring
                                            •    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/    Center
a flashlight and we'll supply the "bug           forestpreserve                             St. Charles Public Library staff
jars."                                      •    Instagram: https://www.instagram.		   bring books, finger plays, songs,
                                                 com/forestpreserve
                                                                                       and more for this fun program for
Saturday, Oct. 23; 5 - 6 p.m.               •    YouTube: http://bit.ly/youtube_
Burnidge Forest Preserve                         forestpreserve
                                                                                       children — infant through age 5. All
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin                FREE                                       are welcome to enjoy the interactive
Fee: $2/person                                                                         exhibits in the Nature Center, following

                                                                                                                                 Photo courtesy Adobe Stock/wildnerdpix
Creatures of the Night 
     When the sun goes down, the
creatures of the night awake at our
local forest preserves. The spooky
myths and legends that accompany
these creepy crawlers are enough to
give anyone goosebumps. Separate
fact from fiction and learn about some
of the creatures that go "bump in the
night" during this virtual program.

Released via our social media pages on
Thursday, Oct. 28
•    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
     forestpreserve
•    Instagram: https://www.instagram.
     com/forestpreserve
•    YouTube: http://bit.ly/youtube_
     forestpreserve
FREE

Out & About Podcast 
     The natural world is loaded with
interesting learning opportunities
and the Forest Preserve District of
Kane County has over 20,000 acres to

Page 6                                                                                           The TreeLine Newsletter — Fall 2021
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
the program. We'll provide you with                natural world through a variety of

                                                                                                Photo by Communications & Marketing Manager Brittany Kovach
a take-home craft. Then, for the grand             activities specific to the theme of the
finale of your storytime experience,               month. Sessions include a combination
head out on the trails at LeRoy Oakes              of stories, nature hikes, songs, games,
Forest Preserve to hike and read a                 or crafts. A parent or caregiver must
second story on our StoryWalk®! No                 accompany child.
registration is required.
                                                   Tremendous Trees
Wednesday, Sept. 8; 10:30 - 11 a.m.                Thursday, Sept. 16; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center                           Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve                        LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles; FREE              37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
                                                   Fee: $5/child
Wednesday, Oct. 13; 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center                           Creepy Crawlies and Winged Wonders
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve                        Thursday, Oct. 21; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles; FREE              Creek Bend Nature Center
                                                   LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
Wednesday, Nov. 10; 10:30 - 11 a.m.                37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Creek Bend Nature Center                           Fee: $5/child
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles; FREE              Who Was Here? Animal Tracks & Scats
                                                   Thursday, Nov. 18; 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
                                                   Creek Bend Nature Center
Little Saplings                                    LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
                                                   37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
     In this monthly program, geared               Fee: $5/child
for 3-5 year olds, we'll explore the

To register: Call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com                           Page 7
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
n    n    n

                                                                                                              Photo courtesy Adobe Stock
     Adult Programs
Senior Stroll
     Seniors are invited to join District
naturalists each month on a pleasant
                                                 Nurtured
                                                    by
stroll in our natural areas. Each month
we visit a different site, learning about
the natural and cultural history of the
area. The strolls begin at 10 a.m. and

                                            N AT U R E
lasts about an hour, with social time
and refreshments following the walk.
No registration is required for this free
program.

Thursday, Sept. 2; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Pingree Grove Forest Preserve
14N187 Rte. 20, Pingree Grove
FREE – Donations accepted
                                               Experience the healing effects of nature.
                                             Studies show that time outdoors can relieve
Thursday, Oct. 7; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Les Arends Forest Preserve
                                             stress, boost your immune system, improve
2S731 Rte. 31, Batavia                       sleep and contribute to overall good health.
FREE – Donations accepted                      We’ll incorporate gentle stretching, deep
Thursday, Nov. 4; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.         breathing, and focus on awareness during this
Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
                                              hike to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
FREE – Donations accepted                       This program is for ages 18 and above.
Holiday Potluck Party
Thursday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center                             Sunday, Sept. 12; 9 - 10 a.m.
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
FREE – Donations accepted
                                                      Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls
                                                    40W095 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
                                                                FREE

                                                     Sunday, Oct. 10; 9 - 10 a.m.
                                                  Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
                                                  35W076 Villa Maria Rd., St. Charles
                                                                FREE

                                                     Sunday, Nov. 7; 9 - 10 a.m.
                                                       Freeman Kame Forest
                                                              Preserve
                                                    40W346 Freeman Rd., Gilberts
                                                               FREE

