Anita Purves Nature Center

1505 N. Broadway, Urbana IL 61801

NatureMailbox@UrbanaParks.Org

217-384-4062

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm

Saturdays: 9am - 4pm

The Anita Purves Nature Center, at the north end of Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park opened in 1979 and underwent an expansion in 1995. Today, we welcome more than 50,000 visitors a year.

We offer environmental programs on site and at other locations and staff members can answer questions during open hours. Join us in every season to experience something new. Check out our Group Visits and Educational Resources information below.

The Friendship Grove Nature Playscape is located right outside the nature center and is open daily from sunrise to sunset!

Field Station

The "Field Station" is the name of the main exhibit hall at the Anita Purves Nature Center. There, visitors are encouraged to step into the world of a naturalist's research station and collections. In this hands-on space, you can observe "biofacts" (natural artifacts) and live animals up-close, and learn about local nature that is as close as your backyard!

The west side of the exhibit hall is designed to be the "porch" where you can encounter a "backyard" of living exhibits. As you step off the porch, you are immersed in the habitats native to East-central Illinois: woodland and prairie. The floor is textured like soil complete with tracks from local animals. On the west wall you find a prairie landscape mural. The landscape blends into a late summer/early fall woodland view on the east wall and extends to the ceiling where a clouded sky is painted. The mural becomes a backdrop to the owl, box turtle, salamander and tree exhibits located here. These elements come together to form the backyard environment of a secluded research field station.

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Wildlife Observation Room

The Wildlife Observation Room is a quiet space for viewing wild life, contemplation, or reading. An outdoor parabolic sounds system brings the sounds of the woods indoors.

Habitat Gardens

The landscaped area around the center are Habitat Gardens. They demonstrate a number of ways to attract wildlife such as butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds. The area outside the Wildlife Observation Room is planted with native Illinois species and includes wildlife feeding stations and a water feature.

Boardwalk

A boardwalk trail allows you to explore Busey Woods during wet periods. Interpretive exhibits invite you to explore Busey Woods throughout the seasons. A self-guided booklet is available at the trailhead to assist as you hike.

In 2011 grant funding helped to reconstruct and replant the path leading from the nature center to Busey Woods. The Busey Woods Gateway Trail offers an accessible link between park and woods and helps visitors transition from open to wooded space. Indoor and outdoor interpretive elements explore the unique habitat Busey Woods and the Saline Creek/Crystal Lake provide to wildlife, specifically birds. Explore the wildlife habitat garden as you approach Busey Woods, or observe the outdoor feeding areas from inside the inside the Wildlife Observation Room. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trail.

Busey Woods Trail Guide

Nature Store

Open 9am-4pm, Monday - Saturday Check out the great selection of nature-related and environmentally-friendly items including books by local authors, laundry detergent sheets, vinyl stickers, reusable kitchen items, educational toys and sustainable earrings. Grab a water bottle, identification guide, or walking stick for your next hike.

All proceeds support district environmental programs. Cash, checks, major credit cards, Apple Pay & Google Pay accepted. Educators get a 10% discount.

Sponsor an Animal

A great gift for yourself or a family member, you can support the education animals that live at the nature center and provide for their food and medical care.

Animal Sponsorship Application

Anita Purves - A Passion for all Living Things

The Anita Purves Nature Center is but a small tribute to a spirited young woman who inspired both children and adults to share her enthusiasm for the kinship of all living things. The nature center and the programs and services offered seek to perpetuate Anita’s stewardship and love for nature and people.

Anita Parker was born on May 19, 1939, in Philadelphia. She was happiest when satisfying her curiosity about nature. Her involvement with nature was very personal. Anita married Alan C. Purves in 1960 and moved to Urbana in 1968. “Anita and I visited Busey Woods with our two sons,” said Alan, “We tried to find a little bit of unspoiled nature in Urbana.” Anita developed breast cancer in 1971. Despite her failing health, she attend the Busey Woods lease signing. Shortly after, Anita died of cancer on March 11, 1975.

During her time in Urbana, Anita was very active. As an original member of the Park District Advisory Committee, she ensured that the best parks and programs were offered. Anita played a role in the Thornburn Environmental Awareness Center, the district’s first environmental center. In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, she led schoolchildren on Busey Woods nature hikes. She dreamed of a place where schoolchildren could discover nature as part of their school education.

Anita was by nature very curious, not just about nature, but also about people. Anita had an unquenchable fascination with nature. It was a passion really, for exploring and observing the woods and prairie. (Ruth Wene in News Gazette, 1-27-94)

Anita Purves and Busey Woods Timeline

Room Rentals

Multipurpose rooms (available September through May) are ideal for parties, meetings or group retreats and feature views of the prairie and close proximity to Busey Woods. Available rooms seat up to 75 people and include counter space and sinks. Refreshments, lectern, dry erase easel, LCD projector and PC laptop could be available for an additional fee.

For additional rental information, call 217-384-4062. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Rental Request Form

University of Illinois-specific Rental Requests

Requests can be emailed to Nicole Hilberg, Environmental Office Manager.

Birthday Parties

Celebrate a birthday at the nature center with a themed program! Available September - May (not available during summer camp season)

Fees: $141 (1-12 guests), $5 each additional guest, 24 max.

Parties include a 45-60 minute kids' program packed with games, activities, and sometimes a live animal. Following the program, use the room to open gifts and eat treats you bring. Standard party length is 2 hours total. The birthday child will receive a gift certificate to the Nature Shop.

To request a party, fill out the Birthday Party Request Form or call 217-384-4062 at least three weeks before your desired party date. $100 refundable damage deposit required at the time of booking.

Wish you could have more party time? Add more rental time at a discounted rate!

Mud Kitchen Party Age 4+

Venture outside to the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape to make mud pies, mud stew, and nature art. Remind your guests to dress for mess! (Available April-October, weather permitting)

Reptiles Party Age 4+

S-s-s-slither into another year with a visit from the center’s live snakes and box turtles. Discover what makes reptiles different from other animals.

Dino-Mite Party Age 4+

Dig into the past as you explore the lost world of dinosaurs, uncover fossils, and make your own dinosaur fossils.

Creepy Crawly Party Age 4+

Head into Busey Woods to search for slugs and bugs. Uncover their hiding spots, and catch and release these creepy crawlers. (Available April-October, weather permitting)

Owls Party Age 5+

Have a hoot discovering owl adaptations when a live owl visits your party.

Nature Scavenger Hunt Party Age 5+

Explore the nature playscape, Busey Woods or the nature center in search of wildlife and more!

Going Batty Party Age 6+

Delight in crafts and games that reveal the special lives of bats, the only flying mammal!

Campfire Party Age 9+

Learn how to build your own campfire, then sit back to roast marshmallows as you learn about nocturnal animals. (Available April-October, weather permitting; additional fees apply for after-hours)

Custom Party All Ages

Perhaps your child has a special nature interest – we can create a party themed with your idea in mind. Additional fees apply, and at least four weeks' notice is required.

Bring your group on a self-guided free visit. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to complete a Group Visit Request below or call 217-384-4062 so we can help schedule the best visit possible. Picnic tables around the nature center can be reserved with enough notice.

The Educator Resource Room houses a reference library, environmental education resources, and a variety of natural history loan materials. Loan boxes include curriculum guides (K-8th), natural objects, pictures, reference books, equipment and activities. Nature Discovery packs are ideal for exploring local parks and natural areas and include magnifiers, binoculars, and field guides. IDNR loan kits are also available.