University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District are having their second annual, free, outdoor NatureFest on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at Russell Woods Forest Preserve located one mile west of Genoa on state route 72. NatureFest is an open house so come and go as it fits your schedule. Activities will be held outdoors, so dress for the weather. In case of rain, activities will be held inside the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) and the cabins.

Everyone is welcome. For families with elementary age children, multiple activity tables can be visited throughout the preserve. Each table will offer a short, hands-on learning activity with a volunteer to guide the experience and stamp event related passports. Check-in at the registration table under the open air shelter or at the NREC to pick up a NatureFest passport and map. Visit https://go.illinois.edu/NatureFest2023 for more information.

“NatureFest is for everyone of all ages to explore Russell Woods and visit the NREC, the only nature center in DeKalb County. Come visit TJ, our house tortoise, and our small collection of education animals, or take a walk on the trails,” said Peggy Doty, Extension Educator and NREC Director. “It’s time to get outside and enjoy our natural spaces starting with NatureFest 2023!”

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 your needs.