Environmental Programs
Headquartered at the Anita Purves Nature Center (and the surrounding Busey Woods, Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, and UPDAC Learning Pavilion) environmental programs can take place at any Urbana Park District location. You can even request a program at your location! Programs by request include the following options:
- School Field Trip (at a UPD location)
- Naturalist-in-the-Classroom (at your school)
- Special Request Program (for any non-school group; at a UPD location)
- Traveling Naturalist Program (for any non-school group; at your location)
- Birthday Party Program (at the Anita Purves Nature Center)
- Group Visit (to the nature center, Busey Woods, and/or Friendship Grove Nature Playscape; FREE)
View the Environmental School Brochure
Use the drop-down menu below to find more information. Call 217-384-4062 with questions.
Request a School Field Trip Program
A School Field Trip program is when a trained environmental educator takes your class on a guided experience through one of our park districts natural areas like Meadowbrook Park or Busey Woods.
Program requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Complete the request form here and staff will be in contact to review and finalize program details.
Fee: $45 for each program up to 30 students
Payment is due by the program date. A $10 late fee may be applied to past due balances unless arranged in advance. Program fee will be retained if less than 72-hours notice is given to cancel a program.
Request a Naturalist-in-the-Classroom Program
A Naturalist-in-the-Classroom Program is when a trained environmental educator will bring hands-on materials, interactive lessons, and sometimes a live animal to your classroom.
Program requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Complete the request form here, and staff will be in contact to review and finalize program details.
Fees: $50 per class up to 30 students (60 minute program); $25 for each additional program scheduled back-to-back on the same day.
Locations outside of Urbana-Champaign will incur an additional mileage fee. Program fee will be retained if less than 72-hours notice is given to cancel a program.
Special Request Programs
A Special Request Program is when a naturalist leads a program at the nature center or in a park district natural area. Programs are 45-60 minutes long.
Program requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Complete the request form here, and staff will be in contact to review and finalize program details.
Program Fees (due on/before program date):
- PreK: Fees start at $45 for up to a max of 24 children
- Any age other than PreK: Fees start at $45 for up to 15 participants
- $2 per additional participant
Other Fees:
- $10 Late payment fee
- $15 After-hours fee
- $25 Minimum Custom Program Fee (requires at least 4 weeks advance notice)
Program fee will be retained if less than 72-hours notice is given to cancel a program.
Traveling Naturalist Programs
A Traveling Naturalist program is when a naturalist leads a program at the customer's location.
Program requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Complete the request form here, and staff will be in contact to review and finalize program details.
Program Fees (due on/before the day of the program):
- PreK: Fees start at $50 for a 30-45 minute program for up to 20 children
- Any age other than PreK: Fees start at $60 for a 45min-1hr program for up to 15 people
- Additional charge of $15 for 16-24 participants
Other Fees:
- Locations outside of Urbana-Champaign will incur an additional $0.70/mile fee.
- $10 Late payment fee
- $25 Minimum Custom Program Fee (requires at least 4 weeks advance notice)
Program fee will be retained if less than 72-hours notice is given to cancel a program.
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 program participants),
- + $5 each additional participant (24 max)
- $100 refundable damage deposit due at time of booking
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. Wish you could have more party time? Add more rental time at a discounted rate!
To request a party, fill out the Birthday Party Request Form here or call 217-384-4062 at least three weeks before your desired party date.
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.
Group Visits
Bring your group on a free self-guided visit. Groups of 10 or more people are encouraged to complete a Group Visit Request here or call 217-384-4062 in advance so we can help schedule the best visit possible. Picnic tables outside the nature center can be reserved with enough notice.
The Anita Purves Nature Center has educational items that you can borrow, including bird nests, skulls, pelts, and even a live box turtle in the "Teach with a Turtle" kit (comes with habitat and instructions)!
The nature center is also home to a variety of Resource Trunks from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR):
- IDNR IL Birds
- IDNR IL Fossils
- IDNR IL Invasive Species
- IDNR IL Pollinators
- IDNR IL State Symbols
- IDNR IL Wild Animals
- IDNR Field Trip Backpack
Complete this Loan Box Request Form to reserve an IDNR Resource Trunk, natural history items, or other educational materials from the Anita Purves Nature Center's collections. Once a request is submitted, environmental staff will be in contact.
