All ages invited to learn about wetlands for FREE April 25


3/25/26

Sign up today for the FREE Spring Wetland Ecology program at Urbana Park District, happening April 25, at Anita Purves Nature Center and Busey Woods. 

Illinois Natural History Survey Wetland Ecologist Julie Nieset will lead the exploration. Go through Busey Woods and learn about wetlands and how important these small bodies of water are to nature and the environment. Discover the beautiful spring growth, blooms, and maybe even a fairy shrimp!

"Wetland" is in the title, so wear shoes that can get muddy. This is a free event, but please sign up so we know how many to expect.

Call (217) 384-4062 for more information or sign up at the link below. All ages are welcome! 

Learn about wetlands with your friends and neighbors April 25, at Urbana Park District! 

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 - we may even see some fairy shrimp! 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 Day Camp Session 2: Wetlands

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin around 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily. Each camper receives a Nature Day Camp T-shirt.

Session 2: Wetlands
Visit different wetlands habitats nearby and compare the different kinds of life we can find!

This option is for Nature Day Camp regular pickup time of 2:30-3:00pm.

Prices increase on May 13 from Early Bird rates to Regular rates.

Prices for Session 2 (5 days):

Early Bird: February 7 - May 12
Resident Rate: $155 for Day Camp; $235 w/ Aftercare
Non-Resident Rate: $233 for Day Camp; $352 w/ Aftercare

Regular: May 13 - June 1
Resident Rate: $165 for Day Camp; $250 w/ Aftercare
Non-Resident Rate: $248 for Day Camp; $375 w/ Aftercare

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$155 (R) $233 (NR)
7:30 am: 7h30m

Nature Day Camp w/ Aftercare Session 2: Wetlands

Nature Day Camp with Aftercare is Day Camp and Extended Camp under one registration! Nature Camp gives children opportunities to discover, connect with, and ask questions about nature. Campers are divided into separate groups and spend their days exploring the outdoors during weekly themed sessions. Leaders guide hands-on investigations, field trips, and more. Traditional summer camp activities like songs, games, crafts, and swimming are also offered. Be sure to dress for mess. Campers must bring a morning snack, lunch (that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated), and water bottle daily. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am, and scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. The pickup window is from 3-5:30pm. Each camper receives a Nature Day Camp T-shirt.

Session 2: Wetlands
Visit different wetlands habitats nearby and compare the different kinds of life we can find!

This option is for Nature Day Camp with Aftercare pickup time between 3:00-5:30pm.

Prices increase on May 13 from Early Bird rates to Regular rates.

Prices for Session 2 (5 days):

Early Bird: February 7 - May 12
Resident Rate: $155 for Day Camp; $235 w/ Aftercare
Non-Resident Rate: $233 for Day Camp; $352 w/ Aftercare

Regular: May 13 - June 1
Resident Rate: $165 for Day Camp; $250 w/ Aftercare
Non-Resident Rate: $248 for Day Camp; $375 w/ Aftercare

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$235 (R) $352 (NR)
7:30 am: 10h