Natural Resource Education Center

The Natural Resources Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Preserve in Genoa is the only nature center in DeKalb County and provides an environmental education experience for area school children and adults.

In 1993, University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve (DCFP), and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) created the Natural Resource Education Consortium to support natural resource education in DeKalb County. University of Illinois Extension created a staff position, the forest preserve provided the building, and SWCD and DCFP supported the programming with an annual grant. The University of Illinois Extension staffs the center and delivers natural resource education, including field studies, classroom visits, summer camps, and family programs. NREC is the only nature center in DeKalb County and is situated on the scenic south branch of the Kishwaukee River.

Natural Resource Education Center

Announcements and Highlights

Illinois Extension Forestry

The Extension Forestry program, housed in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, provides forestry and natural resources education, technical assistance, programming, and awareness.

Learn About Illinois Wildlife

Learn about how you can support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday encounters with research-based information you can trust. 

Mother's Day Flower Walk | Saturday - May 10

Take a walk with two local botany enthusiasts, Karen Matz, and Brian Hale, will talk about all that is blooming. They will identify a variety of beautiful wildflowers. Visitors will want to be sure to dress for the weather. This will be a great activity if you have guests from out of town. Walks leave every hour starting at 10 am and the last walk leaving at 1 pm. The NREC will be open for people to explore the exhibits!

Camp Russell | Nature Summer Day Camp | Registration is open!

Registration is open! There are a limited number of spots available, so register your child now.  Children will have fun learning about nature through hands‐on activities, games, and nature awareness.  June 23 to 27: Forest Adventure Camp (ages 9-11), July 7 to 11: Birds of Prey Camp (ages 7-9), July 21 to 25: Endangered Species Camp (ages 7-9), and July 28 to Aug. 1: Rockin' the River Camp (ages 11-13).