Kane County Certified Naturalists Celebrate 20 Years

Kane County Certified Naturalists (KCCN) will welcome their 20th class in 2027, marking a milestone for the award-winning nature-education program that connects adults with Kane County's natural areas while building knowledge and skills in conservation, environmental education and community service.

Those interested in becoming part of this historic class are invited to attend a free KCCN information session on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center at 3507 Kaneville Rd., Geneva. No registration is required to attend. The session will provide an overview of KCCN, including its classes, field trips, costs, certification requirements and volunteer opportunities.

KCCN is an in-depth environmental education program for adults that combines classroom learning with hands-on field experiences in Kane County's natural areas. No formal science background is necessary — participants come from all walks of life and share an eagerness to learn more about the natural world.

The 2027 experience includes six core classes covering topics such as ecology, birds, geology, soils, prairies, insects, woodlands, mammals, watersheds, wetlands, climate and herpetology. Participants will also take part in four field trips at natural areas throughout Kane County and complete additional continuing education and/or volunteer hours to earn their Certified Naturalist certification.

KCCN students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kane County's natural areas, connect with others who share an interest in nature and have opportunities to put their knowledge into action through environmental education, habitat restoration and community service.

Registration for the 2027 KCCN class opens Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 a.m. and closes Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. The program fee is $375 and includes six core classes, reference materials, four in-person field trips and 10 months of free “Learn from the Experts" educational opportunities.

​Kane County Certified Naturalists is a cooperative program of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District and Geneva Park District.

For more information about KCCN or the Nov. 12 information session, call 630-444-3190 or email kccn@kaneforest.com.