Environmental Programs

Climate Action Week is October 5-12, 2024!

There are so many different ways that we can take action on climate change: thrift shopping, supporting local nature, donating blood, and sharing success stories are just some of them! 

Climate Action Week is packed with programs, workshops, hikes, social opportunities and celebrations throughout Champaign County. All programs are FREE!

4-5pm - Native Tree Walk

Crystal Lake Park, Urbana (meet outside the Lake House, 206 W. Park St., Urbana)

Join Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau for this guided walk to explore Crystal Lake Park’s diverse native trees and provide insights into their ecological importance. This walk is open to anyone interested in learning more about our local tree species and their role in supporting a healthy environment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Ryan Pankau.

Pre-registration is required by October 7.

10am-12pm - UPD Stewardship Workday

Busey Woods & Friendship Grove Prairie (meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot)

Healthy natural areas store excess carbon, reducing its impact on the climate. You can make a difference by volunteering to collect native plant seeds, remove nuisance trees, and maintain trails. Urbana Park District Natural Areas staff will take time to explain stewardship work, answer questions, and identify plants and other species. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes that can get dirty.

No pre-registration required. Email Matt Balk for more information.

 

5:30-6:30pm - “The Little Things”: Small Mammals & Prairie Restoration – Part 1

Weaver Park, Urbana (meet at the parking lot on Main St. near Smith Rd.)

Small mammal populations give insight into natural areas management, which is vital for offsetting climate change. Join this informal talk and gathering to learn more about prairie restoration, the importance of small mammals, and how we research them! Check out real mammal pelts and skulls, and see a brief demo of how the traps are baited and set. There will be time for questions and answers with the scientists and you will have the option to accompany them to the prairie to see where the traps are placed. Optional walking will take place on an uneven mowed grass path over a distance of less than ¼-mile. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket for sitting.

During Part 1 of this program, scientists will be setting small mammal traps in the prairie. Attend Part 2 to find out what was caught! Both programs are FREE. Call 217-384-4062 with questions.

No registration required.

7:30-8:30am - “The Little Things”: Small Mammals & Prairie Restoration – Part 2

Weaver Park, Urbana (meet at the parking lot on Main St. near Smith Rd.)

Small mammal populations give insight into natural areas management, which is vital for offsetting climate change. Join this informal talk and gathering to learn more about prairie restoration, the importance of small mammals, and how we research them! During Part 2 of this program, scientists will record and release the small mammals that were trapped overnight. (You do not need to attend Part 1 of this program in order to attend Part 2.) Optional walking will take place on an uneven mowed grass path over a distance of less than ¼-mile. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket for sitting. This program is FREE. Call 217-384-4062 with questions.

No registration required. 

 

1pm - Webinar: Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change

It's easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in this free webinar. Explore how paying attention to what’s on your plate, checking the energy efficiency of your home, and getting active in your local community are all ways to be a climate-conscious global citizen.

This session will be led by Illinois Extension staff from the natural resources, environment, and energy team, community and economic development team, the Energy Education Council, and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.

This webinar is part of the Everyday Environment Webinar Series. Each webinar is recorded and uploaded to the Everyday Environment Webinar playlist on University of Illinois Extension's YouTube channel. 

Pre-registration is required.

7:30am-4pm - Blood Drive

Urbana Impact Life Blood Center (1408 W. University Ave., Urbana)

Did you know that climate change can decrease blood supplies by increasing demand due to natural disasters and bloodborne diseases? Donating blood improves our resilience to climate change! This blood drive is being offered by the Urbana Park District, Champaign Park District, and Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment online (reference code #71411).

