The Urbana Park District manages multiple natural areas that are great spaces for local classes to take field trips. Connecting Classes with Nature is a sponsorship program developed by Urbana Park District program to help offset the costs for these programs.

“One of the biggest barriers between us and classrooms are transportation costs,” said Chelsea Prahl, Environmental Education Coordinator. “The Connecting Classes with Nature sponsorship program helps alleviate those costs for the school and allows the Urbana Park District to welcome more students into our natural areas.”

“There are three levels of sponsorship, and anyone can donate. Businesses and organization who donate will be recognized by the district,” Prahl added. “The sponsorship program funded over 200 students to participate in an environmental education field trip in 2019, and it would be great to see that number grow in 2020!”

Teachers can reach Chelsea Prahl at (217) 384-4062 or ckprahl@urbanaparks.org to find out more about receiving a sponsorship for a field trip.

Donors can call Development Manager Ellen Kirsanoff at (217) 367-1536 to talk about an individual or business sponsorship.

“It is so valuable for students to have an opportunity to spend time and have an authentic experience,” Prahl said. “With help from sponsors, the Anita Purves Nature Center and Urbana Park District wants to make our educational programs accessible to teachers and students.”