Photographers have until Sept. 1 to submit their best photographs taken in the DuPage County forest preserves for a chance to win a prize.
Categories in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County contest are wildlife and plants, people and recreation, and landscapes and places, a news release said. A panel of district employees will select one winner in each category, with winners allowed to choose from among prize bundles valued at about $140 each.
The photo with the most online votes will win a prize bundle and be presented with the Voters’ Choice Award.
Photographers who submit an eligible entry also will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 gift card to be chosen Aug. 1 and Sept. 2.
The forest preserve district also will offer guided photography hikes through which participants can learn tips on taking wildlife and scenery photos. To learn more, text POPUP to 866-743-7332 for hike details.
For more information, go to www.dupageforest.org.
Workings of the brain topic of program
William Pack returns to the St. Charles Public Library with a new program on Tuesday, July 29, full of interactive games and experiments designed to reveal the inner workings of the brain, library officials said.
“Brain Hack: The Science of Influence” is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 29 in the Huntley Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
Participants can learn how our brains distinguish fact from fiction, how our brains make decisions and the subtle tactics that advertisers, marketers and con men can use, according to a press release about the event.
To register for the free program, go to scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.
Meeting set on Geneva Strategic Plan
The public is invited to learn about the future direction of Geneva by attending the city’s 2030 Strategic Plan community update at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St., city officials said in a press release.
The city’s Strategic Plan Advisory Committee event is designed to be engaging and informative, according to the release. Those attending will have an opportunity to learn about different aspects of the plan. The evening will start with an overview presentation followed by small-group discussions.
A strategic plan serves as a tool for city leaders to identify goals, prioritize resources and guide development, officials said. Feedback from the meeting will help the committee determine next steps and future public engagement efforts, according to the release.
For more information, contact Geneva Assistant City Administrator Ben McCready at 630-938-4540.
Youth Kayak Fishing Experience scheduled
Those entering grades six to 12 can explore local lakes via kayak and hone their fishing skills under the guidance of professional kayak fishing instructors from Chi-Yak Adventures during the upcoming Youth Kayak Fishing Experience sessions organized by the Kane County Forest Preserve District.
The registration fee of $99 includes the cost of a pedal kayak, safety equipment, kayaking instruction and fishing gear, according to a press release from the district. Those participating should bring their own tackle box, water, sunscreen and a snack.
Three programs are planned, which will all run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Thursday, July 17, session will be at Oakhurst Forest Preserve at 1680 Fifth Ave. in Aurora. The Tuesday, July 22, session will be at Grunwald Farms Forest Preserve at 02S035 Lorang Road in Elburn. The Tuesday, Aug. 5, session will be at Big Rock Forest Preserve at 46W072 Jericho Road in Big Rock.
Registration is required at least one week prior to a program. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
Program to feature coal miners music, poetry
Naper Settlement’s Friendly Neighborhood Historian presentation on Saturday, July 26, will feature the history of poetry and music written by coal miners in Illinois and throughout the United States.
The program, “Down in the Mine: American Coal Miners and Their Songs, 1890-1960,” will be held at 1 p.m. at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville. The event is included as part of the museum’s general admission cost.
Coal miners have a long tradition creating poetry and music related to their job, settlement officials said. The program will combine musical performance with spoken commentary and will talk about the tradition in a broader historical context.
For more information, go to www.napersettlement.org.