FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF KANE COUNTY 1996 S KIRK RD STE 320 GENEVA, IL 60134 Japanese Tea Garden Located on the west side of Fabyan Forest Preserve, this lovely oasis was originally designed in 1909 by Japanese Landscape Architect Taro Otuska as a private garden for then- residents George and Nelle Fabyan. e garden is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m., from mid-May through mid-October. For information on visiting or private tours, please call 630-377-6424. To reserve the garden for a wedding or photographs, call (630) 232-1242. Fabyan Windmill Rising up on the east side of Fabyan Forest Preserve is the 68-foot Fabyan Windmill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two German craſtsmen originally built the windmill in 1875, on a site now part of Lombard. In 1914, George Fabyan purchased the mill and had it moved to his Riverbank Estate in Geneva. e Forest Preserve District purchased Fabyan’s 600- acre estate — including the windmill — in 1937. A three-year restoration of the windmill was completed in 2004. Volunteer millers and docents lead tours from 1-4 p.m. on weekends from mid-May through mid-October. Self-guided tours are also available on weekends. For more information, or to schedule a weekday group tour, call (630) 208-8662. SHELTER RENTAL / RESERVATIONS Shelters are available for private rental. For small shelters (25-49 people), rental rates are $25 for Kane County residents and $35 for out-of-county residents. For large shelters (50-100 people), rental fees are $50 for Kane County residents and $75 for out-of- county residents. Reservations open each year on January 2. Unless reserved in advance, shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelters may be reserved by calling (630) 232-1242 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. MULTI-PURPOSE TRAILS Four regional trails — including the Fox River Trail, Great Western Trail, Virgil Gilman Trail, and branches of the Illinois Prairie Path — wind their way through Kane County for approximately 85 miles and enable trail users to see the beauty of Kane County. Trails are eight feet wide and surfaced with asphalt or packed, limestone screenings. Trails are marked with universal safety signs every mile to locate users in an emergency. Motorized vehicles, including dirt bikes, recreational golf carts or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not permitted at any time. Mountain/off-road bicycles and snowmobiles are restricted to District-designated areas only. Electronic devices used to assist those with mobility impairments are permitted. See the Accessibility section for more information. EQUESTRIAN AREAS Most horse trails are natural surface, mowed grass paths or limestone screenings. Asphalt trails are available in some of the preserves. All trails are multi-purpose; trails are shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers, etc. Equestrians are required to stay on designated, forest preserve-maintained trails. Trail riding is not allowed in restricted natural areas, Illinois Nature Preserves, picnic areas, campgrounds or farmed areas. To prevent trail damage during wet weather, trails may be temporarily closed. Individual forest preserves will post a sign at the entrance when horse trails are closed. CAMPING Public camping is available from May 1 - Oct. 31 at Big Rock Campground and Paul Wolff Campground. Improved camp sites include 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pad and fire ring. Primitive (non-electric) sites for tent camping are available. ADA-accessible camping is also available. Equestrian camping is permitted in specific areas. Dump station access and firewood are available for purchase. Information on campgrounds is available at (630) 444-1200. YOUTH CAMPING AREAS Certain camping areas are exclusively reserved for organized youth groups. Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls in Gilberts and LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles have designated youth camping areas. Camp sites will each host 25 youth campers. Camp Tomo has 13 sites available for a total of 325 youth campers. LeRoy Oakes has 8 sites available for a total of 200 youth campers Amenities include large, mowed, common areas, shelter, hiking trails, and a common firebowl. In addition, Camp Tomo also has a large, rustic lodge on the property that will accommodate 100 people. To inquire or make youth camping reservations, call (630) 232-1242. BOAT/CANOE LAUNCHES All watercraſt must be used in accordance with posted District rules as well as all applicable U.S. and Illinois statutes. Within forest preserve lakes, only trolling motors (no gasoline motors) are permitted. e Fox River is the only location where gasoline motors are allowed. Boats or canoes are only permitted in preserves with designated boat or canoe launches. FISHING Fishing is permitted in all District lakes, streams and rivers, with the exception of Illinois Nature Preserves. Fishing is permitted on both sides of the Fox River. For more information on fishing in Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at dnr.illinois.gov. GOLF COURSES Hughes Creek Golf Club Hughes Creek Golf Club in Elburn contains gently rolling hills, wetlands, native plants, flowers and beautiful songbirds with a panoramic view of the course from the clubhouse. is 18-hole course has 6,506 yards with a par 72. Call (630) 365-9200 for rates and information. Settler’s Hill Golf Course Settler’s Hill Golf Course in Batavia is a bent-grass golf course with many elevated tees and a panoramic view from the 14th green. is 18-hole course has 6,449 yards, par 72, rating 70.2 and the slope is 119. Call (630) 232-1636 for rates and information. Deer Valley Golf Course Deer Valley Golf Course is located in Big Rock, five miles west of Route 47. is 9-hole course has 1,358 yards with a par 29. Big Rock Creek winds