Learning With Nature

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the April 2026 issue.

Plans move ahead for new urban ecology field station in Aurora

The Kane County Forest Preserve District is moving forward with plans to build an education-focused nature center at the Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve in Aurora. The district approved a contract for design services in the fall and is applying for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant to help cover the cost of the project. The design work, which is expected to be completed by the summer, will include plans for both indoor and outdoor facilities at the site, including possible features like a multipurpose classroom and science lab, a demonstration kitchen, interactive stations, a wildlife viewing area, and an amphitheater.

Photo: iStock