Anita Purves Nature Center

At the Field Station, visitors are encouraged to step into the world of the naturalist where you may observe live animals, solve problems, and learn about nature that is as close as your backyard. 

Learn more about the Field Station and see popular exhibits translated into Spanish here.

Obtenga más información sobre Field Station y vea exhibiciones populares traducidas al español aquí.

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

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

• Standards-Based Life Sciences Programs
• Naturalist in the Classroom Request Form
• School Tour Program Request Form

Open 9am-4pm Check out the great new selection of nature-related items including bird-friendly coffee, pocket guides and other books for adults and children, re-usable water bottles and straws, local crafts and educational toys. All proceeds support district environmental programs. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash and checks accepted. Educators get a 10% discount.

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

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

In 2011 grant funding helped to reconstruct and replant the path leading from the nature center to Busey Woods. The Busey Woods Gateway Trail offers an accessible link between park and woods and helps visitors transition from open to wooded space. Indoor and outdoor interpretive elements explore the unique habitat Busey Woods and the Saline Creek/Crystal Lake provide to wildlife, specifically birds. Explore the wildlife habitat garden as you approach Busey Woods, or observe the outdoor feeding areas from inside the inside the Wildlife Observation Room.

• Busey Woods Trail Guide

Why No Dogs?
Dogs–on leash or off–are a threat to wildlife. Wild animals perceive dogs as predators. This interrupts their normal behaviors, like feeding or resting, and causes them stress. Repeated stress can result in long-term decreases in growth, reproduction, and protection against disease. A dog's scent repels wildlife even after the dogs are gone. Dog urine "marks” territory, which can make it undesirable for wildlife. 

Why No Bikes?
Bikes disturb wildlife habitats. Many of the District’s natural areas are seasonally wet environments, so the impact of bikes on the soft trails can make paths unusable for walkers.

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

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

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