Winter - Kendall County

STEPPING STONE
STONESS
WINTER
2014-15
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE KENDALL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Starved Rock Bald Eagle Tour
Few things are as stirring as a
Bald Eagle soaring majestically against a clear blue sky.
Join us on Monday, February
23 for a special trip to Starved
Rock State Park and a Bald
Eagle Tour. The trip includes
a heated trolley tour, eagle
viewing, discussion and a buffet lunch. Transportation to
and from Starved Rock is included in the $35 fee.
Winter is a great time to view
Bald Eagles as the cold
weather concentrate the birds
into areas where food is more readily available. Many eagles that winter in Illinois are migrants from locations farther to the north. Alongside the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is one of the premier
Bald Eagle viewing site in Illinois.
Register early as space is extremely limited for this program, which
quickly filled up last year. The group will meet at the Historic Courthouse in Yorkville at 9:00 am and will return by approximately 4:00
pm. Part of the tour will be outdoors, so please dress warmly. And
make sure to bring your binoculars and camera to capture your own
picture of our national symbol.
PICTURES WITH SANTA
Do not miss this chance to make sure Santa Claus
will know exactly what your child wants for Christmas this year. Join us at the Kendall County Historic Courthouse in Yorkville for music, crafts and a
visit with Santa on December 4 from 6:30-8:30 pm.
The big man in red will be available for pictures
with the kids all evening, so make sure to bring your
camera!
The Yorkville 6th
Grade
Alternative
Strings will perform
Christmas favorites.
Professional photographs will be taken
by ‘Moments to Remember’ that may
be purchased online.
Cookies and hot
chocolate
will be
served.
Contact Tina at 630 552-5253 for more information.
Marty McFly went ‘Back to the Future’ in 1985 and now it is time for you to return to the awesome ‘80s to solve a murder.
Join us on Saturday, January 17 at Meadowhawk Lodge at Hoover Forest Preserve as The Murder Mystery Company presents “Totally ‘80s, Totally Murder”. Channel your inner Crocket & Tubbs as this most excellent mystery pits you against
other righteous detectives.
Tickets are $40 and includes the murder mystery, a fantabulous dinner by Upper Crust Catering, and one cocktail. A cash
bar is also available. Doors open at 6:00 pm with cocktail hour and the show begins at 7:00 pm. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Advanced registration is required for this event. For tickets or more information, please contact Tina at tina@ellishec.com
or 630 552-5253.
Don’t be a space cadet! Break out your parachute pants and big hair and join us on January 17!
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Kendall County
Forest Preserve District
President
Jeff Wehrli, Oswego
Vice-President
Lynn Cullick, Oswego
Secretary
Elizabeth Flowers, Montgomery
Commissioners
Amy Cesich, Yorkville
Judy Gilmour, Yorkville
Scott Gryder, Oswego
Dan Koukol, Oswego
Matt Prochaska, Bristol
John Purcell, Yorkville
John Shaw, Yorkville
From the President..
President....
Watching the snow fall outside makes it much easier to turn my thoughts to winter, and the several
items I would like to share with you.
First is the changing of the guard that will occur as our Forest Preserve Director, Jason Pettit, leaves us
after 16 years of leadership. Jason started as director of a couple of preserves with a few staff members,
and now oversees the management of over 2,600 acres of property along with the excellent maintenance
and educational departments we now have. While we will all miss Jason’s’ leadership and knowledge
of our environment, the District will soon have a new director with new ideas and plans to guide us into
the next decade.
Secondly, in an effort to be more environmentally friendly and save the taxpayers some money, the
spring newsletter will be our last issue that will be printed and mailed. If you receive this by U.S. mail
and have an email address we can use, please share it with us. If you have a friend, family member, or
neighbor who would be able to share, please contact them and make arrangements. If you don’t have
either, contact us at the district office, and we will try to make arrangements to continue to get this
newsletter to you.
Your feedback and ideas that you share with us are so very important as we move forward with new
programming and projects.