through this rolling course adjacent to Big Rock Forest Preserve & Campground. Call (630) 556-3333 for rates and information. COUGARS BASEBALL e District-owned Fiſth ird Bank Ballpark, within the Philip B. Elfstrom Events Center is home to the Kane County Cougars, Class A minor league baseball team, a Chicago Cubs affiliate. Call (630) 232-8811 for information or Kane County Cougars tickets. WINTER ACTIVITIES Enjoy winter activities in the preserves, when the ground is frozen and there are at least four inches of snow. Cross- country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted at all preserves, however, the District does not groom trails. Sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating are permitted only in designated areas. All state and local regulations relating to the operation of snowmobiles apply. Snowboarding is available at the independently-operated Raging Buffalo, within Buffalo Park Forest Preserve. Please note: All winter activities are at your own risk. BARBARA BELDING LODGE AT BREWSTER CREEK Host your special event at e Barbara Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve in St. Charles. With multiple meeting rooms, seating for 100+ on the main level, a catering kitchen, outdoor deck and a beautiful, 27-acre setting, the Lodge is the perfect place for your next event or corporate function. Call (630) 444-3064 to arrange a showing or inquire about renting the facility and grounds. For the enjoyment of all citizens Recreation to the Forest Preserves of Kane County Welcome Understanding the past and preparing for the future Nature Programs & Cultural Sites CREEK BEND NATURE CENTER Within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles is Creek Bend Nature Center — the hub of the Forest Preserve District’s environmental education activities. You’ll find interpretive displays and exhibits, including an amazing underwater diorama of the Fox River, wildlife observation area, and plenty of hands-on opportunities for learning. Children are drawn to the discovery area, filled with plenty of nature-oriented activities. Creek Bend Nature Center is sure to provide a fun way to learn more about the Fox River as well as the prairies, woodland and wetlands that make up Kane County’s ecology. Admission is free. Creek Bend Nature Center Public Hours: Monday - ursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday: Closed Saturday - Sunday: 12 - 4 p.m. Private Rental of Creek Bend Nature Center Creek Bend Nature Center and surrounding grounds are available for private rental. is gorgeous facility will take your event from special to extraordinary. Reserve the indoors and grounds for weddings, tented receptions, meetings and more. Showings are on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. or by appointment. Call 630-444-3064 for private rental information. NATURE PROGRAMS Nature programs are offered for all ages — both at Creek Bend Nature Center and forest preserves throughout Kane County — throughout the year. Be sure to find out about our upcoming nature program offerings each quarter in e Tree Line newsletter. e Tree Line is available on our Web site at kaneforest. com. You may also subscribe in electronic or printed format. For nature programs information, reservations, or to subscribe to e Tree Line newsletter, call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail [email protected]. You may also visit our Web site at kaneforest.com. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, scout groups, corporate groups and service clubs in the areas of environmental education, ecological restoration, preservation of historic sites and structures, as well as public safety. For information on volunteering, call the District’s volunteer coordinator at (630) 762-2741. CULTURAL /HISTORIC SITES In addition to developing high-quality nature programs and services, the District works to preserve, protect and maintain significant historic and cultural features of our open spaces, including these significant sites: Durant House Museum e Durant House Museum, located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, is a brick farmstead built in a simple Greek Revival style. e house has been restored as a living history museum representing the lifestyle and the furnishings of the 1840s. Open Sundays from June - October and also ursdays during summer months. See kaneforest.com for exact hours. Private and group tours are available by appointment. Call Preservation Partners at (630) 377-6424. Pioneer Sholes School e Pioneer Sholes School at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles is a restored and furnished one-room country school. e school is used regularly as a classroom by those who want to relive a school day as it was 100 years ago. A collection of 19th and early 20th century school texts, early official Kane County education records, and oral histories of one-room schools are a few of the school’s features. Open Sundays, June 15 - Oct. 15, from 1-4 p.m. For additional information, group or school tours, call (630) 377-6424. Fabyan Villa Museum Within Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva, on the west side of the Fox River, you’ll find the Fabyan Villa Museum. e Riverbank Estate of George & Nelle Fabyan from 1905-1939, the Fabyan Villa contains many period artifacts. e home was also notably redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907. Fabyan Villa Museum is open to the public May - Oct. 15 on Wednesdays, summer ursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. See kaneforest.com for dates and times or call Preservation Partners at (630) 232-4811 for information. Nature is our business WELCOME TO THE KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES! Organized in 1925 by public referendum, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County owns and operates forest preserves and trails totaling more than 20,062 acres. Preserves are open every day. Hours are sunrise to sunset. Administrative Headquarters Forest Preserve District of Kane County 1996 South Kirk Road, Suite 320, Geneva, IL 60134 Telephone Numbers General information ..............................................