Kane County Forest Preserve District Proposes Urban Ecology Field Station in Aurora

The Kane County Forest Preserve District is planning a new Urban Ecology Field Station at Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve, designed to bring nature education and outdoor programs closer to the heart of Aurora. The project, highlighted in the 2024 Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Referendum, aims to serve school groups, community organizations, and residents, particularly those in underserved urban neighborhoods.

The proposed nature center will feature educational exhibits, outdoor infrastructure, and programs focused on urban ecology. Located near walking trails to a local elementary school and adjacent to the Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Spur, the site provides easy access for students, at-risk youth, and low-income families. Officials say the field station will help the District better connect with communities that have historically had limited access to nature-based programming while supporting its mission of environmental education and stewardship.

The Forest Preserve District plans to apply for funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Park and Recreation Facility Construction Grant (PARC), which could cover up to 75% of project costs, totaling as much as $2.8 million. A successful grant application will require detailed site plans, preliminary facility designs, and project cost estimates.

If approved, the Urban Ecology Field Station is expected to be a hub for environmental learning and community engagement in Kane County’s largest urban area.