A minimum of one week's notice is required. Items are loaned for two weeks.
Fees: All loan boxes require a refundable credit card deposit of $15
Students in Urbana need your help to connect with the environment and learn about nature!
Every year, Urbana Park District hosts hundreds of students on field trips to learn about nature and the environment, and for some students, this is their first exposure to natural areas. Classes can visit several of Urbana Park District’s Natural Areas: Busey Woods, Weaver Park Wetland, or Spomer Prairie at Meadowbrook Park. Each offers something different and unique for students to learn, but securing funding for these field trips is becoming increasingly difficult. Budgets for field trips and transportation are tight, and like many school districts, Urbana schools must rely on a separate company for transportation to and from field trips.
To ensure that all our Urbana classes have the opportunity to visit and learn about our natural environment, the Urbana Parks Foundation is raising funds in support of the Urbana Park District’s Connecting Classes with Nature program. Connecting Classes with Nature helps to eliminate funding barriers for class field trips and provides valuable experiences in Urbana Park District natural areas for Urbana students. Your donation to this program will have significant impact on students’ exposure to the natural world:
- $135 will cover the full cost for one class of 25-30 students to attend a field trip
- $165 will cover the cost for one bus to transport them
- $300 will cover ALL costs for one class to attend a field trip
Our local teachers are excited about getting their classes out into our natural areas and understand the vital importance of learning about our environment. Here’s what they had to say:
“This will be beneficial as we can connect environmental education to the web of life (our science unit) and allows students to connect their daily activities with environmental changes they experience on their own. My students learn best with hands-on activities and being in a new learning environment; I believe this will further their interest and excitement in learning!”
“They would benefit from this education field trip by making connections to real life and having more of an outlook on science, and we can mesh it into our curriculum.”
“My students would truly love to be engaged in an environment where hands-on activities are interactive. They love to explore and ask questions, which leads me to believe that they would truly benefit from learning outside of the classroom setting.”
Both students and teachers enjoy these field trips, so let’s get Urbana students outside and learning about their environment!
The Urbana Park District houses a number of education animals at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Most have injuries that would compromise their survival in the wild, or were hatched in captivity and are non-releasable. All of the animals are on exhibit and are featured during educational programs with schools, scouts, and the general public.
A great gift for yourself or someone else, Animal Sponsorships support the education animals by covering some of the cost of their food, housing and medical care. Sponsorships are available for one, six, or twelve months, with varying benefits (see below). Call 217-384-4062 or stop by the Anita Purves Nature Center to sign up!
| Animal | Cost/Month | Cost/6 Months | Cost/Year |
| Salamander | $25 | $125 | $250 |
| Turtle | $25 | $125 | $250 |
| Snake | $40 | $200 | $400 |
| Owl | $60 | $300 | $600 |
One Month Sponsorship
- Sponsorship certificate
- Animal fact sheet with the animals history & photographs
- Your name or group displayed in the Field Station for the period of sponsorship
- An optional photo opportunity with your sponsored animal
Six Month Sponsorship
- All of the above, plus...
- A private animal care pass on feeding day for the sponsor and up to one guest
- Letters from your animal pen pal!
One Year Sponsorship
- All of the above, plus...
- A private animal care pass for an entire animal care shift, which includes animal feeding, for the adopter and up to three guests
- A special animal visit/program to your class or group
- Letter from your animal pen pal!
You can also help us feed the wildlife that visit the Anita Purves Nature Center’s Habitat Gardens by donating birdseed!
Download and return the Animal Sponsorship Form to us at NatureMailbox@UrbanaParks.org or mail it to Anita Purves Nature Center.
You can learn more about this season's environmental programs and events in the current Program Guide here, or check out the list of upcoming programs below.
Special Events
Central Illinois City Nature Challenge (April 24-27, 2026) - Details here
Central Illinois Bat Festival (September 26, 2026) - Details here
Fungi Festival (October 11-12, 2025) - Details here
View and register for our other environmental programs:
Meadowbrook Organic Gardens
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. The garden season runs from the first Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. A garden supervisor can assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in as is condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more Register for the garden service by calling 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District's published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit. New gardeners will receive an orientation packet with expectations and important information. You must register and pay to receive a packet. Plot selection will after the park district receives your Garden Information Form. Email Connor Ross at cjross@urbanaparks.org with questions.
