Natural Resource Education Center

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.

Natural Resource Education Center

Welcome to the NREC—come inside for a bit!

In one year, nearly 1,100 visitors were welcomed at the NREC in addition to hosting special events and programs. Exposure to nature has been linked to numerous benefits, including lower stress, improved mood, stronger immunity, enhanced vision, and a calmer mind. Stop by and visit the NREC today! Live animal displays and educational materials are available.

We believe individuals can learn to enjoy and appreciate nature and make informed stewardship decisions that benefit our community.

Upcoming Events

Mother's Day Flower Walk | May 9

On the day before Mother's Day, Saturday, May 9, come out to the guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. The upland paved path allows people of all abilities to enjoy the flowers. Walks start on the hour at 10 AM. The last walk will start at 1 PM. Two local botany enthusiasts, Karen Matz and Brian Hale, will lead and talk about forest plants and what is blooming. All are welcome on the guided hikes. There is no fee for the walks, and the NREC will be open for visitors. Extension Master Naturalists will be in the Natural Resource Education Center to welcome visitors while they wait for the next walk. Come in and see our wildlife exhibits! If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, call the NREC at 815-784-2000.

NatureFest 2026 | May 16

Get ready for the annual NatureFest on Saturday, May 16! Hosted by Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the DeKalb County Health Department. It occurs at the only nature center in DeKalb County, Genoa's Natural Resource Education Center. This family-friendly, free event is perfect for families with elementary-aged children and up. There will be nature-themed hands-on learning activities. The event is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learning topics include turtles, camouflage, insects, river research, and more. Check in at the registration table and pick up a passport and a map of the area.

Explore Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the NREC from 10 AM to 1 PM. Families can take part in multiple hands-on learning activities. Come see T.J. the tortoise (the resident 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise), the other live animal displays, and hike the trails.

Nature Explorers Camp | Youth summer nature day camp

Explore. Create. Thrive. Your adventure starts here! This day camp experience is for youth ages 7 to 11 and meets at the Natural Resource Education Center located in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, one mile west of Genoa on State Rt 72. Choose from three week-long programs: Trailblazers Camp (ages 9-11), Cold-Blooded Critters Camp (ages 7-9; must have completed 1st grade), and Insect Investigators Camp (ages 7-9; must have completed 1st grade). Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Children will have fun learning about nature through hands-on activities, games, and nature awareness. Camps fill quickly, and space is limited to 20 per camp. Check back later for more registration details! Questions? Contact Extension Program Coordinator Katie Williamson at krw7@illinois.edu.

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Wildlife is everywhere!

Learn about how you can support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday encounters with research-based information you can trust. At Illinois Extension, our wildlife experts can help you navigate wildlife interactions with research-based information you can trust. Explore steps to take during an encounter, where to find wildlife, how to engage with stewardship opportunities, how to interact with nature safely, information about related careers, and more.

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