110 West Madison Street
Yorkville IL 60560
Information & Reservations:
630 553-4025
Administration:
630 553-4131
And third, please look through this publication and make note of the opportunities available to sign up
for a class, program, or upcoming event. These encounters enable us to experience mother nature in all
her winter garb. Whether it be the Reindeer Run on December 14th down at Ellis, or one of the many
programs offered during winter break, getting out into the woods and seeing how beautiful a snow covered forest can be leaves a lasting impression that can be shared for generations. Thank you for your
continued support of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and we’ll see you out on the trails!
Jeff Wehrli
Laws of Nature Center &
Education Programs:
630 553-4111
President
Ellis House &
Equestrian Center:
815 475-4035
www.co.kendall.il.us/
forest_preserve
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Ne ws an d No te s
SIGN-UP FOR NATURAL BEGINNINGS!
The Natural Beginnings Early Childhood Program, which provides a
nurturing outdoor learning experience for children ages 3-5, is currently accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year.
Students at Natural Beginnings enjoy daily hikes, indoor literacybuilding activities, phonetic introduction, a nutritious snack, and an
engaging variety of skill-building exercises - all grounded in a series of
environmentally themed units of discovery. The program stimulates
intellectual, social, and physical development while fostering curiosity
through hands-on projects and authentic learning opportunities.
An open house will be held on Friday, January 9 from 6:00-7:30 pm in
the Rookery Building at Hoover Forest Preserve. Bring your child and
see all that this exciting program has to offer!
Our schedule for the 2015-2016 school year will be as follows:
Ages 3-4 will meet from 9:00 to 11:15 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Ages 4-5 will meet from 9:00 to 11:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Tuition for the two-day program is $1325 and the three-day program is $1625 per school year.
As always, we will explore themes in nature throughout the school year. Each unit begins with an assessment of student
knowledge of the topic, such as the life cycle of a frog. Then, for the next three weeks, the curriculum features a variety of
interactive and immersive lessons on that theme. In the past, students have raised their own butterflies from a pupa and
have made their own dens to prepare for winter as they study hibernation. Teachers and students collaborate to wrap up
each theme in stories, pictures and drawings in the child's personal nature journal.
For more about Natural Beginnings or the January 9 open house, please contact Megan Gessler at 630 553-3939 or
mgessler@co.kendall.il.us.
FALL FEST A SUCCESS!
More than 700 people came out to Fall Fest on October 11 at Hoover Forest Preserve. This Forest Foundation of Kendall County event featured fun activities,
music, storytelling, food and much more. The Forest Foundation would like to
thank the following sponsors of the event:
Plano Molding (Premier Sponsor)
Kendall County Pork Producers
Jon Conover
Ashley Whippet K9 Frisbee Museum
Fox Valley Winery
J&S Construction
KR&G Excavating
WDH Real Estate, Tim Kellogg
Face to Face
Jeff LaMarre & Kurt Schoenfielder
Bounce Town, Oswego
Kendall County Outdoor Education Center
The Care of Trees
Law Office of Nathan Ewing, LLC
Tom Wehrli
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Goekin-Miles Foundation,
Maple Lane Farm
Bill Myers
Gemmer Family
Pam Parr
Tom Thomas
Drefcinski Family
Joan & Rick Dombrowski
Tim & Janice McCann
Dick Whitfield
Judy Heim
Scott Parkhurst
Mary Church
Don Hirsch
W in te r P ro gram G ui de
Please Note: Pre-registration is required for all Education Department (ED) programs.
Please see the registration deadline dates for each program being offered. If a class does
not meet its minimum enrollment requirement, it will be cancelled two days prior to the
event. All programs with a fee must be paid prior to the event.
December Programs
Pictures with Santa!
(All ages)
Thursday, December 4; 6:00-8:00PM
Historic Courthouse
Fee: Free
Restoration Workday
(Ages 16 and up, NAV)
Saturday, December 13;
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Shelter 4, Harris Forest Preserve
Fee: Free
Join us to process the native plant seed that
we harvested this year.
