How did you watch the Solar Eclipse today? Those who came out to Creek Bend Nature Center, were able to: make eclipse crafts; enjoy refreshments such as sun chips, sunflower seeds, and sun tea; wear special viewing eclipse glasses; watch a live stream of the eclipse in the nature center; and more! View our photos from our eclipse viewing party below.

Photos by Community Affairs Specialist Brittany Kovach

Pumpkins, apple cider, donuts…we are thinking about fall! 

Our “Harvest of the Acorn Moon” Festival is on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1-4 p.m. at Oakhurst Forest Preserve.

Celebrate autumn’s arrival with us by participating in pumpkin painting, games, guided hikes, nature crafts and listening to folk music. Admission is free and it’s an event that’s fun for the whole family!

For more information, call 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.

Photos by Nature Programs Manager Valerie Blaine

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with the Forest Preserve District!

Volunteers are needed to help us plant trees, collect seeds and clear brush at our event on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m at Dick Young Forest Preserve. We are looking for volunteers of all ages to participate in America’s largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to improving public lands.

For the tree-planting, holes are pre-dug. We’ll need volunteers to tamp down dirt, water and mulch. It’s easy! Bring work gloves, if you prefer. We’ll also have seed collection, and brush-clearing groups.

Come spend the day outdoors! Your work will help ensure that our public lands will remain beautiful and a place for all to enjoy.

Photos taken by Director of Community Affairs and Environmental Education Laurie Metanchuk.