Meadowbrook Organic Gardens- Cunningham Township
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. The garden season runs from the first Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. A garden supervisor can assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in as is condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more information, call 217-384-4062 or read the garden manual at urbanaparks.org.Register for the garden service by calling 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District's published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit. New gardeners will receive an orientation email with expectations and important information. You must register and pay to receive an orientation email. Plot selection will after the park district receives your Garden Information Form. Email Chelsea Prahl at ckprahl@urbanaparks.org with questions.
Meadowbrook Organic Gardens- Full Plots
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. The garden season runs from the first Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. A garden supervisor can assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in as is condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more information, call 217-384-4062 or read the garden manual at urbanaparks.org. Register for the garden service by calling 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District's published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit. New gardeners will receive an orientation email with expectations and important information. You must register and pay to receive an orientation email. Plot selection will after the park district receives your Garden Information Form.
Meadowbrook Organic Gardens- Half Plot
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. The garden season runs from the first Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. A garden supervisor can assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in as is condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more information, call 217-384-4062 or read the garden manual at urbanaparks.org.Register for the garden service by calling 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District's published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit. New gardeners will receive an orientation email with expectations and important information. You must register and pay to receive an orientation email. Plot selection will after the park district receives your Garden Information Form. Email Chelsea Prahl at ckprahl@urbanaparks.org with questions.
Meadowbrook Organic Gardens- Perennial Plot
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. The garden season runs from the first Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. A garden supervisor can assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in as is condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more Register for the garden service by calling 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District's published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit. New gardeners will receive an orientation packet with expectations and important information. You must register and pay to receive a packet. Plot selection will after the park district receives your Garden Information Form. Email Chelsea Prahl at ckprahl@urbanaparks.org with questions.
Meadowbrook Organic Gardens- Raised Bed
Victory Park Organic Gardens - Cunningham Township
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. The garden season runs from the first Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. A garden supervisor can assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in as is condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more information, call 217-384-4062 or read the garden manual at urbanaparks.org.Register for the garden service by calling 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District's published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit. New gardeners will receive an orientation email with expectations and important information. You must register and pay to receive an orientation email. Plot selection will after the park district receives your Garden Information Form. Email Chelsea Prahl at ckprahl@urbanaparks.org with questions.
Victory Organic Gardens
Victory Garden plots are available to HEUNA residents. These plots are perennial and gardeners are responsible for maintaining their garden year-round. For more information, call 217-384-4062. Register for the garden service by calling 217-384-4062. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit.
Victory Organic Gardens - Half Plot
Victory Garden plots are available to HEUNA residents. These plots are perennial and gardeners are responsible for maintaining their garden year-round. For more information, call 217-384-4062. Register for the garden service by calling 217-384-4062. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit.
Victory Organic Gardens - Raised Plot
Victory Garden plots are available to HEUNA residents. These plots are perennial and gardeners are responsible for maintaining their garden year-round. For more information, call 217-384-4062. Register for the garden service by calling 217-384-4062. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit.
Connecting You to Nature Hike
Join staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center on a walk through district natural areas. Explore the plants, animals, and unique natural history of these sites. No registration required.
FRESH Crew Volunteer Days
Join FRESH Crew Volunteer Days to make a positive impact on local parks and natural areas. No registration is required, but a waiver must be completed to participate. It’s a great way to earn service hours and gain unique experiences! Contact Connor Ross at cjross@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062 for meeting locations or more information.
Connecting You to Nature Hike: Perkins Road Wet Prairie
Join staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center on a walk through district natural areas. Explore the plants, animals, and unique natural history of these sites. No registration required.
For Perkins Road Prairie date, meet at Urbana Dog Park parking lot.
Forest School Afternoons Fall 2026 Session 1
Ages 6-12
This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is 1:15 PM at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. Then we will explore in Busey Woods, where teachable moments abound! Young adventurers will take a lead role in decision-making with themes built around their interests.