 

2-8pm - The Green Ball: Greener Things 

Lincoln Square Mall (201 Lincoln Square, Urbana)

  • 2-4pm: Pre-Party
  • 4-8pm: RSVP Only

During Climate Action Week, we want to show our community that voting for the world you want doesn't just happen once a year; it happens daily with the purchases you make. That's why this year’s Green Ball will function as a shopping social with a focus on recycling fashion textiles and stimulating local green businesses—all by coming together to have some fun and enjoy live music! There will be themed photo opportunities, so come dressed to sustainably impress by wearing your finest thrifted or upcycled styles. Or, complete your outfit at the event with items from the salvage clothing racks!

This event is free to attend; food, drink and sustainable goods available for purchase. Shop, learn and celebrate sustainability! Music will be provided by Jamtown, and the shopping will be sustainably sourced by Circular Supply. The first 100 people to arrive will receive a free Stranger Things themed gift pack of overstock items that have been diverted from the landfill!

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

View and register for our other environmental programs:

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.

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 18+
Fees
$30 (R) $45 (NR) $30
May. 01 - Nov. 03
:
View

Meadowbrook Organic Gardens- Raised Bed

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.

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 18+
Fees
$20
May. 01 - Nov. 03
:
View

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.

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 18+
Fees
May. 01 - Nov. 03
:
View

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.

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 18+
Fees
$36 (R) $5
May. 01 - Nov. 03
:
View

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.

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 18+
Fees
$24 (R) $5
May. 01 - Nov. 03
:
View

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.

Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 18+
Fees
$60 (R) $90 (NR) $45
May. 01 - Nov. 03
:
View

Connecting You to Nature Hikes

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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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Tue: Sep. 10 - Nov. 12
5:30 pm: 1h
View

Forest School Wednesdays - Fall 2024

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 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, three, or all four sessions! Content is always emergent and changing with the natural world.

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$94
Wed: Sep. 11 - Dec. 18
1:15 pm: 3h
View

Forest School Saturdays - Fall 2024

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 1-1:15pm 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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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Sat: Sep. 28 - Dec. 07
1:00 pm: 3h
View

Forest School Saturdays - Sep 28, Oct 12, Oct 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.

For Saturday sessions, we'll be meeting every other Saturday.
Saturday Session 1 dates are: September 28, October 12, and October 26
.
Register your child(ren) for one or both sessions!

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Sat: Sep. 28 - Oct. 26
1:00 pm: 3h
View

Forest School Wednesdays - Fall 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 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, three, or all four sessions! Content is always emergent and changing with the natural world.

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$94 (R) $141 (NR)
Wed: Oct. 09 - Oct. 30
1:15 pm: 3h
View

"Meadowbrook: A History" Walking Tour - RAIN DATE

Meadowbrook: A History by Roger Digges, tells the story of how the Urbana Park District turned a farm into an iconic park that provides a unique blend of nature, art, recreation, and learning. Join this walking tour led by the author to witness firsthand Meadowbrook Park’s rich history. Meet at the Garden Pavilion at the Race Street entrance at 10am, and the tour will depart from there. The walk will cover approximately 2 miles along accessible paved paths. Sign up by 5pm Thursday, October 3 by calling 217-367-1544 or online here.
The rain date for this program is Saturday, October 19 from 10am-12pm. By signing up in advance, you will be contacted if we need to reschedule due to weather.
Copies of the book will not be for sale here, but they are available for purchase for $29.00 each + tax at the Anita Purves Nature Center’s Nature Store. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Sat: Oct. 19
10:00 am: 2h
View

Teen Artist's Retreat - FREE

Calling all teens! Join Krannert Art Museum for this free teen artist’s retreat designed to flex your creative muscles with guided art-making, gallery activities, a nature walk, and a chance to create and take home your own works of art. The retreat kicks-off at 10AM at Anita Purves Nature Center with activities and art-making. Participants will be provided a pizza lunch at noon and snacks throughout the day, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. At 12:30pm, participants will board a bus to Krannert Art Museum for the second half of the day--featuring artist talks, gallery activities, and art-making.

This retreat is open to all middle and high school-aged students. Space is limited. Register soon! After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with event details, maps, and more information including the day-long schedule.

