GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Russell Woods Forest Preserve for this free nature education experience.
NatureFest focuses on families with elementary-age children, though everyone is welcome. Extension staff and volunteers work together to present multiple hands-on learning activities throughout the preserve. Visitors check in at the registration table and receive a map and passport to track their journey. Visiting all the activities may take an hour, so arrive with plenty of time to explore. Volunteers and staff will be available until 2 p.m.
“NatureFest gives families a free, active program to explore nature topics, the forest preserve, and the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC),” said Peggy Anesi, Extension Educator and NREC Director. “Come see T.J. the tortoise, our live animal displays, and hike the trails while you fill out your passport. It is a great time to get outside and enjoy our natural spaces, starting with NatureFest 2026!” In case of rain, activities are moved inside the Natural Resource Education Center and cabins.
Russell Woods is located one mile west of Genoa on State Route 72.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the DeKalb Extension Office at 815-784-2000 or email Marian at mariantt@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet needs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.