We will be outside rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe, so children must come dressed appropriately for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle daily. Light snacks will be provided.
Register your child(ren) for one, two, three, or all four sessions! Content is always emergent and changing with the natural world.
FREE! Wonderful Wasps!
Wasps get a bad reputation, but they're important pollinators that also provide pest control! ESO Coordinator Connor Ross will cover the underrated diversity of wasps and their roles in the ecosystem, then guide participants on a walk where we'll learn how to safely observe and maybe even interact with them! The walk will be on accessible paved paths. Registration is requested for expected attendance.
FRESH Crew Teen Volunteer Days
Join FRESH Crew Teen Volunteer Days to make a positive impact on local parks and natural areas. No registration is required, but a waiver must be completed to participate. It’s a great way to earn service hours and gain unique experiences! Contact Connor Ross at cjross@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062 for more information.
FREE! Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Busey Woods (meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot)Forest School Afternoons Fall 2026
FREE! Mid-Autumn Festival Family Night
Across Asia, Autumn is a time to celebrate the season and spend time with family. In Urbana-Champaign and across the US, many families continue cultural traditions and create new ones along the way. Staff from the Asian American Cultural Center and the Anita Purves Nature Center welcome all to to learn more about celebrations in America and Asia through stories and crafts in this magical night.
Whimsy for Adults: Learning Plants through Play
Put down the field guide and connect with the plants around you with a focus on cool shapes, weird sounds, fuzzy textures, and suitability for throwing at one's friends. You'll learn the plants' names along the way and leave with an enjoyable technique for learning more.
FREE! Connecting You to Nature Hikes
Join staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center for hikes through local natural areas. Explore plants, animals, and the unique natural history of each preserve. These informal programs are tailored to the season and group interests. No registration required.
Fall 2026 dates: Third Tuesday of each month.
- September 15: Meadowbrook Park
- October 20: Busey Woods
- November 17: Weaver Park
Nature Tales and Trails
Nature Tales and Trails: Sep 18
FREE! "Meadowbrook: A History" Walking Tour
FREE! Ritual and Release: Channeling Eco-Grief
Adults (18+)
Join Julie Schubach and Amie Whittemore for an afternoon of connection, community, and creativity. Together, we’ll have time in nature, creativity, conversation, and movement to help you process your grief and access your joy.
FREE! Walk and Talk History of Busey Woods
Join ESO Coordinator Connor Ross to learn more about the fascinating natural - and unnatural - history of the Big Grove and its only public remnant, Busey Woods. This program is held in collaboration with Champaign County History Museum! Expect a history presentation followed by meet and greets with our ambassador animals, then dinner and guided walks through the Woods (weather pending). The walk itself will cover approximately 1/3 mile on an accessible boardwalk.
FREE! New Moon Twilight Walk
All ages (under 15 with adult). Experience a new side of Busey Woods during this evening walk by twilight. It will be right after the new moon, so we'll have a dark sky! Listen for owls and other nocturnal animals in this exploratory walk. Register by Sep 18.
FREE! Blair Park Bubbles Bonanza
It's Take a Child Outside Week! We are busting out the bubble machine at one of the coolest parks around! Join in the fun as we make tons of bubbles big and small. While at Blair Park, be sure to check out the challenge course, zipline, and interactive soccer wall. No registration required.
FREE! Nature Tales and Trails: Sep 25
FREE! Central Illinois Bat Fest
Local bat biologists and educators invite you to the 3rd Annual Central Illinois Bat Fest! Join biologists, educators, and experts to learn about bats and the bugs they eat. There will be something for all ages and levels of bat enthusiast with a variety of exhibitors, guest speakers, activities, information on bat conservation, and more. No registration required.
Forest School Afternoons Fall 2026 Session 2
Ages 6-12
This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is 1:15 PM at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. Then we will explore in Busey Woods, where teachable moments abound! Young adventurers will take a lead role in decision-making with themes built around their interests.
We will be outside rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe, so children must come dressed appropriately for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle daily. Light snacks will be provided.
Register your child(ren) for one, two, three, or all four sessions! Content is always emergent and changing with the natural world.
