The Natural Resource Education Center (NREC), located within the Russell Woods Preserve in Genoa, at the end of the gravel road, is DeKalb County’s only nature center and a venue for environmental education. Nestled along the scenic south branch of the Kishwaukee River, the center offers hands‑on learning experiences for both youth and adults.
Established in 1993, the NREC is supported through a partnership between University of Illinois Extension, the DeKalb County Forest Preserve (DCFP), and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District (DCSWCD). Through this collaboration, Extension provides staffing and educational leadership, DCFP supplies the facility, and both DCFP and DCSWCD contribute annual funding to sustain programming.
The center delivers a wide range of natural resource education opportunities, including field studies, classroom programs, summer camps, and family events. Nature Explorers Camp, a collaboration with DCFP, is a nature‑focused day camp for youth, is held each summer and engages participants in educational, hands‑on outdoor activities, games, and nature awareness.
Signature annual programs at the NREC include NatureFest each spring, the Mother’s Day Flower Walk, and WinterFest.
