GENOA, Ill. - Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District are having their third annual, free, outdoor NatureFest, on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at Russell Woods Forest Preserve. NatureFest is an open house so come and go as it fits your schedule. In the case of poor weather, activities move inside the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) and the cabins.
NatureFest focuses on families with elementary-age children, but everyone is welcome. Extension staff and Master Naturalist volunteers work together to present multiple hands-on learning activities throughout the forest. Visitors check in at the registration table to pick up a map and passport to track their experience.
“NatureFest gives families an activity filled day to explore Russell Woods and the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC)”, said Peggy (Doty) Anesi, Extension Educator and NREC Director. “Come see T.J. the tortoise, our live animal displays, and hike the trails after you fill out your passport. It’s time to get outside and enjoy our natural spaces, starting with NatureFest 2024!”
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.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.