|

Nature Programs

FREE! Nature Play Kids Winter Solstice Night Hike Fridays, August 25, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 10-11am Thursday, December 21, 6:30-8pm Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, Anita Purves Nature Center Meadowbrook Park - meet at the Race Street parking lot Age 3 and Up with adult; all ages welcome Age 6 and Up - with a registered adult Bring your little one to the nature playscape to participate in naturalist- Bundle up as we experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the led activities during these special times. Drop-ins are welcome, but prairie during the longest night of the year. Explore features of the pre-registration is encouraged to have enough supplies for everyone; night sky, and look for signs of wildlife—we may even hear the call call 217-384-4062 to let us know you are coming. Donations of $5/ of owls. A brisk nighttime hike will leave you feeling energized! Pre- child are encouraged. registration is required for this exclusive opportunity. FREE! Nature Center Pre-K Fridays EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code $8R/$12NR | Dec 7 $9R/$14NR | Dec 14 6015 Fridays, November 3, 17, December 1, 8 & 15, 9am-12pm Anita Purves Nature Center Age 6 and Under - with adult Be on the Lookout for Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Each week, Pop-Up Programs! we’ll explore a different theme. Your adventures may lead you outdoors Naturalists from the Anita Purves Nature Center occasionally to the nature playscape as weather permits, so come prepared! Call conduct last-minute or “pop-up” programs when special 217-384-4062 for more information. events occur in nature such as the nighthawk migration, the fall leaves changing colors, or the first winter snow. Look for Wild Child Survival Skills Class pop-up program announcements on social media by following the Anita Purves Nature Center and Urbana Park District on Saturday, September 23, 1-4pm Facebook and Twitter. Or visit www.rainoutline.com, search Anita Purves Nature Center & Busey Woods Ages 8-14 Urbana Park District, and sign up to receive email or text alerts for Nature Programs. With an experienced guide, your child will get “lost” in Busey Woods and practice survival skills to get back safely. Kids will learn how to use a compass, build a survival shelter, and responsibly build and extinguish a fire without matches. We’ll celebrate our success with roasted marshmallows and s’mores! Pre-registration is required to have enough supplies for everyone.

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code $15R/$23NR | Sep 9 $17R/$26NR | Sep 16 6010

register by calling 217-367-1544 Nature Programs | weather. outdoors toseewhatwecanfind!Besurecomedressedfor the for beginners.Inthesecondhalfofprogram,wewillhead Learn howtoinspecttracksandotheranimalsignsinthisclass Animals leavebehindcluesthatcantellusmuchaboutthem. Age 15andUp Anita Purves NatureCenter &BuseyWoods Saturday, December9,1-3pm Animal Tracking Basics real-world practice. start withabrieftalkinsidethenhikeintoBuseyWoods forsome plants. Learn basicskillsandtermsforhowtoidentifyplants.We’ll Get theintroductionyouneedtobeginrecognizingwoodland Age 15andUp Anita Purves NatureCenter &BuseyWoods Saturday, September16,10-11:30am Woodland PlantID What PlantisThat? parks. Urbana any from items natural collecting no is There program. this of outside eat and collect participants what for responsible not is District Park Urbana The areference. categorically and strictly is and move on to identification Information presented outdoors. discussion classroom with Start species. each of potential culinary the discuss we as safety and identification on be Focus will fungi. and plants invasive and native consumable about out Find landscape. edible the to you introduce will Goguen JP enthusiast food wild Local backyard! own your in bounty the Discover 15Age Up and Center Nature Purves Anita 9,Saturday, September 10am-12pm Edibles Micro-Urban $10R/$15NR |Nov25 EB Cost|Deadline $9R/$14NR |Sep2 EB Cost|Deadline $12R/$18NR |Aug26 EB Cost|Deadline $13R/$30NR |Sep2 Cost |Deadline $12R/$18NR |Dec2 Cost |Deadline $10R/$15NR |Sep9 Cost |Deadline visit www.urbanaparks.org to register online 5334 Code 6018 Code 6016 Code Regular contactwithnature isassociatedwith: park district! Check out great waystogetoutdoors throughout the reconnect childrenwithnature. stand andappreciatetheenvironment,joinnationaleffortto and adultstospendtimetogetheroutdoors.Helpchildrenbetterunder September 22-30isTake aChildOutsideWeek, encouragingchildren Take aChildOutsideWeek Line for up-to-date cancellation information. Line forup-to-date weather dependent. Checkwww.urbanaparks.org orsignupfor Rainout by anadult/guardian.Allprograms forTake aChildOutsideWeek are Recommended agesvarybyactivity. Childrenmustbeaccompanied *Pre-registration andfeesrequired Nature PlayscapeandAnitaPurvesCenter Take AChildOutsideWeek eventsattheFriendship Grove Sat, Sep30 Fri, Sep29 Thurs, Sep28 Wed, Sep27 Tues, Sep26 Mon, Sep25 Sun, Sep24 Sat, Sep23 Fri, Sep22 Date • • • •