See page 9 for more information.
Prepare to be dazzled as LED lights illuminate trees for over a mile of outdoor fun at
The Morton Arboretum. Fee includes
transportation, parking, and admission
cost. Tickets are limited; please register
no later than November 26. Dress for the
weather, and bring your camera!
Bring the whole family and celebrate the
Christmas season with Santa Claus and
6th Annual Reindeer Run 5K
music courtesy of the Yorkville 6th Grade
(All ages, EHEC)
Alternative Strings! This program is a
Sunday, December 14; packet pick-up at
partnership with Yorkville School
7:00AM and the race begins at 9:00AM
District 115.
Fee: $25 preregistration or $35 on race day
See page 1 for more information.
Ellis House & Equestrian Center
Family Fun Night
Enjoy the scenery and burn off those extra
(All ages, EHEC)
holiday
calories at this one of a kind event. Do-It-Yourself: Recycled Holiday Bows
Friday, December 5; 4:00-7:00PM
See
page 10 for more information.
Ellis House and Equestrian Center
(Adult and elementary aged students
Fee: Free, except for pony rides ($3 per
with caregiver, ED)
Over 21: Illumination
ride or $5 for two rides) and concessions.
Friday, December 19; 1:00-2:00PM
(Adult, ED)
Registration deadline: December 17
Wednesday, December 17; 4:30-7:30PM
Santa visits this month and there will
Historic Courthouse
Registration deadline: December 5
plenty of holiday cheer. Pony rides, hayFee: Free
Meet at Historic Courthouse
rack rides, crafts, and other terrific activiFee: $25 per person
ties are loads of fun for the entire family.
Are you a fan of making crafts out of recycled materials? Then join us for this holiday special! We will be teaching guests
how to make holiday bows out of old
newspapers
and magazines. Please bring a
The Forest Preserve District strives to make our programs fun and educational as a
ruler, glue stick, and scissors with you;
commitment to you. If a class does not meet its minimum enrollment require- along with unused catalogs or newspapers.
ment, it will be cancelled two days prior to the event. Early registration prevents
cancelled classes! For fee programs, we accept cash, checks, and credit cards. In
Frozen Fun Camp
(Ages 3-5, ED)
the event of a cancellation of a fee-based class, a refund will be made.
Monday & Tuesday, December 29-30;
(ED) Education Department: Register for programs with this notation through the
9:00-11:30AM
Education Department by calling the Registration Hotline at 630 553-4025 or via
Registration deadline: December 19
email to kcforest@co.kendall.il.us.
Rookery Building, Hoover FP
Fee: $20
(EHEC) Ellis House and Equestrian Center: Register for programs with this
Join Anna, Elisa, Kristoff, and even Olaf
notation by contacting Ellis House & Equestrian Center at 815 475-4035 or via
as we explore the wonders of snow and
email to info@ellishec.com.
ice! This minicamp will let you freeze,
(NAV) Natural Areas Volunteer Program: For more information about these
thaw and have fun as you jump into the
science of winter. Please come prepared to
programs, see page 8, call 630 553-2298, or e-mail jstrohm@co.kendall.il.us.
head outside for part of the class, so dress
(A) Allergy Note: Indicates food allergies may be present in class.
warm.
No dogs permitted at Forest Preserve Programs unless indicated in the
program description.
