Special Request Programs & Tours
Special Request Tours are at a park district location and are offered at Busey Woods, Weaver Park or Meadowbrook Park. These programs can typically be modified to fit the needs of any group and are not standards-based. Anyone can book a Special Request Program! Commonly done for preschools, homeschool groups, church groups, scouts, and clubs. You can even book one for your household!
Request a Special Request Program.
Traveling Naturalist Programs
Traveling Naturalist programs are at your location. These programs can typically be modified to fit the needs of any group and are not standards-based. Anyone can book a Traveling Naturalist program! Commonly done for preschools, church groups, adult care centers, workplaces and camps. We can even come to your home!
Request a Traveling Naturalist Program.
Is cost prohibitive for your group? Some supportive funds are available; contact David Subers at dasubers@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062 to inquire.
Naturalist-in-the-Classroom Programs
Naturalist in the Classroom programs are at your location. An environmental educator will bring hands-on materials, interactive lessons, and as related to the topic, a live owl, turtle, snake or worms to your classroom. All programs meet grade-specific Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards and are only available to formal educators.
To see more information on program topics and grade levels click here.
Request a Naturalist-in-the-Classroom Program.
School Field Trips
School Field Trips are at a park district location and are offered at Busey Woods, Weaver Park or Meadowbrook Park. All programs meet grade-specific Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards and are only available to formal educators.
To see more information on program topics and grade levels click here.
Request a School Field Trip.
Loan Items
Nature Items You Can Borrow: The Anita Purves Nature Center offers a wide variety of educational loan items at the Anita Purves Nature Center such as natural history specimens, curriculum guides, reference materials and IDNR Loan Trunks. A new Climate Change Loan Kit is available!
IDNR Loan Trunks: Self-contained K-5 teaching units complete with natural objects, pictures, reference books, equipment and activities are great for any classroom. Free with a refundable credit card deposit of $15. Topics include Birds, Illinois Fossils, Illinois Invasive Species, Illinois State Symbols, Insects & Spiders, Illinois Pollinators, People & Animals of Illinois' Past, and Wetlands.
Request Loan Items here.
Call Chelsea Prahl at 217 384-4062 or email ckprahl@urbanaparks.org with questions or for more information.
Birthday Party Programs
Celebrate at birthday at Anita Purves Nature Center with a themed program! You will get a 2.5 hour room rental including a 45-60 minute kids’ program packed with games, activities, and sometimes a live animal.
To see more information on program topics and suggested ages for parties at the Anita Purves Nature Center click here.
Request a Nature Center Birthday Party Program.
See other birthday parties available within the Urbana Park district here.
Not finding what you’re looking for? You can also request a custom program for your group! We require at least 4 weeks of advance notice, and additional fees may apply for custom programs. Call 217-384-4062 to discuss details.
We offer publicly available programs throughout each season for a variety of different age groups. Preschool, youth, adult, and all age programs are commonly scheduled. These programs are meant to connect the community to our local natural resources and build knowledge in specific areas.