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Offers a place for both environmental education and outdoor recreational activities. Outdoor recreational opportunities include boating, hiking, camping, equestrian activities, playground and playscape areas for children to play in natural playgrounds where no metal or plastic were used to create the playground areas. Winter activities include cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Environment educational exhibits and information about wildlife and their habitats can be found in the bottom level of the Nature Center. Exhibits include Wetlands Island, Prairie Island, Woodland Island, a Habitat Wall and the Naturalist Nook. RECREATIONAL SPORTING EQUIPMENT RENTALS are offered at the Jester Park Nature Center. Summer and winter equipment rentals include backpacks, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, cross-country skis, and snowshoes. **Environmental education options for educators are also available. Opportunities include classroom field trips, classroom programs (Kindergarten - 8th grade), high school programs, preschool programs and free educational resources for classroom learning. Educators should call the Nature Center for more information about these programs.

United Way of the Midlands

Allows anyone, ages 6-18, to enjoy the outdoors with professional guidance and family participation. The goal of this program is to encourage children and their families to participate in environmental education programs which will increase their knowledge and enjoyment of Iowa’s natural and cultural resources. There are two age groups: Junior Naturalist Level 1 (6-12 years of age) and Junior Naturalist Level 2 (13-18 years of age). JUNIOR NATURALIST LEVEL 1 (6-12 years of age) have five requirements to complete to receive the achievement award: 1. Attend three public programs. Examples include: wildflower hikes, night hikes, mammal programs, reptile programs, stargazing programs, etc.. 2. Complete two independent activities. Examples include: reading a nature book, going fishing, camping, hiking, etc. JUNIOR NATURALIST LEVEL 2 (13-18 years of age) have five requirements to complete to receive the achievement award: 1. Attend three public programs. Examples include: wildflower hikes, night hikes, mammal programs, reptile programs, stargazing programs, etc. 2. Complete two independent activities. Examples include: reading a nature book, going fishing, camping, hiking, etc. **One of the independent activities for Level 2 must be a one hour (or more) voluntary commitment toward a public conservation event.

United Way of the Midlands

Offers educational programs about the environment, history, and nature through field trips. Also offers summer camps, preservation tours, and historical presentations.

Lake County 211

Hoffman Estates Park District offers a variety of recreational programming for youth including cultural arts, dance, field trips, outdoor education, martial arts, and general recreation.

211 Metro Chicago

County Conservation services.

United Way of the Midlands

Offers children ages 4-6 a chance to dress up as a princess (whatever that means to them) and participate in a nature activity. Also teaches the children about courageous woman from the past and provides a tea party with snacks.

United Way of the Midlands

United Way of the Midlands

Offers programs to seniors to encourage them to get out and enjoy nature. The programs are held the first Tuesday of each month and will start at 11 am at the Jester Park Nature Center. For a full listing of all program times, dates and locations please visit the website, www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation.

United Way of the Midlands