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W in te r P ro gram G ui de
Frozen Fun Camp
(Ages 6 and up, ED)
Monday & Tuesday, December 29-30;
1:00-3:30PM
Registration Deadline: December 19
Rookery Building, Hoover FP
Fee: $20
Project Learning Tree Early Childhood
Professional Development Workshop
(Adult, ED)
Saturday, January 10; 9:00AM-noon
Meadowhawk Lodge, Hoover FP
Fee: $15 includes training, snacks
and resources
Frozen Fun Family Campfire
(All Ages, ED)
Friday, January 30; 7:00-8:30PM
Registration deadline: January 23
Meadowhawk Lodge, Hoover FP
Fee: $10 per family up to four
$2 each additional person
Join Anna, Elisa, Kristoff, and even Olaf Project Learning Tree is an award-winning
Come out to play some Frozen themed
as we explore the wonders of snow and
environmental education program. This
games as we warm up with an inside
ice! This minicamp will let you freeze,
workshop is designed for educators who
campfire. We’ll be moving and shaking
thaw and have fun as you jump into the
teach children between the ages of 3with icy fun that will have the entire family
science of winter. Please come prepared to
6. The activities you will participate in
feeling like they just enjoyed an evening
head outside for part of the class, so dress
encourage children to explore, discover,
with Olaf.
warm.
and communicate in expressive ways and
provide an introduction to environmental
Totally ‘80s, Totally Murder
education at a key developmental period in
(Adult, EHEC)
children’s lives.
Saturday, January 17; doors open at
6:00PM, dinner & performance at 7:00PM
Register on-line at:
Meadowhawk Lodge, Hoover FP
www.ezlcms.com/v5/login/1525/
Fee: $40 per person
PLT_IL.aspx?buyCourseID=9510
Match wits with other amateur detectives
Participants must pre-purchase the Activity to solve this interactive who-dun-it. PerGuide that is available during registration
formance by the Murder Mystery Comprocess ($19.95 for electronic download, pany. Tickets include the performance and
$24.95 plus postage for printed copy)
dinner. See page 1 for more details.
Please bring your activity guide and dress
Restoration Workday
for the outdoors!
(Ages 16 and up, NAV)
Saturday, January 17; Noon–3:00PM
Toddling Naturalist:
Jay Woods Forest Preserve
Cure for Cabin Fever
Fee: Free
(Ages 1-3 plus caregiver,
no siblings please, ED)
Clear out invasive brush to help restore
Tuesday, January 13; 9:00-10:00AM
beautiful oak woodlands.
Registration deadline: January 9
See page 9 for more information.
Meadowhawk Lodge, Hoover FP
Fee: Free
January Programs
Natural Beginnings Open House
(Ages 3-5 plus caregiver, ED)
Friday, January 9; 6:00-7:30PM
Rookery Building, Hoover Forest Preserve
Fee: Free
Are you ready to move? It is time to dance
and play so we can find a cure for cabin
fever. We will be up and moving for this
program in order to recharge!
Babes in the Woods:
Cure for Cabin Fever
(Ages 3-6 plus caregiver,
no siblings please, ED)
Tuesday, January 13; 1:00-2:30PM
Registration deadline: January 9
Meadowhawk Lodge, Hoover FP
Fee: Free
February Programs
Few of My Favorite Things
(Adult, ED)
Monday, February 11; 10:00-11:30AM
Registration deadline: February 6
Historic Courthouse
Fee: Free
Think you know what is happening in your
backyard? Pam Otto, from the Hickory
Knolls Discover Center, St. Charles Park
Come out and see what this exciting proDistrict, enthralled us with her knowledge
gram offers the residents of Kendall
of reptiles last year. Now she is joining us
County. Bring your child and find out how Are you ready to move? It is time to dance for a program that will highlight some of
our program stimulates intellectual, social,
and play so we can find a cure for cabin the odd and unusual qualities of native aniand physical development while fostering fever. We will be up and moving for this
mals. Prepare to be amazed about what
curiosity through hands-on projects and
these animals are capable of doing!
program in order to recharge!
authentic learning opportunities.
See page 3 for more information.
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W in te r P ro gram G ui de
Boater Safety Class
(Age 12+)
Saturday, February 21; 8:30 AM-5:00PM
Registration deadline: February 18
Historic Courthouse
Fee: $40
Prepare for a season of fun on the water by
taking a Boater Safety class taught by the
US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Class discussions will include state requirements, routine operations and recognition of safety
issues. Call 630 621-5544 to register for
this class by February 18. New State law
requires all power boaters (born after 1998)
to complete a boating safety class.
