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:

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! 

Click here to donate!

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.


View and register for our other environmental programs:

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31 - March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays: Jan 31

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31 - March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

Forest School Wednesdays - Spring 2025

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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, or all three sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$94 (R) $141 (NR)
1:00 pm: 3h

Forest School Wednesdays: Feb 5-26

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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, or all three sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$121 (R) $177 (NR)
1:15 pm: 3h

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays: Feb 7

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31- March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

Birding Basics

Age 10 and up


A great opportunity to learn more about the wonderful world of bird watching. We will start the morning with coffee, orange juice, and discussion on common native/migratory birds. We will practice finding and identifying species before a guided hike in Busey Woods. Binoculars will be provided, but we encourage bringing your own if you have them. A registered adult must accompany children under 15.

Rain date: Saturday, February 17

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 10 - 110
Fees
$5 (R) $8 (NR)
8:00 am: 2h

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.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
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5:30 pm: 1h

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.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
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5:30 pm: 1h

Great Backyard Bird Count

February 14-17

You can be a citizen scientist from the comfort of your own home! By counting birds you see from your windows or in your yard, you will help scientists collect important real-time information. Anyone can participate—count for as little or as long as you wish! Submit your observations online to gbbc.birdcount.org/ anytime from February 14-17.

Share photos of your sightings with the Anita Purves Nature Center and Urbana Park District on social media! #UrbanaParks #GBBC #birdcount

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
:

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays: Feb 14

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31 - March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays: Feb 21

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31 - March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

FREE! Winter Tree ID with U of I Extension

Age 12 and up; a registered adult must accompany children under 15

Anita Purves Nature Center & Busey Woods If you have ever been curious about how to identify a tree while the leaves are off, this is the program for you! Impress your friends and family with your knowledge of form, branching structure, bud characteristics and leaf scars after this informative afternoon with educator Ryan Pankau from Illinois Extension. We will be outdoors if weather allows, so dress for the cold.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 12+
Fees
4:00 pm: 1h30m

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays: Feb 28

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31 - March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

Forest School Saturdays - Mar 1, 15, 29

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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.

For Saturday sessions, we'll be meeting every other Saturday.
Saturday Session 1 dates are: March 1, 15, and 29.
Register your child(ren) for one or both sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
1:15 pm: 3h

Forest School Saturdays - Spring 2025

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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 or both sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
1:15 pm: 3h

Owl Prowl for All

Age 6 and up

This program is a special opportunity to explore Busey Woods in search of wild owls. We will start by dissecting pellets and learning about native owls, then we'll hit the trail! After the hike, meet the resident screech owl and warm up with hot cocoa. Come prepared for wet/cold/ slippery conditions. Participants may hike on soft, uneven surfaces. Pending weather conditions, this program may be rescheduled. A registered adult must accompany children under 15.

Fees for this hike support the care of the nature center's education animals.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6+
Fees
$10 (R) $15 (NR)
5:00 pm: 2h

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

Sundays, March 2-May 25, 7:30-9am
Busey Woods & Crystal Lake Park; meet in the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot
All ages (under 15 with adult)
No registration required

Walk with Champaign County Audubon Society (CCAS) leaders and search for birds in Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park. Learn and practice basic bird watching and identification techniques. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow one of the ten pairs that CCAS has available(first-come, first-served). Learn more at champaigncountyaudubon.org. No registration required.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
7:30 am: 1h30m

Forest School Wednesdays: Mar 5-26

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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, or all three sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
1:15 pm: 3h

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays: Mar 7

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, January 31 - March 7 to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors as weather permits, so come prepared!

Themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

Free-will donations of $5/child are requested. Walk-ins welcome.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
9:30 am: 2h30m

Adults Only Owl Prowl

Explore Busey Woods at night in search of owls with Illinois Natural History Survey Ornithologist, Tara Beveroth. Start with a presentation on native Illinois owls, then head outside to listen for their calls. After the hike, meet the Anita Purves Nature Center’s resident screech owls and warm up with hot cocoa. Come prepared for wet/cold/slippery conditions. Participants may hike on soft, uneven surfaces. Pending weather conditions, this program may be rescheduled.

