In its seventh year, the 2026 River Corridor Foundation lecture series presents programs that highlight the Fox River and the people and wildlife that shape our communities.

“The series gets better every year as we strive to introduce new and engaging topics and speakers that connect to our community and the nature around us,” said Laurel Moad with the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles.

All lectures are presented at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles at 7PM on the third Wednesday of each month. Guests are asked to pre-register using the link below to reserve a seat. Walk-ins are also welcome to attend.

You can register for the events here.

January 21: The Majestic Migrators; Sandhill Cranes

Many species of birds call the Fox River Valley home. Sandhill cranes in particular rely heavily on the unique ecosystem in our region. Join us for an evening to learn about the natural history, highlighted characteristics, and conservation success story of sandhill cranes.

Presented by Amber Ross (Forest Preserve District of Kane County)

February 18: The Roaring 20’s; Organized Crime and Prohibition in the Fox River Valley

Practically everyone in Chicago likes to claim a connection to Al Capone. What’s fact and what’s fiction?

Chris Linden (Hughes Media) will pique our imaginations as he explores the legendary hideouts, real-life haunts, and surprising stories of gangsters in our region.

March 18: Quiet Wings of the Watershed; Butterflies and Moths of the Fox River Valley

Pollinators, including butterflies and moths, are critical for the health of our local ecosystems, just as they too depend on certain habitats to thrive. Although silently flying through the Fox River Valley, their beauty and impact is bold.

Pam Otto (Kane County naturalist) will share what these insects rely on locally and what we can each do to help them flourish despite the challenges of today.

April 15: Coyotes Among Us; The Urban Coyote Research Project

For more than two decades, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, in collaboration with local county agencies and Ohio State University, has spearheaded the largest long-term study of urban coyotes in the world, based here in Chicagoland.

Shane McKenzie (Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation) will discuss insights into urban coyote ecology, discoveries made by the project, and approaches to coexistence.

Donations are appreciated to help fund these events. You can register for the events here.

Information provided by the River Corridor Foundation.

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

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