Restoration Workday
(Ages 16 and up, NAV)
Saturday, February 21; Noon-3:00PM
Lyon Forest Preserve
Fee: Free
Help us as we clear out invasive brush to
restore the beautiful woodlands.
See page 9 for more information.
Starved Rock Bald Eagle Tour
(Adult, ED)
Monday, February 23; 9:00AM-4:00PM
Registration deadline: February 9
Meet at Historic Courthouse
Fee: $35
Join us as we head to Starved Rock State
Park for their Bald Eagle Tour!
See page 1 for more information.
Project Learning Tree PreK-Grade 8
Teacher Training Workshop
(Adult, ED)
Saturday, February 28; 9:00AM-3:00PM
Meadowhawk Lodge, Hoover FP
Fee: $25 includes training, snacks
and resources.
Project Learning Tree is an award-winning
environmental education program. This
workshop is designed for educators working with youth from Pre-Kindergarten to
grade 8. Many lessons contain STEM
connections.
Register on-line at https://
www.ezlcms.com/v5/login/1525/
PLT_IL.aspx?buyCourseID=9469
Programming News
@ Your Convenience
Participants must pre-purchase the Activity
Guide that is available during registration
process ($24.95 for electronic download,
$29.95 plus postage for printed copy)
The Education Department & Ellis Equestrian
Center are on Facebook! Check out our pages for
convenient program reminders, nature tips, and
more! You can also connect with other users as
photos and other program information is posted to
our pages. For the Education Department, use
www.facebook.com/kcfpdeducation for Ellis
Equestrian Center, search “Ellis House and Equestrian Center.”
Please bring your activity guide, a lunch
and dress for the outdoors!
IMPORTANT NEWS!!!
Changes are on the way regarding ‘Stepping Stones’! Beginning with the summer 2015 edition, the
newsletter will be distributed only via email. If you currently receive a mailed paper copy of ‘Stepping
Stones’ and would like to receive the newsletter via email in the future, please send your email address
to kcforest@co.kendall.il.us.
Distributing ‘Stepping Stones’ via email will save natural resources such as paper and ink. It will also
save thousands of dollars currently being spent each year on printing and postage.
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Summer Camps 2015
Registration is quickly approaching for our popular “Walk in the Wild” summer camp program! The Kendall County Forest Preserve
District summer camps are a great way to discover nature and connect to the natural world. In addition, summer camps are an affordable way to have some good old fashioned summer fun! Our summer camps include an engaging mix of outdoor experiences, hikes,
games, hands-on learning, and special opportunities for your child.
All camps meet at the Eagle’s Nest Shelter at Hoover Forest Preserve, 11285 Fox Road, Yorkville. A welcome letter will be sent prior
to camp with more complete details about the camp you have registered for. Registration begins February 2, 2015. To register for a
session, please email rantrim@co.kendall.il.us (preferred) or call 630 553-4025. Payment and camp forms are required 2 weeks prior
to camp. If payment has not been received, your name will be removed from the class roster.
Little Garden Sprouts: How does your garden grow? Come and
explore as we learn what plants need to grow. We will play with
dirt and seeds as your little one tries out his green thumb!
Age: Ages 1-3 Time: 9:00-10:00AM
Dates: June 8, 10, 12 Fee: $25
Animalistic: Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Find out who really
lives in the terrestrial and aquatic habitats in Illinois. You’ll be
amazed at the awesome creatures that call this place home. This
camp takes place at Hoover and Harris Forest Preserves.
Age: Grade 3-4 Time: 9:00-11:30AM
Date: June 15-19, July 6-10 , July 27-31 Fee: $80
Explore Nature with Sesame Street: Big Birds knows birds,
Kermit how to hop with frogs and Elmo and Grover love anything
fuzzy. Get ready to fly, hop, jump, crawl and hike as we meet the
birds, amphibians and mammals who live in the woods!