Increased physicalactivityandlowerratesofobesity Better academicperformanceandsocialrelations Enhanced abilitytofocusandreducedsymptomsofADD Improved creativity, problemsolving&self-control Justlookforthissymbolintheguide: 1-3pm 9-11am 7-8pm 6-6:45pm 4:30-5:30pm 1-4pm 3-6pm 1-4pm 3-6pm 1-4pm 7:30-9am 1-4pm 12-2pm 8:30-9pm 6:45-8:30pm 5:30-6:30pm 10-11am Time Nature CenterArtShowOpening Wet Prairie National Public Lands Day:Perkins Road National Public Lands Day:MeadowbrookPark Stories bytheFireside Kids Yoga (pg46) Family NatureWalk Play DatewithNature Play DatewithNature Play DatewithNature Play DatewithNature Play DatewithNature Sunday MorningBirdWalk Wild ChildSurvivalSkillsClass Worldwide DayofPlay Star Gazing Outdoor MovieNight-Rain Date:Sat,Sep23 Family NatureWalk Nature PlayKids Event * (pg 49) (pg 9) - |

Come See What’s Free! Nature

Sunday Morning Bird Walks Play Date with Nature Programs Sundays, September 3-October 29, 7:30-9am September 25-29 Busey Woods - Meet in Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1-4pm All Ages - under 15 with adult Tuesday, Thursday: 3-6pm Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, Anita Purves Nature Center Birding is an adventure for any age. Walk with Champaign County Audubon Society leaders and search for birds in Busey Woods Come play with us at the nature playscape in celebration of Take and Crystal Lake Park. Learn and practice basic bird watching and a Child Outside Week! During these special times, a nature play identification techniques. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them facilitator will be on-hand with extra supplies and “loose parts” for or you may borrow one from the Anita Purves Nature Center with a play. Our explorations and play will be based on different themes refundable credit card deposit of $15 (pick up M-Sa 9am-4pm). each day! • Monday: Dig In! Star Gazing • Tuesday: Building with Wood and Sticks • Wednesday: Forts Thursday, September 21, 7:30-9pm • Thursday: Mud Kitchen Meadowbrook Interpretive Center & Timpone Grove • Friday: Nature Art Race Street entrance, Meadowbrook Park All Ages - under 15 with adult Stories by the Fireside The evening will begin at the Meadowbrook Interpretive Center with a short presentation about amateur star watching. Then explore the Friday, September 29, 7-8pm night sky with astronomers from the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Fire Ring, Anita Purves Nature Center Recommended for Age 6 and Up - under 15 with adult Society and William M. Staerkel Planetarium. Chat with local experts as you observe through their high-powered telescopes. Bring a Listen to folk stories by the fireside in celebration of Take a Child blanket/lawn chair to sit on and binoculars or telescope if you have Outside Week as local storyteller Kim Sheahan brings myths and them. Call 217-384-4062 for more information. legends to life! Bring your listening ears and a blanket/lawn chair to sit on. Free cocoa and marshmallows will be available while supplies Family Nature Walks last. Remember to dress for the weather. Spaces are limited; call 217-384-4062 in advance to let us know you are coming. Friday, September 22, 5:30-6:30pm Friday, September 29, 4:30-5:30pm Busey Woods - meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center National Public Lands Day All Ages - under 15 with adult Volunteer Event Celebrate Take a Child Outside Week with a relaxing walk through Saturday, September 30 Busey Woods. We will explore the boardwalk and unpaved trails, 9-11am: Meadowbrook Park, Race Street entrance so wear shoes that can get dirty. Call 217-384-4062 for more 1-3pm: Perkinds Road Wet Prairie (Urbana Dog Park) information. Age 7 and Up - under 15 with adult Celebrate the beauty and importance of native plants with park Outdoor Movie Night: Honey, I Shrunk district staff on National Public Lands Day. Help collect seeds by hand the Kids and/or plant native plants at two vital restoration sites. Your efforts will be appreciated by the pollinators and wildlife that depend on Friday, September 22, 6:45-8:30pm native plants, and the public who share and enjoy these lands. Stay Rain Date: Saturday, September 23 for refreshments and receive a National Public Lands Day Certificate Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, Anita Purves Nature Center for volunteering. Long pants, long sleeves, and sneakers or hiking All Ages - under 15 with adult boots recommended. Call 217-384-4062 by September 29 to let us Celebrate the start of Take a Child Outside Week with an outdoor know you are coming. movie at the park! Bring a blanket/lawn chair to sit on, and arrive by 6:45pm to find your seat; the movie will begin promptly at 7pm. Free popcorn and lemonade will be available as supplies last. Donations of $5/person are encouraged. Following the movie, we will look for stars, planets and constellations in the night sky from 8:30-9pm. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.

