Natural Resources Education Center

The Natural Resources Education Center (NREC) located in Russell Woods Preserve provides an environmental education experience for area school children and adults.

In 1993, University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve (DCFP), and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) created the Natural Resource Education Consortium to support natural resource education in DeKalb County. University of Illinois Extension created a staff position, the forest preserve provided the building, and both SWCD and DCFP also support the programming with an annual grant. The University of Illinois Extension staffs the center and delivers the natural resource education including, field studies, classroom visits, summer camp, and family programs.

NREC is the only nature center in DeKalb County and is situated on the scenic south branch of the Kishwaukee River. Soon we will be back to school field studies, summer camps, and family events. Watch for upcoming activities