You can learn about local, winter wildlife during a new nature program series by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

The lineup of free programs is designed to showcase the fascinating creatures that stay active throughout Illinois’ colder months, such as Chickadees, owls, eagles, woodchucks, beavers and more. District naturalists will lead these educational adventures throughout Kane County.

The Winter Wildlife Series includes:

Chipper Chickadees: These little birds are easy to spot at backyard feeders and throughout our woodlands. Learn about Chickadee calls, behaviors and adaptations during an indoor presentation followed by a short outdoor hike. Bring binoculars if possible; limited loaners are available.

The Chipper Chickadees program is Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10-11 a.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

Evening Owl Stroll: As the sun sets, owls begin to stir. Head out on a naturalist-led, twilight walk to learn about owl anatomy, cultural history and lore. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

There are two dates to choose from: Thursday, Dec. 18 or Friday, Feb. 6. Both programs run 4:30-6 p.m. and take place at Campton Forest Preserve; 4N379 Town Hall Rd., St. Charles. 

Search for Short-eared Owls: These interesting creatures migrate to the Midwest for winter. Enjoy the crisp air as we explore raptor behavior and search for these special, seasonal visitors.

The Search for Short-eared Owls program is Monday, Jan. 5, from 4-5 p.m. at Brunner Family Forest Preserve; 18N681 Western Ave., West Dundee.

Eagles along the Fox River: With six-foot wingspans and soaring flight, Bald Eagles are unforgettable to witness. Learn about their recovery and biology while hiking along the Fox River in search of these majestic birds.

The Eagles along the Fox River program is Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10-11 a.m. at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve; 35W003 IL Rte. 31, South Elgin.

Woodchuck Watch: Get a jump on Groundhog Day with a hike focused on one of our true hibernators. Learn the differences between hibernation, torpor and dormancy as we look for signs of woodchucks emerging from their winter rest.

The Woodchuck Watch program is Friday, Jan. 30, from 1-2 p.m. at Hampshire Forest Preserve; 44W880 Allen Rd., Hampshire. 

Beaver Tales: Beavers are nature’s engineers — but how do they build their dams and lodges? Learn about beaver adaptations, and then follow a naturalist down to the nearby creek to see signs of beaver handiwork, up close.

The Beaver Tales program is Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1-2 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

Advance registration is required for all Winter Wildlife Series programs. To register, visit www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email [email protected].

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, visit the website at www.kaneforest.com or  follow the District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.

Information provided by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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