(630) 232-5980 Shelter rental or youth camping reservations .....(630) 232-1242 Belding Lodge at Brewster Creek private rental ...(630) 444-3064 Creek Bend Nature Center or nature programs .(630) 444-3190 Creek Bend Nature Center private rental ............(630) 444-3064 In cases of emergency in the preserves ........................... Dial 911 Web & Social Media kaneforest.com facebook.com/forestpreserve twitter.com/forestpreserve OUR MISSION & GOAL e mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is to acquire, hold and maintain lands within Kane County that contribute to the preservation of natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation and pleasure of all its citizens. Our goal is to preserve and restore the nature of Kane County. RULES AND REGULATIONS See the District’s Use Ordinance at kaneforest.com for a full list of rules and regulations. An abbreviated version is also available in the information kiosks within most preserves. ACCESSIBILITY e District welcomes the opportunity to help those with disabilities to enjoy all our facilities, programs and services. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters used to assist those with mobility impairments are permitted in all areas open to the public. Other power-driven mobility devices such as Segways and single-rider golf carts must meet District requirements and be registered with our ADA coordinator. See the Accessibility section of our Web site for information. To request special accommodations, contact the District’s ADA coordinator at Many of the lands we own need regular, active management to become healthy and sustainable natural areas. By carefully thinning trees and brush, introducing native seed, planting native trees and shrubs, managing weeds, and conducting prescribed burns, we are committed to the long-term goal of returning thousands of acres to a more natural state. Prescribed Burns One of the most valuable tools available for restoration is fire. Fire shaped our landscape prior to settlement and allows prairies, woodlands and wetlands to flourish. All our native plants and habitats have been long adapted to periodic fires. Highly trained District staff conduct prescribed burns each year during the spring and fall. Illinois State Nature Preserves e District recognizes the importance of preserving and protecting the natural heritage of Kane County. Truly unique areas within the District have been designated as Illinois Nature Preserves. ese preserves contain natural areas where the original, native plant community survives. As such, active recreational options at these preserves is intentionally limited. Natural areas are available for viewing, but please remain on trails to have a minimum impact on these precious jewels within the Kane County forest preserves: • Almon Underwood Prairie Forest Preserve • Bliss Woods Forest Preserve • Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve • Dick Young Forest Preserve • Freeman Kame/Meagher Forest Preserve • Helm Woods Forest Preserve • Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve • LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve Sadly, these special areas are only a small fraction of the land owned by the District. However, it is the intent of the District to use these natural areas as examples to restore altered lands to conditions similar to that of the past. What More Can Citizens Do? Visit your local preserve and enjoy the beauty of nature! Remember to leave plants and animals in their natural habitat and not stray from designated pathways. Whether hiking through fields or woods, biking on a trail, camping overnight, stopping for a few minutes, or spending the entire day, the forest preserves exist for the education, recreation and pleasure of all Kane County citizens. Enjoy them! The future of Kane County Conservation, Preservation & Restoration Rules and regulations General Information (630) 232-5921 or e-mail [email protected], at least three days in advance of your visit. COLLECTING By ordinance, nothing may be removed from a forest preserve. Collecting material of any kind is not permitted. Please respect and leave the trees, plants, wildlife and artifacts as you found them, for others to enjoy. FIRES Fires are only permitted in provided fireplaces and grills. Please discard ashes or charcoal in hot coal containers or soak hot ashes before leaving. Keep fires contained. PETS Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times and kept under their owner’s control (unless in a designated off-leash area). is protects pets and visitors as well as native plants and animals. Designated off-leash dog areas include portions of Aurora West Forest Preserve, Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve, Regole Forest Preserve, Schweitzer Woods Forest Preserve and Riverbend Park at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve. Pets are not permitted in areas designated as Illinois State Nature Preserves. MEMORIAL TREE & BENCH PROGRAM e District offers a Memorial Tree & Bench Program. Please contact the Community Affairs department at (630) 232-5980 for more information. NATURAL AREAS RESTORATION Intact prairies, woodlands and wetlands comprise such a small part of the entire county. e District is working to both enhance the remaining fragments of these important habitats and to create large-scale natural areas. Returning numerous acres of old crop field back to native prairie and controlling invasive brush in our woods benefits numerous types of wildlife, improves the land’s ability to hold and slowly release water, and reduces the amount of sediment entering local waterways.