Guided nature walks in the Tri-Cities this fall and winter

Cold weather does not have to end your walking routine. Some of the best ways to stay active this season come with a naturalist leading the way, and many are free. Here are guided walks and nature programs on the calendar in and around St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia from November through early January.

Forest Preserve District of Kane County programs

The forest preserve district runs most of its public programs out of Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. These are the ones closest to the Tri-Cities.

Senior Stroll, Thursday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to noon. The district's monthly walk for seniors moves indoors in December for a holiday potluck at Barbara Belding Lodge in Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, St. Charles. Bring a dish to pass.

Trek with a Naturalist, Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 to 11 a.m. This one is for people who want a real workout. The group covers 3 to 5 miles at about 3 mph at Prairie Green Forest Preserve, 698 N. Peck Rd., Geneva. A naturalist stops now and then to talk about the preserve, but the main goal is covering ground. Ages 18 and up. Free, with advance registration required.

Woodlands in Winter, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1 to 2 p.m. A guided hike through the woods at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve to learn what plants and animals do in the cold, followed by time in the new nature play space. Free, with advance registration required. A good pick for families on winter break.

Nurtured by Nature, Sunday, Dec. 27, 10 to 11 a.m. This newer monthly series mixes a hike with gentle stretching, deep breathing and a focus on awareness. December's walk is at Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve in Geneva. Ages 18 and up. Free, with advance registration required.

Bird Watching Walk, Sunday, Jan. 3, 10 to 11 a.m. Start the new year at Fabyan West Forest Preserve, 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva. Naturalists cover basic bird identification along the way. Free, with advance registration required.

Register for forest preserve programs at kaneforest.com/register, by calling 630-444-3190 or by emailing programs@kaneforest.com. The district asks walkers to wear closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants.

Peck Farm Park in Geneva

The Geneva Park District's naturalists lead two evening walks at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Rd., this November. Both are for ages 5 and up.

Golden Hour Walk: Migration or Hibernation?, Thursday, Nov. 12, 4 to 5 p.m. A guided hike on the Peck Farm trails near sunset, with staff talking about native wildlife. The fee is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.

Moonlight Nature Walk: Beaver Moon, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Families walk the farm at night, learn about moon phases, listen for nighttime wildlife and finish with a campfire, s'mores and stargazing. The fee is $12 for residents and $16 for nonresidents.

Register through the Geneva Park District at 630-232-4542 or call Peck Farm Park at 630-262-8244. If you would rather walk on your own, the Peck Farm trails are open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. all year. The South Paved Loop is 2.38 miles.

Hickory Knolls in St. Charles

The St. Charles Park District's Hickory Knolls Natural Area covers about 124 acres of savanna, prairie, woodland and glacial pothole wetlands, with more than 3 miles of trails. It sits next to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, off Campton Hills Road west of Peck Road. Admission is free. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, weather permitting, and the building is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The center's events page lists Learn from the Experts: Bugging Out on Nov. 12. Check stcnature.org/events for details and new winter programs, or call 630-513-4399.