Accessibility Note: Both Anita Purves and KAM offer a variety of accessibility supports to help ensure all students can fully participate in our programs and events. These include wheelchairs, variable seating. ASL interpretation, and food that reflects dietary diversity at our programs. At KAM, we also provide walkers, assisted listening devices, and more. Please detail any accommodation requests in your registration form.

Warm, layered comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. Disposable shoe covers are available on a limited basis.

Although not required, participants are invited to bring their own sketchbooks or any works-in-progress.

Parent/guardians should check-in at the welcome table upon drop-off to verify emergency contact information. If your parent/guardian cannot check you in, you are permitted to bring a completed Emergency Contact Information Form to complete check-in.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 11 - 19
Fees
Sat: Oct. 26
10:00 am: 5h
View

"Meadowbrook: A History" for ECIMN

Master Naturalist program

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Sat: Oct. 26
2:00 pm: 2h
View

FREE - Carle Park Tree ID Walk w/ UofI Extension

Join nature center staff and University of Illinois Extension educator, Ryan Pankau for a fall tree walk at Carle Park. Home to a wide diversity of large old trees and an existing self-guided tree walk, Carle Park is a great location to learn more about native and ornamental species.

Meet at the stone pavilion in Carle Park across from Urbana High School.

If weather is poor, this program will shift indoors to Anita Purves Nature Center with photos and twig/branch specimens of covered species. Those who registered in advance will receive an email if location change is required.

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 15+
Fees
Wed: Oct. 30
4:00 pm: 1h30m
View

"Meadowbrook: A History" for ECIMN - RAIN DATE

Master Naturalist program

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Tentative
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Sat: Nov. 02
2:00 pm: 2h
View

America Recycles Day: The Art of Glassblowing

Join us for America Recycles Day as we celebrate with Jason Mack Glass to learn about the art of glassblowing through live demonstrations with recycled glass! Check out the custom-built mobile glassblowing furnace where you can witness the wonders of glassblowing in person. With City of Urbana U-Cycle and the Idea Store. Event held rain or shine. No registration required.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Sat: Nov. 02
10:00 am: 4h
View

Forest School Wednesdays - Fall 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 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, three, or all four sessions! Content is always emergent and changing with the natural world.

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$94 (R) $141 (NR)
Wed: Nov. 06 - Nov. 27
1:15 pm: 3h
View

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays - FREE

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center on Fridays any time 9:30am-noon, November 8- December 13, 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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Tentative
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: - 7
Fees
Fri: Nov. 08 - Dec. 13
9:30 am: 3h
View

Forest School Saturdays - Nov 9, Nov 23, Dec 7

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.

Saturday sessions meet every other week. Session 2 meets November 9, November 23, and December 7.

Register your child(ren) for one or both sessions!

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Sat: Nov. 09 - Dec. 07
1:00 pm: 3h
View

Connecting You to Nature Hike: Perkins Road Wet Prairie

Join staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center on a walk through a future public natural area behind the Urbana Dog Park on Perkins Road. Explore the plants, animals, and unique natural history of this site. No registration required. Meet at Urbana Dog Park parking lot for this date.

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Tue: Nov. 12
5:30 pm: 1h
View

Forest School Wednesdays - Fall Session 4

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 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, three, or all four sessions! Content is always emergent and changing with the natural world.

**Note - this session only meets for 3 weeks instead of 4**

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Open
Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Wed: Dec. 04 - Dec. 18
1:15 pm: 3h
View

Winter Solstice Celebration - FREE

Enjoy a festive evening of stories and adventure during this twilight event celebrating the shortest day of the year and the return of light. We will gather around the fire for snacks, make holiday crafts, and set our intentions for the coming year. Guided hikes through Busey Woods will depart every hour, and we will finish with a candlelit winter spiral walk. Pre-registration is requested for this event to prepare supplies. Register here or call 217-384-4062 to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: +
Fees
Fri: Dec. 20
4:00 pm: 3h
View

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