Learning experiences such as this very wet wetlands field trip help participants in the Kane County Certified Naturalist program understand the connections within our local…
KCCN Season Is Just Around the Corner
Nature on a Train!
Nature on a train. I know, it sounds like an oxymoron. Or maybe the title of a toned-down Samuel L. Jackson movie. But it’s also…
Kane County Certified Naturalists
Ready, set, net! Learn about local streams as well as other area ecosystems during the year-long nature education program for adults, Kane County Certified Naturalists. Good Natured: Kane County Certified Naturalists November 30, 2018 When was the last time you looked-I mean realllllly looked-at the shape and size of a tree bud? Or paused to
Your Might Be a Naturalist If
Years ago, a thoughtful naturalist, or perhaps a naturalist with too much time on his or her hands, compiled a list of traits that typify us nature nerds. In the style of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You might be a redneck if …” the list read something like, “You might be a naturalist if … you have
Native Plants
September 16, 2016 Native Plants & the Impact on Landscape When was the last time you had an aha! moment? You know what I’m talking about. An abrupt realization that literally changes everything; a “Wait a minute!” dawning that causes you to see things in a different, often better, light. I know I’ve had plenty,
Jill’s Plot
When was the last time you had an aha! moment? You know what I’m talking about. An abrupt realization that literally changes everything; a “Wait a minute!” dawning that causes you to see things in a different, often better, light. I know I’ve had plenty, scattered over a wide variety of topics and an even
Leaf Litter
April 1, 2016 Leaf Litter “What the heck??” That was my first thought the other day as I awoke to a sound that was familiar, yet foreign—especially to my sleep-fogged brain. The noise was loud, for sure, and mechanical in nature, like someone was vacuuming with a vengeance just outside my window. Lawn mower? Nope,
Arch Pits
October 3, 2014 Arch Pits A leafy nest surrounded by a network of shallow tunnels are two hallmarks of a common but rarely seen local mammal, the northern short-tailed shrew. Earlier this week, a couple members of the St. Charles Park District naturalist staff headed out to complete some prep work for an upcoming school
What Can I Do
“What can I do?” It’s a common query, one you’ve probably asked yourself at one time or another when you’ve encountered someone, or something, in need of help. You know there should be some obvious course of action, but for some reason it’s just not apparent. Mark Glabinski, our custodian and caretaker at the Baker