Age: Ages 1-3 Time: 9:00-10:00AM
Dates: July 20, 22, 24 Fee: $25
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Night Camp: The night is full of adventures! Come and explore
Hoover as it transitions from day to night. We will spend one
overnight in a cabin as we learn what it means to be nocturnal.
Age: Grades 1-3 Time: 6:30-9:00PM from MondayWednesday, Thursday 6:30PM drop-off for overnight to
Friday 9:00AM pick-up
Dates: July 13-17 Fee: $100
Super Scientist: Come and explore! During this hands on camp,
you will be a Meteorologist, Herpetologist, Geologist, Botanist
and Entomologist and become an all around “Super Scientist!”
Each day will include hands on experiments and exploration.
Age: Pre-K—Kindergarten Time: 9:00-11:30AM
Dates: June 8-12, June 22-26, July 20-24 Fee: $80
Paddle & Play: This camp combines canoeing and two overnights for an exciting outdoor adventure! We’ll canoe the Fox
River by day and return to Hoover for fun evening activities.
Mature and experienced instructors will safely lead students in
canoeing and the overnights.
Age: Grades 4-6 Time: 9:00AM drop-off on Monday
for two overnights to Wednesday 10:00 AM pick-up
Dates: July 13-15, August 3-5 Fee: $150
Weird Nature: Weird? Wacky? Wild? This camp will have you
exploring the odd side of nature as we look at how plants and animals survive the wild side. Be ready to be amazed at the unusual
and sometimes gross things that happen in nature.
Age: Pre-K—Kindergarten Time: 9:00-11:30AM
Dates: June 15-19, July 6-10, July 27-31 Fee: $80
Earth Warrior: Being a warrior for planet earth means living
closely with the plants and animals that surround us. Learn how to
track wildlife, practice camouflage and much more in this hands
on nature camp.
Age: Grades K-2 Time: 9:00-11:30AM
Date: June 8-12, June 22-26, July 20-24 Fee: $80
FOR OLDER YOUTH
Adventure Road– Discover the Fun!: The Fox Valley region is
filled with amazing parks and nature centers. This camp will take
Stupendous Snakes & Salamanders: If you think turtles are terria field trip each day to discover the many wonders of the area.
fic and frogs are fun, then this camp will make you “hoppy” all
Come ready to explore!
week. Have fun searching in the creek and forest for turtles,
Age: Grades 5-6 Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM
snakes, salamanders, frogs, and toads. Enjoy a visit from LIVE
Dates: June 15-18, July 20-23 Fee: $80
reptiles and amphibians.
Age: Grades K-2 Time: 9:00-11:30AM
Nature Quest: We’ve teamed up with the Kendall County OutDates: June 15-19, July 6-10, July 27-31 Fee: $80
door Education Center once again to offer a jam-packed schedule
of fun, including a bike ride, canoe trip, overnight campout and
The Native People of Illinois: Step back into the past as you
many other awesome outdoor experiences!
learn about the Native Americans who called Illinois home in the
Age:
Grades
7-9Time: 9:00AM-2:30PM ,Thursday overnight to
1700’s. How did you find food, build your shelter and start a fire?
Friday 10:00AM pick-up
See if you can survive this camp!
Dates:
June
22-26, July 6-10 Fee: $110
Age: Grade 4-5 Time: 9:00-11:30AM
Date: June 8-12, June 22-26, July 20-24 Fee: $80
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Na tu ra l Area s Vo lun te er s
WHY DO NATURAL AREAS NEED TO BE MAINTAINED?
The Kendall County Forest Preserve District is fortunate to have acquired many high quality natural areas. Our mission statement states
that now we are to preserve and manage natural areas and open spaces.
Why, and how?
Factors such as habitat fragmentation caused by roads, utilities, farmland and development disconnect the once widespread natural communities. In the competition for space, they are losing the ground needed
to regenerate themselves.
