News

The Anita Purves Nature Center will be closed August 8 - 16

Friday, August 7, 2026

The nature center will be closed for deep cleaning.

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Connecting You to Nature hikes are free for all ages this Fall!

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Hike in different natural areas in September, October, and November.

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Come discover the wonderful world of bats September 26 at Urbana Park District

Monday, August 3, 2026

The third annual Central Illinois Bat Festival is September 26.

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Sponsor an Anita Purves Nature Center animal!

Friday, June 26, 2026

Our education animals help kids learn more about nature.

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Celebrate Moths in July at Anita Purves Nature Center

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

National Moth Week is the week of July 20.

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Join a free hike and learn more about nighttime pollinators

Monday, June 8, 2026

The pollinator night hike is June 25, from 7 - 9 p.m., at Meadowbrook Park.

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Celebrate National Trails Day with a Big Hike through our natural areas

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Participate in as many hikes as you like!

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Connect with nature for free this spring and summer at Urbana Park District

Friday, April 10, 2026

Connecting You to Nature hikes are monthly, May - August.

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Free program teaches all ages to be comfortable around bees

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Don't Bee Afraid is May 7 at Anita Purves Nature Center

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Celebrate Lightning's Birthday May 1!

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Our Anita Purves Nature Center owl turns six on May 1.

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All ages invited to learn about wetlands for FREE April 25

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Spring Wetland Ecology is at Busey Woods.

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Join the City Nature Challenge April 24 - 27

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

This is free for all ages and there is no registration required.

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Learn how to use an exciting nature app at a FREE seminar April 16

Friday, March 13, 2026

CNC iNaturalist training is at Anita Purves Nature Center.

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Learn to identify and learn more about area trees on April 7

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Get ready to identify the beautiful spring blooms and greenery!

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Nature Tales and Trails are back beginning in March!

Monday, February 16, 2026

Families can enjoy a nature story and investigate nature in Busey Woods.

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Sunday Morning Bird Walks return March 1

Sunday, February 15, 2026

The bird walks run from March 1 - May 31.

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Come out to Meadowbrook Park for the free annual Woodcock Walk March 11

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Learn more about his strange and spectacular bird.

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Two chances to go on an Owl Prowl at Urbana Park District

Saturday, January 31, 2026

The Owl Prowl for All is on Feburary 27 and the Adults Only Owl Prowl is March 7.

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Join us for The Great Backyard Bird Count in February!

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Count birds in your own backyard February 13 - 16.

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Connecting You to Nature Hikes return starting in February!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Explore nature at the park district during these free hikes.

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Little naturalists welcome to Anita Purves Nature Center select Fridays

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Nature Center Pre-K Fridays is a FREE event for people ages 6 and under (with adult).

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Get ready to celebrate the Winter Solstice December 12 at Anita Purves Nature Center

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

The celebration is free, and all are welcome!

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Volunteering to work in our natural areas is a rewarding experience - just ask one!

Friday, December 5, 2025

Read first-hand how the public can volunteer their time to make the park district beautiful.

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Celebrate the Winter Solstice December 12 at Anita Purves Nature Center

Monday, November 17, 2025

This is a free event with fun indoors and outdoors.

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Anita Purves Nature Center ready to bring education to you

Friday, November 14, 2025

Contact the nature center to bring environmental and nature programs to schools or events.

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