Page 8                                                                       The TreeLine Newsletter — Fall 2021
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
Explore the Fox River by Kayak                     the program, with payment required                                                                      Trek with a Naturalist
      Tour our local waterways during              at the time of registration. For                                                                             Get your 10,000 steps in during
these paddling adventures! Each                    more information, or to register, call                                                                  these invigorating naturalist-led hikes!
session, participants will receive dry-            630-444-3190 or email programs@                                                                         This monthly program is designed for
land instruction on basic kayaking                 kaneforest.com.                                                                                         those who like active hiking, all year
techniques from an experienced                                                                                                                             long. We visit different preserves each
instructor from Rocktown Adventures.               Sunday, September 12; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.                                                                  month. A naturalist will stop occasionally
                                                   Meeting Location: Glenwood Park Forest
Then we'll take to the water for a                                                                                                                         to interpret the ecology of the preserve
                                                   Preserve, Batavia
naturalist-led exploration of the                  Put-In Location: Old Mill Park, Geneva                                                                  as we walk, but the main goal is to cover
fascinating local ecology. Participants            Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles with portage                                                                 ground! This program is for ages 18 and
meet and park at the take-out location             Skill Level: Intermediate                                                                               above.
and are shuttled to the put-in location.           Fee: Single kayak rental - $85
                                                   (includes use of kayak, personal flotation
Boaters must be 16 years or older                                                                                                                          Thursday, Sept. 16; 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
                                                   device and paddle). Or, provide your own                                                                Dick Young Forest Preserve
and be able to hold breath under                   kayak for $45/participant.                                                                              39W115 Main St., Batavia
water while wearing a properly fitted
                                                                                                                                                           FREE
life jacket; independently turn from               Sunday, Oct. 3; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
a face down to a face-up position                  Meeting Location: McCullough Park, Aurora                                                               Thursday, Oct. 21; 4 - 6 p.m.
keeping head above water; effectively              Put-In Location: Glenwood Park Forest                                                                   Lone Grove Forest Preserve
                                                   Preserve, Batavia                                                                                       49W055 Perry Rd., Maple Park
communicate with the instructor
                                                   Paddle Distance: 7 miles with portage                                                                   FREE
and other participants; and manage                 Skill Level: Intermediate
all mobility and personal care                     Fee: Single kayak rental - $85                                                                          Saturday, Nov. 6; 9 - 11 a.m.
independently or with the assistance               (includes use of kayak, personal flotation                                                              Lake Run Forest Preserve
of a companion. Advance registration               device and paddle). Or, provide your own                                                                40W255 Tanner Rd., Sugar Grove
                                                   kayak for $45/participant.
is required at least one week prior to                                                                                                                     FREE

                                                                                                Photo by Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick
                                                                                                                                                           Invasive Species Management
                                                                                                                                                           Workshop
                                                                                                                                                                Buckthorn and honeysuckle are
                                                                                                                                                           two exotic invasive species that are
                                                                                                                                                           taking over our landscape and causing
                                                                                                                                                           significant devastation to our natural
                                                                                                                                                           heritage and ecosystem health. These
                                                                                                                                                           species are likely on your property and
                                                                                                                                                           we need your help to get rid of them. Join
                                                                                                                                                           us to learn how to identify and manage
                                                                                                                                                           the most common invasive species in
                                                                                                                                                           Kane County, with a focus on non-native
                                                                                                                                                           honeysuckle and buckthorn. During this
                                                                                                                                                           workshop, we'll explain why these plants
                                                                                                                                                           are so devastating to our landscape; teach
                                                                                                                                                           you how to identify invasives; propose the
                                                                                                                                                           most effective management techniques
                                                                                                                                                           for controlling them; and show you
                                                                                                                                                           wonderful native alternatives to plant in
                                                                                                                                                           their place. This is a joint-program offered
                                                                                                                                                           by the Forest Preserve District of Kane
                                                                                                                                                           County, and the Morton Arboretum.

                                                                                                                                                           Tuesday, Sept. 28; 5 - 7 p.m.
                                                                                                                                                           Barbara Belding Lodge
                                                                                                                                                           Brewster Creek Forest Preserve
                                                                                                                                                           6N921 IL Rte. 25, St. Charles
                                                                                                                                                           Fee: $10/person