Nature Tales and Trails: Oct 2
Mindfulness in Nature
We can feel our connection to the Earth by paying attention, exploring our senses, moving mindfully, and noticing the gifts of the forest. Join us for a new program that teaches children and adults simultaneously how to find moments of reflective mindfulness in nature. Pre-registration preferred.
Mindfulness in Nature: Oct 3
We can feel our connection to the Earth by paying attention, exploring our senses, moving mindfully, and noticing the gifts of the forest. Join us for a new program that teaches children and adults simultaneously how to find moments of reflective mindfulness in nature. Pre-registration preferred.
FREE! Teen Artist Retreat!
Calling all teens! Join Krannert Art Museum for a free teen artist’s retreat designed to flex your creative muscles with guided artmaking, gallery activities, a nature walk, and a chance to create and take home your own works of art. Lunch and snacks are provided.
FREE! Walk with a Naturalist
Want to ask the Natural Areas crew about prairies, low forest, or prevent invasive species spread? Walk with naturalist Tegan Flowers and have your questions answered! Paths will be gravel, mowed, and slightly uneven. Please dress with closed-toed shoes and long pants to enjoy this program fully.
Nature Tales and Trails: Oct 9
FREE! Geology Curiosity Cabinet
Kids and their families are invited to join geologist Joan Crockett for an exploration into geology. We will look at curious things including rocks, fossils and crystals from the geology cabinet. Use different tools including your own senses to make scientific observations. This program will be indoors. Pre-registration requested.
Nature Tales and Trails: Oct 16
FREE! Fungi Fest
Get ready for fun(gi) at the 2nd Annual Fungi Fest! Join mycologists and fungi enthusiasts to learn more about fungi, and feel free to dress up, because this year's theme is Fungi Fashion! There will be activities for all ages and stages, from little kids to seasoned mycologists! Expect crafts, guest speakers, guided walks, and fungal fashion with model mushrooms! Everything is free. No registration required.
FREE! PRIDE Nature Hike
As we celebrate Pride, we invite you to explore the Woods with us! Come learn at an inclusive event for all ages and all identities, about how animals, plants, and fungi all showcase their own identities!
Nature Tales and Trails: Oct 23
Forest School Afternoons Fall 2026 Session 3
Ages 6-12
This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is 1:15 PM at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. Then we will explore in Busey Woods, where teachable moments abound! Young adventurers will take a lead role in decision-making with themes built around their interests.
We will be outside rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe, so children must come dressed appropriately for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle daily. Light snacks will be provided. No class Nov 11.
Whimsy for Adults: Forts
Connect with your inner kid at this fort-building workshop on the Nature Playscape. Learn a few knots, practice with some tools, and create the stick fortress you always wished you could.
FREE! Nature Center Pre-K Fridays
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. This program is indoors but may sometimes include an optional outdoor component as weather permits.
Themes are announced the week leading up to each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook. No program Nov 27.
Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome; no registration required.
FREE! America Recycles Day: U-cycle 40th anniversary
Join us as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Urbana’s U-Cycle recycling program for America Recycles Day. Learn about the history of the U-Cycle program, one of the first curbside recycling programs in Illinois! Recycling games, activities, speakers, giveaways, and more will be part of the fun!
Forest School Afternoons Fall 2026 Session 4
FREE! Nature Game Night
Explore biology, ecology, birds, and more through popular board games! Nature Center staff will lead gamers through the rules of popular nature-inspired games. Enjoy and learn about games and nature all in one fun night! Registration is required to ensure there are adequate materials.
Mindfulness in Nature: Dec 5
We can feel our connection to the Earth by paying attention, exploring our senses, moving mindfully, and noticing the gifts of the forest. Join us for a new program that teaches children and adults simultaneously how to find moments of reflective mindfulness in nature. Pre-registration preferred.
Stellar Nature Crafts
Join staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center to learn about astronomy. Then stay for an art project, where we will paint a canvas with your favorite constellation. Fairy lights will be used to make the constellation light up your room.
FREE! Winter Solstice Celebration
Enjoy a festive evening of stories and adventure during this twilight event in anticipation of the shortest day of the year. There will be a fire with snacks, indoor crafts, and a candlelit Winter Spiral Walk to set your intentions for the year ahead. Guided hikes will take place throughout the night. Pre-registration is requested for this event to prepare supplies.