Fees for this hike support the care of the nature center's education animals.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 15+
Fees
$10 (R) $15 (NR)
5:00 pm: 2h

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.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
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5:30 pm: 1h

Spring Break Day Camp

Kick back and spend your spring break exploring, playing games, and making crafts! Bring a lunch and water bottle daily, and remember to dress for the outdoors. Camp drop-off begins at 7:30am and scheduled activities begin by 9am. Sign up for each date individually.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$49 (R) $74 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h

Spring Break Day Camp: Monday Mar 17

Kick back and spend your spring break exploring, playing games, and making crafts! Bring a lunch and water bottle daily, and remember to dress for the outdoors. Camp drop-off begins at 7:30am and scheduled activities begin by 9am. Sign up for each date individually.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$49 (R) $74 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h

Spring Break Day Camp: Tuesday Mar 18

Kick back and spend your spring break exploring, playing games, and making crafts! Bring a lunch and water bottle daily, and remember to dress for the outdoors. Camp drop-off begins at 7:30am and scheduled activities begin by 9am. Sign up for each date individually.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$49 (R) $74 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h

Woodcock Walk - FREE

Wednesday, March 19, 6:45-8:15pm

Meadowbrook Park – Race St. entrance

(meet at the Meadowbrook Interpretive Center)

All ages; under 15 with adult


Treat yourself to an evening performance in the prairie as we witness the "sky dance" of the American woodcock, visible only during the first few weeks of spring. Discover why this strange bird is so remarkable. We will begin with a short presentation inside the barn, then head down the accessible path to the prairie. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. Pending weather conditions, this program may be rescheduled.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
6:45 pm: 1h30m

Spring Break Day Camp: Wednesday Mar 19

Kick back and spend your spring break exploring, playing games, and making crafts! Bring a lunch and water bottle daily, and remember to dress for the outdoors. Camp drop-off begins at 7:30am and scheduled activities begin by 9am. Sign up for each date individually.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$49 (R) $74 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h

Spring Break Day Camp: Thursday Mar 20

Kick back and spend your spring break exploring, playing games, and making crafts! Bring a lunch and water bottle daily, and remember to dress for the outdoors. Camp drop-off begins at 7:30am and scheduled activities begin by 9am. Sign up for each date individually.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$49 (R) $74 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h

Spring Break Day Camp: Friday Mar 21

Kick back and spend your spring break exploring, playing games, and making crafts! Bring a lunch and water bottle daily, and remember to dress for the outdoors. Camp drop-off begins at 7:30am and scheduled activities begin by 9am. Sign up for each date individually.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$49 (R) $74 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h

Nature Tales and Trails

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m

Nature Tales and Trails: March 28

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m

Forest School Wednesdays: April 2-23

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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, or all three sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$94 (R) $141 (NR)
1:15 pm: 3h

Nature Tales and Trails: April 4

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m

Forest School Saturdays - Apr 5, 19, & May 3

For youth ages 6-12 years

This program connects school-aged children with the natural world through discovery and play in an educational outdoor setting. Drop-off is from 1:15-1:30pm 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 or both sessions!

For Saturday sessions, we'll be meeting every other Saturday.
Saturday Session 2 dates are: April 5, April 19, and May 3.
Register your child(ren) for one or both sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
1:15 pm: 3h

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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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
5:30 pm: 1h

Nature Tales and Trails: April 11

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m

FREE! Spring Wetland Ecology

All ages; under 15 with registered adult


Explore Busey Woods with Illinois Natural History Survey scientist, Julie Nieset. Look for spring wildflowers and visit seasonal ponds to learn about their unique plant and animal communities. This guided exploration will follow soft trails, so wear shoes that can get muddy.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
10:00 am: 1h30m

Nature Tales and Trails: April 18

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m

Nature Tales and Trails: April 25

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m

Nature Tales and Trails: May 2

Enjoy nature stories and journey into Busey Woods on a guided walk with your preschool-aged child. Each time we investigate a current event in nature and bring it to life outdoors! Drop-ins welcome; arrive by 9:45am to register and pay the $5/family fee.

Book titles are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 2 - 7
Fees
$5
10:00 am: 1h30m