To register: Call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com                                                                                                                                Page 9
The TreeLine A quarterly publication from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County www.kaneforest.com
n    n    n                    mushrooms native to Kane County and
                                               then head into the woodlands for a
Learn from the                                 wild mushroom foray.                                             KCCN Information Session
Experts Programs
     These classes offer in-depth              Sunday, Sept. 19; 9:30 - 11 a.m.                                 Want to learn about Kane County's
                                               Creek Bend Nature Center                                         fastest-growing nature education
information and learning opportunities                                                                          program for adults? Attend a free
                                               LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
about our local ecology. The program           37W700 Dean St., St. Charles                                     informational session to find out what
series is cosponsored by the Forest            Fee: $10/person                                                  all the excitement is about! During
Preserve District of Kane County,                                                                               this introduction, you'll learn about the
the St. Charles Park District and                                                                               dates, details, cost, and tremendous
the Geneva Park District. Advance              Fall Tree Identification                                         benefits of this award-winning
registration is required for all                                                                                program.
                                                    Studying trees in Autumn can
programs, unless otherwise specified.          offer rewards as well as challenges.                             The mission of the Kane County
These programs are for ages 18 and             As leaves change color and fall to                               Certified Naturalists (KCCN) is to
above.                                         the ground, one must focus on other                              promote awareness and citizen
                                               features for proper identification. Join                         stewardship of Kane County natural
Kane County Crayfish                           a Forest Preserve District Naturalist                            resources through science-based
     Can you tell a northern clearwater        on this informative hike, and learn the                          education and community service.
crayfish from a calico? A devil crayfish       growth habits, ecological significance
                                                                                                                KCCN is a cooperative program of the
from a digger? Illinois is home to 23                                                                           Forest Preserve District of Kane County,
                                               and identifying features of our local                            the St. Charles Park District, and the
species of crayfish, seven of which            trees.                                                           Geneva Park District.
can be found in Kane County. Learn
the basics of crayfish biology as              Wednesday, Sept. 15; 9 - 10:30 a.m.                              Thursday, Nov. 11; 7 - 8 p.m.
well as handy tips that will help you          Creek Bend Nature Center                                         Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
determine gender and distinguish               LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve                                      3795 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles
                                               37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
between species. Special emphasis
                                               Fee: $10/person
will be placed on red swamp and rusty
crayfish, two nonnative species that
have been introduced into the Chicago

                                                                                                                                                                       Photo by Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick
area. An indoor lecture will be followed
by an in-the-creek field session. We are
offering two identical classes; choose
the time that works for you!

Thursday, Sept. 9; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person

Friday, Sept. 10; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Creek Bend Nature Center
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $10/person

The Strange and Unusual World
of Fungi
     With names like Giant Puffball,
Chicken of the Woods and Dead Man's
Fingers, fungi are often considered odd
and misunderstood organisms. While
Kingdom Fungi includes yeasts, molds,
and mildews as well as mushrooms,          The Strange and Unusual World of Fungi: The season for Giant Puffballs (Calvatia gigantean) is upon us! This mushroom
                                           typically pops up in grassy areas throughout Kane County, after a rain. It can also be found growing directly on the ground or
we'll focus on exploring the types of      in our local wooodlands. Giant Puffballs truly earn their common name, sometimes reaching an astounding 3 feet in diameter.

Page 10                                                                                                                       The TreeLine Newsletter — Fall 2021
Calendar at a Glance
Meetings, nature programs, volunteers events and more
September                                                    Kane County Government Center                              7      Nurtured by Nature - 9 a.m.
                                                      13     Story Time at Creek Bend Nature Center -                          Freeman Kame Forest Preserve
2    Senior Stroll - 10 a.m.
     Pingree Grove Forest Preserve                           10:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center                      9      Forest Preserve Commission - 9 a.m.
                                                      16     Waterfowl Watch - 9 a.m.                                          Kane County Government Center
8    Story Time at Creek Bend Nature Center -
     10:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center                   Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve                                10     Story Time at Creek Bend Nature Center -
                                                      20     Learn to Bird with Merlin and eBird -                             10:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center
9    Executive Committee - 8:30 a.m.
     Kane County Government Center                           9:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center                       11     KCCN Information Session - 7 p.m.
                                                      21     Little Saplings - 9:30 a.m.                                       Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
9    Kane County Crayfish - 10 a.m.
     Creek Bend Nature Center                                Creek Bend Nature Center                                   16     Finance & Administration Committee - 2 p.m.
                                                      21     Trek with a Naturalist - 10 a.m.                                  Kane County Government Center
10   Kane County Crayfish - 10 a.m.
     Creek Bend Nature Center                                Lone Grove Forest Preserve                                 18     Owls of Kane County 
                                                      23     Search for Spiders - 5 p.m.                                       Virtual Program
12   Nurtured by Nature - 9 a.m.
     Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls                                Burnidge Forest Preserve                                   18     Little Saplings - 9:30 a.m.
                                                      26     Finance & Administration Committee - 2 p.m.                       Creek Bend Nature Center
12   Explore the Fox River by Kayak - 10 a.m.
     Glenwood Park Forest Preserve                           Kane County Government Center                              19     Land Acquisition Committee - 8:30 a.m.
                                                      28     Land Acquisition Committee - 8:30 a.m.                            Kane County Government Center
14   Forest Preserve Commission - 9 a.m.
     Kane County Government Center                           Kane County Government Center                              19     Planning & Utilization Committee - 9:30
                                                      28     Planning & Utilization Committee - 9:30                           a.m. - Kane County Government Center
16   Creating a Bird-Friendly Home 
     Virtual Program                                         a.m. - Kane County Government Center
16   Little Saplings - 9:30 a.m.                      28     Out & About Podcast                                       December
     Creek Bend Nature Center                                Virtual Program
                                                                                                                        2  Senior Stroll - 10 a.m.
16   Trek with a Naturalist - 4:30 p.m.               28     Creatures of the Night                                       Creek Bend Nature Center
     Dick Young Forest Preserve                              Virtual Program
                                                                                                                        6 Executive Committee - 8:30 a.m.
18   It's Our Fox River Day - 9 a.m.                                                                                       Kane County Government Center
     Glenwood Park Forest Preserve &
     Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve                     November                                                          14 Forest Preserve Commission - 9 a.m.
                                                                                                                           Kane County Government Center
19   The Strange and Unusual World of Fungi           4      Executive Committee - 8:30 a.m.
     - 9:30 a.m. - Creek Bend Nature Center                  Kane County Government Center                              17 Land Acquisition Committee - 8:30 a.m.
                                                                                                                           Kane County Government Center
23   Land Acquisition Committee - 8:30 a.m.           4      Senior Stroll - 10 a.m.
     Kane County Government Center                           Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls                                   17 Planning & Utilization Committee - 9:30
                                                                                                                           a.m. - Kane County Government Center
23   Planning & Utilization Committee - 9:30          6      Trek with a Naturalist - 9 a.m.
     a.m. - Kane County Government Center                    Lake Run Forest Preserve                                   28 Finance & Administration Committee -
                                                                                                                           2 p.m. - Kane County Government Center
25   Prairie in Bloom - 10 a.m.
     Pingree Grove Forest Preserve
26   Harvest of the Acorn Moon Fall Festival -