-
August 21, 2026
Take the first fitness class on us!
-
August 21, 2026
Buy a ticket today for the Lake House Candlelight Serenade September 5
-
August 21, 2026
The Anita Purves Nature Center will be closed August 8 - 16
-
August 21, 2026
SkateFest '26 is September 5 at the Health & Wellness Center!
-
August 21, 2026
Health & Wellness Center will close for cleaning
-
August 21, 2026
Urbana Park District looks to fill a Board of Commissioners vacancy
-
August 21, 2026
Connecting You to Nature hikes are free for all ages this Fall!
-
August 21, 2026
Come discover the wonderful world of bats September 26 at Urbana Park District
-
August 21, 2026
Support Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation by buying a ... flamingo?!
-
August 21, 2026
Get your Fall fitness plans in place and buy an Urbana Park District Flexi Pass
-
August 21, 2026
Accessible After School Program offered at Phillips Recreation Center this school year
-
August 21, 2026
A new day and time for the Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners' August meeting
-
August 21, 2026
New Sculpture at Meadowbrook Park
-
August 21, 2026
Reminder: Three more Non-Residents Days at the pool this season
-
August 21, 2026
Sign up for Pop-Up Dance Class in August and September
-
August 21, 2026
The next Conversation Cafe is August 6
-
August 21, 2026
The next Full Moon Yoga is July 29 at the Health & Wellness Center
-
August 21, 2026
Next free Karaoke Sing-Along is July 23
-
August 21, 2026
July is Parks and Recreation Month!
-
August 21, 2026
Sign up for the next session of Early Morning Vinyasa
-
August 21, 2026
Sign up for the Mermaid Party at the pool!
-
August 21, 2026
Sign up for the Fall Wood Bat Baseball League
-
August 21, 2026
Time running out to take advantage of Early Bird registration for Safe@Home
-
August 21, 2026
Teen FRESH Crew keeps parks clean and healthy this summer
-
August 21, 2026
Perkins Road Dog Park still open during city road construction
-
August 21, 2026
The next Non-Resident Day at the pool is July 18
-
August 21, 2026
Mark your calendars now for the Crystal Lake Park Art Fair
-
August 21, 2026
Fun and games at the pool on Independence Day
-
August 21, 2026
Please do not vandalize Urbana Park District trees
-
August 21, 2026
Urbana Park District Independence Day Holiday Schedule
-
August 21, 2026
Sign kids up for Fall Youth Soccer today
-
August 21, 2026
Visit a park district tree almost as old as the United States!
-
August 21, 2026
Sponsor an Anita Purves Nature Center animal!
-
August 21, 2026
Next Creative Senior Connections is July 10 at Phillips Recreation Center
-
August 21, 2026
Open Dance Studio at Phillips Recreation Center
-
August 21, 2026
Celebrate Moths in July at Anita Purves Nature Center
-
August 21, 2026
Tickets now on sale for the Youth Summer Theatre production of Frozen!
-
August 21, 2026
The next Full Moon Yoga is June 29 at the Health & Wellness Center
-
August 21, 2026
Urbana Park District schedule for Juneteenth
-
August 21, 2026
Kids can learn to be Safe@Home August 6
-
August 21, 2026
Urbana Park District closing at 5 p.m., on June 17 due to threatening weather
-
August 21, 2026
Sign up for the Samba Drum Ensemble this July at Urbana Park District
-
August 21, 2026
Sign up for the second round of Zumba Gold
-
August 21, 2026
Register now for the second round of fitness classes at Urbana Park District
-
August 21, 2026
Teens can help keep our parks beautiful this summer
-
August 21, 2026
Come out to the next Family STEM Night June 11 at the Health & Wellness Center
-
August 21, 2026
Join a free hike and learn more about nighttime pollinators
-
August 21, 2026
Two Non-Resident Days at the Pool this June
-
August 21, 2026
Celebrate Juneteenth at Prairie Park June 17
-
August 21, 2026
All invited to Jettie Rhodes Day June 27 in King Park
