EVENTS IN DU PAGE FOREST PRESERVES: NOV. 5 – 11

Monday, Nov. 5
Forest Fitness Walk — Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some healthy exercise as you take in the wonders of the woods. 8:30 – 10 a.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien on Bluff Road one-quarter mile east of Cass Avenue. Adults only. Free. To register, call 630-850-8110.

Tuesday, Nov. 6
Exploring Watercolors — During these six-part classes, explore and enhance your own artistic style while enjoying the process of watercolor painting in a beautiful and relaxed setting. Class meets Tuesdays Nov. 6 – Dec. 18 (except Nov. 20) at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. Sessions for intermediate and advanced students take place 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and sessions for beginner and intermediate students take place 1 – 3:30 p.m. Adults only. $125 per person. To register, call 630-206-9566.

Wednesday, Nov. 7
Covered Wagon Tours — Enjoy a 30-minute guided covered wagon ride, and learn about the natural and cultural history of St. James Farm along the way. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville at Madison Street and Hoy Avenue. $5 per person ages 13 – 54; $4 ages 55 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call 630-933-7248.

Nature Nuts for Preschoolers — Introduce your child to science, nature and fun through this seven-part class. Discover a new theme each week through a hike, story and project. Class meets 10 – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays Nov. 7 – Dec. 19 at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook. Ages 4 – 6. $70 per child. To register, call 630-850-8110.

Saturday, Nov. 10
Blacksmithing Demonstrations — Stop by the wagon shed to see the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. Demonstrations ongoing. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call 630-876-5900.

Covered Wagon Tours — Enjoy a 30-minute guided covered wagon ride, and learn about the natural and cultural history of St. James Farm along the way. 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville at Madison Street and Hoy Avenue. $5 per person ages 13 – 54; $4 ages 55 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call 630-933-7248.

Random Acts of Kindness Workday — Show the earth a little kindness, and help clean up one of DuPage County’s “hidden” treasures. 9 a.m. – noon at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove on Route 53 one-quarter mile south of Butterfield Road. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-933-7681 at least three business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

St. James Farm Caboose Tours — Take a 30- to 45-minute tour of the 1906 Chicago Burlington & Quincy caboose. Learn about the history of the CA&E Railroad, its connection to St. James Farm and the life of the conductor and brakeman. Tours begin on the hour 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville at Madison Street and Hoy Avenue. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $2 per person ages 13 and up; $1 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call 630-933-7248.

Volunteer Restoration Workday — Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or collecting seed. Three sessions: 9 a.m. – noon at the Glacial Ridge area of Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn on Walnut Street west of Whittier Avenue. 9 a.m. – noon at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook. 9 a.m. – noon at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville on Plainfield-Naperville Road one-half mile south of 75th Street. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.

When Darkness Falls — Hike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discover what it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator. 5 – 7 p.m. at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien on Bluff Road one-quarter mile east of Cass Avenue. Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Oct. 29. Call 630-933-7248.

Sunday, Nov. 11
Covered Wagon Tours — Enjoy a 30-minute guided covered wagon ride, and learn about the natural and cultural history of St. James Farm along the way. 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville at Madison Street and Hoy Avenue. $5 per person ages 13 – 54; $4 ages 55 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call 630-933-7248.

Meet the Beekeepers — Learn about beekeeping equipment and the important role that bees play in our food supply. Ask the beekeepers questions about honey and bees. Demonstrations ongoing.
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call 630-876-5900.

St. James Farm Caboose Tours — Take a 30- to 45-minute tour of the 1906 Chicago Burlington & Quincy caboose. Learn about the history of the CA&E Railroad, its connection to St. James Farm and the life of the conductor and brakeman. Tours begin on the hour 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville at Madison Street and Hoy Avenue. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $2 per person ages 13 and up; $1 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call 630-933-7248.

Volunteer Restoration Workday — Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or collecting seed. 9 a.m. – noon at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville on 83rd Street one-half mile east of Route 59. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call 630-933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance.