Talk to the turtles, saunter past the snakes and breathe in the beauty of nature this summer with time at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles.
Part of the St. Charles Park District, the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center features its popular resident animal ambassadors, beautiful outdoor trails and a nature play area, in addition to providing space for programming and preschool classes.
Classes are out for the summer, but there’s still plenty of opportunity to learn and explore for all ages.
Ice cream is the perfect summer treat and topped with chocolate, caramel and pecans it becomes a turtle sundae. Having fun with the name, the staff at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is hosting Turtle Sundaes, Wednesday, June 25, a program where participants can learn more about the center’s turtles and cap the visit with making sundaes.
“With our animal ambassadors you can learn more about our aquatic and land turtles,” explained Emily Shanahan, manager of nature programs at Hickory Knolls Nature Center.
In addition to specialty programs, visitors can learn about the center’s resident animal ambassadors with its daily program, Hangin’ with Hickory Friends, offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is home to several species of animals including small mammals and reptiles.
Parents of young children are invited to check out Stroller Strolls, a new monthly program to encourage a walk through the nature trails outside of the center. Connect with nature and fellow parents, while enjoying some time outdoors and a short post-walk activity such as a nature-themed story.
“It will be a good opportunity for the children to interact and a social time for the adults too,” Shanahan said.
Siblings are welcome on the free walks. The program will run June 7, July 18 and Aug. 8 at 9 a.m., advance registration required.
Snakes are a symbol of power and transformation and with a nod to Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” album check out the new program, Reputation: Snakes of the Wild on Saturday, July 19.
“Taylor Swift reclaimed the snake symbol,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan said the program, geared to those ages 6-11. Along with learning about snakes and their role as mysterious and misunderstood, participants will have some fun and even create friendship bracelets too.
There’s also the new program, How to Train Your (Bearded) Dragon & Other Reptile Friends, featuring the resident reptiles including its bearded dragon, Toothless. Learn about their adaptations and what made many of these creatures legendary.
Located on the campus of James O. Breen Community Park, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
“You can pair it with a visit to Otter Cove Aquatic Park or make a day exploring nature,” Shanahan said.
The St. Charles Park District has partnered with the Kane County Forest Preserve and Geneva Park District for the series Learn From The Experts, a class for adults that delves deeper into a nature-based topic. This summer’s sessions include a spotlight on reptiles and amphibians with Hickory Herps, July 19 and Vexing Vectors-Ticks on Aug. 14.
“These are great for anyone looking to learn more about animals native to St. Charles and nature in general,” Shanahan said.
Advance registration is required and each session is $10 per person.