                                                                                                                                                                              Photo by Director of Natural Resources Ben Haberthur
     12 p.m. - Oakhurst Forest Preserve
28   Finance & Administration Committee - 2 p.m.
     Kane County Government Center
28   Invasive Species Management Program -
     5 p.m. - Barbara Belding Lodge

October
3    Explore the Fox River by Kayak - 10 a.m.
     McCullough Park
7    Executive Committee - 8:30 a.m.
     Kane County Government Center
7    Senior Stroll - 10 a.m.
     Les Arends Forest Preserve
10   Nurtured by Nature - 9 a.m.
     Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
                                                   NOTE: All events are subject to change/cancelation. Please register in advance, so that we have accurate numbers and can
12   Forest Preserve Commission - 9 a.m.           contact you if a program is moved or canceled.

To register: Call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com                                                                                                       Page 11
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
                  1996 S. Kirk Rd., Ste. 320                                                                                                         PRSRT STD
                  Geneva, IL 60134                                                                                                                  US POSTAGE
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                                                                                                                                                   PERMIT NO 693
                                                                                                                                                  SAINT CHARLES IL
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    NATURE PROGRAM INFORMATION                                                        The Forest Preserve District of Kane County (FPDKC) is committed to
                                                                                      conducting its programs and activities in a safe manner and holds the
    Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. To              safety of participants in high regard. The FPDKC continually strives to
    register for programs and/or schedule school or scout field trips:                reduce risks and insists that all participants follow safety rules and
    call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. Telephone                     instructions that are designed to protect the participant’s safety. All
    reservations are accepted Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.                      registrants will be asked to sign a waiver and release.
    Payment                                                                           Photo Release
    Make checks payable to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.               By registering for a program, you consent to and authorize the use of any
    Mail to:                                                                          photographs and other audiovisual materials for promotional purposes,
                                                                                      including printed material, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any
          Creek Bend Nature Center                                                    other use for the benefit of the District.
          LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
          37W700 Dean St.                                                             Creek Bend Nature Center
          St. Charles, IL 60175                                                       Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
                                                                                      Saturday & Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.
    Programs are free unless otherwise indicated. Fee assistance is
    available upon request.
                                                                                      Social Media
    Cancellations
    Please call us if you need to cancel, so that we may contact others on
    our wait list.
                                                                                      F      www.facebook.com/forestpreserve
    Special Accommodations
    Please let us know at least two weeks in advance by calling the
    program manager at 630-444-3191. Anyone who requires an auxiliary
                                                                                      T      www.twitter.com/forestpreserve

    aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of
    policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity
    of the District, should contact the ADA Coordinator at Voice: 630-
                                                                                      I      www.instagram.com/forestpreserve

    444-3950 or 630-232-5980, TTY Relay: 800-526-0844, email at ada@
    kaneforest.com or mail at 1996 S. Kirk Rd., Ste. 320, Geneva, IL 60134,           P      www.pinterest.com/forestpreserve
    as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled
    event.                                                                            W      https://forestpreserve.blog

    Program Waiver and Release

             The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is committed to recycling
             and green printing methods. This brochure is printed on recycled stock
             with soy-based ink. When finished, please recycle this material.
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