Contact Us

We welcome your input and value your feedback!

At Hickory Knolls Discovery center, we take pride in our ability to serve you quickly and courteously with superior quality at a reasonable rate. The St. Charles Park District is committed to enriching your quality of life through excellence in programs, parks, facilities and services. Please complete the form below to share your opinions or ask your questions. A staff member will respond to your email in a timely manner.

Have a plant, wildlife or pet question? Call 630-513-4399

We’re happy to help! We regularly have visitors and members of the community call or send us a photo of a plant or animal they’re trying to identify. Our naturalists and staff would gladly assist you in determining what type of organism you’re dealing with and recommend additional resources.

When asking wildlife questions, please keep in mind that while we can address your queries about species, behavior or habitat, Hickory Knolls staff do not do any type of wildlife removal or rescue. We can refer you to another agency that may be able to assist.

We also frequently get questions about pets – particularly from folks who need to find their animal a new home. Please know that Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is unable to take most of the pets that are offered to us. We do have contacts for agencies that may be able to take or adopt out your pet.

Interested in Employment?

Ages 16+ are eligible for employment. Age 15 may apply for the Swim Lesson Instructor position. To apply, please complete an application online at stcparks.org/jobs

Donation Requests

The St. Charles Park District supports fundraising events for community organizations. Requests must include the name of the local organization, a contact person, phone number, email and proof of event, such as a flyer, donation letter or other form of marketing material. To make a request via email: click here

Staff Contacts

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is staffed by well-trained, seasoned professionals. Currently, Hickory Knolls has three full-time staff members, a handful of year-round and seasonal part-time staff members and many volunteers.

	Chris Gingrich Assistant Superintendent of Outdoor Education 630-513-4367
	Pam Otto Outreach Ambassador 630-513-4346
	Ryan Solomon Ecological Restoration Supervisor
	Emily Shanahan Nature Programs Supervisor 630-513-4393
	Morgan Brown School and Camps Coordinator
	Rachel Krotz Facility & Animal Custodian

Emergency Assistance: 911

To Report Vandalism or Park Issues: Text 630-513-3331

For Specific Park Amenities and Rules: click here