Nature Programs

 

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East-central Illinois has a natural diversity all its own—from oak savannas to prairie, from woodlands to wetlands. Park district natural areas, facilities and programs provide opportunities for visitors to explore topics ranging from spring wildflowers and nocturnal wildlife to prairie ecosystems, wetland habitat restoration and more.

 

PROGRAMS BY REQUEST

Special Request Programs & Tours

Special Request Programs--commonly for preschools, homeschool groups, church groups, scouts, and clubs--take place at a park district location such as 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. You can even book one for your household!

To see more information on program themes and locations, see the Google form here: Request a Special Request Program, or call 217-384-4062.

  • Programs are 45-60 minutes
  • Complete the following form linked above, and nature center staff will contact you.
  • Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
  • Program Fees (due on or before program date) start at $43 for up to 15 participants + $2 per additional participant
  • Other Fees:
    • $10 Late payment fee
    • $15 After-hours fee
    • $25 Minimum Custom Program Fee (requires at least 4 weeks advance notice)

Traveling Naturalist Programs

Traveling Naturalist programs--commonly done for preschools, church groups, adult care centers, workplaces and camps--take place 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.  We can even come to your home!

To see more information on program themes, see the Google form here: Request a Traveling Naturalist Program, or call 217-384-4062.

  • Programs are 45-60 minutes
  • Complete the following form linked above, and nature center staff will contact you.
  • Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
  • Program fees (due on or before program date) start at $58 for up to 15 participants + additional fee of $15 for 16-24 participants
    • PreK: Fees start at $48 for a 30-45 minute program for up to 20 children
  • Other Fees:
    • Locations outside of Urbana-Champaign will incur an additional ~$0.675/mile fee
    • $10 Late payment fee
    • $25 Minimum Custom Program Fee (requires at least 4 weeks advance notice)

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.

You can find more information on program topics and grade levels on the PDF here.

More information on program topics and grade levels is also available on the Google form here: Request a Naturalist-in-the-Classroom Program, or call 217-384-4062.

  • Program requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
  • Complete the following form linked above, and nature center staff will contact you to finalize program details.
  • Virtual options are available! A naturalist can live-stream into your classroom with interactive lessons alongside a special animal guest.
  • Fees (due on or before program date):
    • Kindergarten- $40 per class up to 25 students (30-45 minute program)
    • 1st-5th Grade- $48 per class up to 25 students (60 minute program)
    • Virtual K-5th Grade- $20 per class up to 25 students (30 minute program)
    • + $1/student for groups larger than 25 students
    • Locations outside of Urbana-Champaign will incur an additional mileage fee
    • $10 Late payment fee

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.

You can find more information on program topics and grade levels on the PDF here.

More information on program topics and grade levels is also available on the Google form here: Request a School Field Trip, or call 217-384-4062.

  • Program requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
  • Complete the following form linked above, and nature center staff will contact you to finalize program details.
  • Fees (due on or before program date):
    • $42.00 for each program for up to 25 students
    • + $1/student for groups larger than 25 students (max 32)
    • $10 Late payment fee

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.

To see more information on educational loan items, see the Google form here: Request Loan Items here, or call 217-384-4062.

  • A minimum of one week's notice is required.
  • Complete the following form linked above, and nature center staff will contact you.
  • Fees: All boxes require a refundable $15 credit card deposit

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 2.75 hour room rental including a 45-60 minute kids’ program packed with games, activities, and sometimes a live animal. Available September - May (not available during summer camp season).

To see more information on program topics and suggested ages for parties at the Anita Purves Nature Center complete the Google form here: Request a Nature Center Birthday Party Program, or call 217-384-4062.

  • Requests must be made at least three weeks in advance.
  • Complete the following form linked above, and nature center staff will contact you.
  • Refundable $100 deposit is due at the time of program approval.
  • Fees: $138 for 1-15 children + $5 each additional child up to maximum of 24 children.
  • Payment is due the day of the party and cannot be deducted from the deposit.
  • Wish you could have more party time? Add more rental time at a discounted rate!

See more details about the different nature-themed party options, and 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.

 

Environmental Public Programs

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.

Check the program guide for more details.

We may sometimes schedule pop-up programs that are not listed in the program guide. Check the Anita Purves Nature Center's Facebook Page for up-to date information!

 

Register Today!

Enjoy a variety of programs, parks and special facilities that contribute to the attractiveness of neighborhoods, conservation of the environment and overall health of the community.

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