NatureFest 2026

The annual NatureFest is hosted by Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the DeKalb County Health Department. It occurs at the only nature center in DeKalb County, Genoa's Natural Resource Education Center.

This free family event is perfect for families with elementary-aged children and up. There will be nature-themed hands-on learning activities. The event is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learning topics include turtles, camouflage, trees, insects, the river, and more.

Explore Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the NREC from 9 AM to 2 PM. Families can take part in multiple hands-on learning activities. Come see T.J. the tortoise (the resident 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise), the other live animal displays, and hike the trails.

More information to come.

You may also like the following events from University of Illinois Extension - Boone, DeKalb and Ogle Counties:

• Next Wednesday, 18th March, 10:00 am, Pesticide Applicator/Operator In-Person Testing | Oregon in Oregon
• Next month, 1st April, 06:00 pm, Swallowtails in Illinois | Belvidere in Belvidere
• Next month, 14th April, 10:00 am, Gardening on a Budget | Lessons for Living | Mount Morris in Mt Morris

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Genoa, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Genoa.