Animals--Inside and Out
There are live animals at the Anita Purves Nature Center, all of which call Illinois home. You can visit them in the field station during nature center public hours. But did you know you can also meet them in person, learn to help care for them and even identify them by their skulls?
Three upcoming programs will give you a variety of experiences with the Anita Purves Nature Center's education animals, as well as some animals that live in Busey Woods next door.
Saturday, September 22
1-2:30pm
Find out how to quickly tell the difference between a lizard and a salamander--and how and why they are different. Start inside the nature center with snakes and turtles, then hit the trails to look for hiding salamanders. All proceeds will go to provide food and medical care for the nature center animals. Register by calling 367-1544 no later than September 15. This program is for age 3 and up with children under 15 accompanied by a registered adult.
Animal Care
Saturday, October 20
9-11am
Learn how the staff cares for the education turtles, snakes and owls. Gain a sense of responsibility as you help change water, record weights, clean cages and more. All proceeds will go to provide food and medical care for the nature center animals. Register by calling 367-1544 no later than October 12. This program is for kids ages 8 to 15.
Animal Skull Identification
Saturday, November 3
9:30-11am
Each animal species has a unique skull. Joyce Hoffmann, mammalogist from the Illinois Natural History Survey, will help you see how skulls give us clues to an animal's diet, gender and more. Sign up by October 27 by calling 367-1544. This program is for those 15 and up.
