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)
Programs are customizable for different age groups and abilities. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Bats
- Birds/Bird Watching
- Insects & Invertebrates
- Invasive Species
- Outdoor Survival Skills
- Owls
- Pond Life/Amphibians
- Prairies
- Reptiles
- Seasonal Nature Hikes
- Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing)
- Tree Identification
- Woodlands
Use the drop-down menu below to find more information. Call 217-384-4062 with questions.
View a list of Standards-Based Life Sciences Programs here.
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.
Fees:
- $42 for each program up to 25 students
- $1 per additional student to a max of 32 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. Virtual options are available! A naturalist can live-stream into your classroom with interactive lessons alongside a special animal guest.
Fees:
- Kindergarten- $40 per class up to 25 students (30-45 minute program)
- 1st-5th Grade- $48 per class up to 25 students (60 minute program)
- Virtual K-5th Grade- $20 per class up to 25 students (30 minute program)
- $1/student over 25
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 $43 for up to a max of 24 children
- Any age other than PreK: Fees start at $43 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 $48 for a 30-45 minute program for up to 20 children
- Any age other than PreK: Fees start at $58 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 mileage 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 Birds
- IDNR Fossils
- IDNR Insects & Spiders
- IDNR Invasive Species
- IDNR IL Past (People & Animals)
- IDNR IL State Symbols
- IDNR IL Wetlands
- IDNR Mammals
- IDNR Pollinators
- IDNR Pre-K 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!
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
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
You can also help us feed the wildlife that visit the Anita Purves Nature Center’s Habitat Gardens by donating birdseed!
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 Bat Festival (September 6, 2025) - Details here
View and register for our other environmental programs:
Forest School Wednesdays - Spring 2025
Forest School Saturdays - Spring 2025
Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Nature Tales and Trails
Nature Tales and Trails: April 25
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 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit.
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.
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.
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 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 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 217-367-1544. 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 217-367-1544. Online registration is not available. In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit.
Nature Tales and Trails: May 2
FRESH Crew Volunteer Day
Join the action and make a difference in our local parks and natural areas! Dive into weekly volunteer days hosted by the park district, where teens like you can tackle invasive plants, plant native ones, maintain community gardens, harvest, clean up parks, and more. FRESH Crew is a great way to complete service hours, pick up skills, gather unique experiences, and grab professional references. A signed waiver is required, but no registration. Stay in the loop by reaching out to Cathy Schneider at cmschneider@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062
Real World "Minecraft"
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.
Connecting You to Nature Hike: Weaver Park
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.
Connecting You to Nature Hike: Busey Woods
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.
Connecting You to Nature Hike: Meadowbrook Park
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.
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.
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May 3, 2025
Look for work to begin at Weaver Park on the Kickapoo Rail Trail trailhead
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May 3, 2025
Teens can help the environment and serve the community this spring and summer
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May 3, 2025
Boat Rentals at Crystal Lake Park open May 3
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May 3, 2025
Congratulations to the 2025 Youth Summer Theatre cast
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May 3, 2025
Earth Day for Everyone will have rainy day activities in case of bad weather April 19
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May 3, 2025
Help determine the future of Urbana Park District by joining the Urbana Park District Advisory Committee
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May 3, 2025
Urbana Park District hiring part-time office staff at Phillips Recreation Center
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May 3, 2025
New sculpture on display at Meadowbrook Park
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for the pickleball league this May and June at the park district
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May 3, 2025
Get ready for the teen Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament May 9
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May 3, 2025
Parents of littles and expecting parents are welcome to Baby Steps every Tuesday
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for spring and summer programs at Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
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May 3, 2025
Get ready for Free Fitness and the fitness Flexi Pass sale later this month
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May 3, 2025
Celebrate the new PrairiePlay at Meadowbrook Park May 3.
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May 3, 2025
Join the park district for Earth Day for Everyone on April 19
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May 3, 2025
Sign up now for Spring fitness classes
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May 3, 2025
The Boneyard Arts Festival is at the park district April 4-5
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May 3, 2025
Check out the Summer 2025 Program Guide
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May 3, 2025
Time running out to register for Egg Hunt With a Splash
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May 3, 2025
Urbana Park District wants public input about future King Park improvements
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May 3, 2025
Time running out to buy pool memberships at discounted rate!
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May 3, 2025
Open Gym Basketball continues into the spring
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May 3, 2025
Come to the free Ukulele Jam every Wednesday night at Phillips Recreation Center
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May 3, 2025
Open Swim all week at Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for Youth Summer Theatre Auditions
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May 3, 2025
Families can sign up for Nature Tales and Trails this spring
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May 3, 2025
Enjoy the warmer weather and check out the new PrairiePlay at Meadowbrook Park
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May 3, 2025
Learn to be a life guard and serve the public this summer
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for Egg Hunt With a Splash happening April 13
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May 3, 2025
Free Woodcock Walk on March 19 at Meadowbrook Park
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May 3, 2025
The next free Connecting You to Nature Hike is March 11 at Weaver Park
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May 3, 2025
Final Smores Social and Stroll for the winter is this Sunday
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May 3, 2025
Read Across America is this Saturday at Lincoln Square
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May 3, 2025
Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center will be open for public swim during spring break
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May 3, 2025
Urbana Park District is hiring
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May 3, 2025
Take a nice walk and talk books this Saturday at Meadowbrook Park
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May 3, 2025
Get pool passes and memberships through April 30 for a special discount
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May 3, 2025
Time running out to register for round two of our spring fitness classes
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May 3, 2025
The Anita Purves Nature Center is hosting two Owl Prowls in March
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May 3, 2025
Look for improvements to South Ridge Park in March
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for the free Winter Tree ID at Anita Purves Nature Center
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May 3, 2025
Teens Welcome to Phillips Recreation Center February 21 for the FREE Hangout Zone
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May 3, 2025
Parents and littles welcome to the FREE Baby Steps beginning March 11
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May 3, 2025
Sunday Morning Bird Walks are back this spring
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for Youth Soccer this Spring at Urbana Park District
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May 3, 2025
Time is runing out to get an early bird discount for spring fitness classes
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for the second session of Mat Pilates
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May 3, 2025
Register for T-Ball this spring and summer at Urbana Park District
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May 3, 2025
Congratulations to the Best in Show Photographic Print Competition Winners
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May 3, 2025
Sign up for Immerse Yoga this Spring at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park