Draining wetlands, building bridges, constructing dams are among the
many disturbances that restrict and contort free flowing hydrological
systems. (Think blocked arteries…)
Invasive plants snuff out native plant populations and take the very
food and shelter that many of our mammals, reptiles, birds, insects - all
of our native creatures - need to maintain the vitality of their species.
Snow like frosting on wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Natural areas cannot battle these and other obstacles placed before them
without our help because the life support systems they connect to are distorted. And this problem is not going to change. There is not
enough space left for natural areas to repair themselves, and they are losing ground. Without support, natural areas will continue to fall.
Is there any good news? Yes, there is. With proper management, there are adaptive management strategies that slow down and reverse
the negative effects of change. Native seed collection and distribution, reforestation, prescribed burning and wetland restoration can
help to improve and enlarge our natural areas.
The bad news is that too many people are not even aware that natural areas need our care. Without that understanding, the resources
required - money, man-power and time - are shunted off in other
directions.
How can we help natural areas survive? Spread the word. Teach
others - neighbors, friends, teachers, elected officials and family that natural areas cannot be left to make it on their own. Our natural
areas need to be maintained and strengthened through restoration;
detailed land management plans created (KCFPD has some of these
in place) and then implemented.
Join the efforts of others to protect and nurture natural areas. The
Natural Areas Volunteer Program is one such group. There are many
others. Find your niche. Make a difference.
Clearing invasives and prescribed burns are two forms
of natural areas management
Knowledge is power. Spread the word.
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Restoration Workdays
Get Out There!
The December Restoration Workday is a time to celebrate the
accomplishments of the year. We gather at Harris Forest Preserve in the warmth of Shelter 4 with a fire in the fireplace and
clean the seed from this years harvest. It’s one of the few times
Natural Areas Volunteers get to together gather in one room
and talk over the processing seed. Delightful.
When: Saturday, December 13; 9:00-noon
Where: Harris Forest Preserve, Shelter 4
What: 2014 Seed Processing
NOTE TIME CHANGE IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY
Kendall County Forest Preserve District is going through a time
of transition. One of the things we are going to try is taking our
Saturday Workdays from the morning to afternoons. For January
and February our workday hours will be noon to 3:00 pm.
When: Saturday, January 17; noon-3:00 pm
Where: Jay Woods Forest Preserve
What: Brush Clearing
When: Saturday, February 21; noon-3:00 pm
Where: Lyon Forest Preserve
What: Brush Clearing
Restoration Workdays are for adults 16 years and up. We provide the tools and snacks! Please bring your own water bottles.
We provide gloves but you may prefer to use your own; wear
sturdy shoes and dress for the weather!
Call Jody at 630 553-2298 or e-mail jstrohm@co.kendall.il.us
with questions.
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STEPPING STONES - THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE KENDALL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT - WINTER 2014-14
KENDALL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
110 WEST MADISON STREET
YORKVILLE IL 60560
PLEASE DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT
WHERE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION TAKE FLIGHT!
6th Annual Reindeer Run 5K
Make tracks for the 6th Annual Reindeer Run 5k on Sunday, December 14 at
Ellis House & Equestrian Center! Enjoy the scenery and burn off those extra
holiday calories at this one of a kind event.
The course consists of limestone screenings trails and mowed turf paths as it
winds through the fields and woodlands of Baker Woods Forest Preserve.
The entry fee is $25, or $35 on race day. The fee includes the race, Reindeer
Run t-shirt, and awards ceremony. Awards will be given to the top overall
male and female runners, and to the top three finishers in nine separate age
divisions.
Race day packet pickup is from 7:00 - 8:45 am. The 5k begins promptly at
9:00 am. Professional electronic timing provided by Kompusport and results
will be posted online.
Please contact Ellis House & Equestrian Center at 815 475-4035 or info@ellishec.com to register. Online registration available at www.iwantregistered.com. Ellis House & Equestrian Center is located at 13986 McKanna Road in Minooka.
Sponsorships are still available for this popular event.
info@ellishec.com.
For more information, please contact 815 475-4035 or
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