Natural Resource Education Center

The Natural Resources Education Center (NREC) located in Russell Woods Preserve 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

Mother's Day Flower Walk | Saturday, 5/11

On Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, May 11, Extension staff and volunteers offer their annual Mother’s Day Flower Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with walks leaving hourly from the NREC. Two local botany enthusiasts will lead the flower walks and talk about all that is blooming. Visitors will want to be sure to dress for the weather. The NREC will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those wishing to explore the exhibits.

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.

Living with Wildlife Illinois

Find all things wildlife, including solving wildlife issues, observations and reporting, wildlife identification, preventing problems, hiring a wildlife control operator, and finding a wildlife rehabilitator.

Thank you for another great NatureFest!

University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District had a great turnout at their third annual NatureFest on April 20. We had many repeat and new families join us for a day to celebrate nature and participate in many hands-on activities. Thank you to all who helped make this another successful event! We hope to see you next year.