register by calling 217-367-1544 Nature Programs | this program help support the care of the nature center animals. center nature the of care the support help program this donationhas of a suggested $5/person or $10/family. Donations for event This 217-384-4062 Call coming. are you limited. know us let to is space as encouraged, is Pre-registration hours. event the during any time go and Come Jack. Ginger, and Quasi, owls screech Eastern with encounters up-close and crafts Enjoy honor! their in aparty at center nature the at live that owls the celebrate us Help owls? Love 15 -under adult Ages with All Center Nature Purves Anita Saturday, 21, October 12-3pm Owl-ebration visit www.urbanaparks.org to register online Come SeeWhat’sFree! list of recyclable items that can be dropped off during the event. Call Call event. the during off dropped be can that items recyclable of list a complete and rules competition for programs/nature-programs/ www.urbanaparks.org/ Visit Competition. Reuse Creative annual fourth the in award an win to enter event, and the before home at materials repurposed or reused from creation own your Make first!). toothpaste the of all out (squeeze toothpaste of tubes empty and (non-electric) toothbrushes recycle can you where available be will only, event adrop-box For this bathroom. the from containers and bottles boxes, with do to what learn to us Join recycling? to comes it when room overlooked most bathroom—the the in waste Reduce and Reuse Recycle, you can How tub! the in Rs three Rub-a-dub-dub, 15 -under adult Ages with All Center Nature Purves Anita 11am-3pm 4, November Saturday, in Tub” the Rs “Three Day: Recycles America 217-384-4062 for more information. habitat gardens by donating bird seed! bird donating by gardens habitat outdoor our in wildlife of visibility the increase You help also can care. animals’ the to directly go adoption your from proceeds All page). (next Animal” Educational an “Adopt can you how Learn up-close! owls the meet to (above) Owl-ebration the Attend Station. Field the in home at feel them make to takes it what and turtle or snake, owl, individual each about more Learn lives! their of apart be can you and animals live has Center Nature Purves Anita The Come Visit Live Animals! | Nature

Adopt an Programs Education Animal

The Urbana Park District houses a number of native animals at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Most have injuries that would compromise their survival in the wild, or were captive bred. All the animals are on exhibit and used for educational programs with schools, scouts and the general public. In 2016 alone, our animals visited 80 different groups!

Your sponsorship, or “adoption”, supports environmental education in Champaign County. Adoption fees generate funds for the care, housing and feeding of these animals.

Upon adoption you receive: • Your picture taken with the animal you adopt • Adoption certificate plus a fact sheet with the animal’s history and photograph • Your name on the donor exhibit in the Field Station for the period of the adoption • Invitation to a member adoption party at the Anita Purves Nature Center

Animal Cost Per Month Cost for 6 Months Cost Per Year Turtle $15 $80 $150 Snake $30 $160 $300 Owl $50 $260 $525

Visit www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/anita-purves-nature-center/ for an adoption application.

register by calling 217-367-1544 Nature Programs | facilities/environmental-education-loan-boxes/ visit inside, what’s of photos and boxes loan available on information you. For more assist to materials and grades, of avariety for plans lesson standards-based specimens, reference materials. Our themed Loan Boxes include natural history history natural and guides curriculum as such Items Loan Education of variety awide offers also Center Nature Purves Anita The You Borrow Can Items Resources. Educator to scroll Visit programs. upcoming and resources about information and classroom the for tips helpful seasonal get and list email resources educator new our for up Sign List! the on Get requests. or questions your with Coordinator, at 217-384-4062 or [email protected] Education Vasel, Heidi Environmental Contact you! help to eager are educators environmental District Park Urbana www.urbanaparks.org/programs/nature-programs/ 2017-2018with at download for available is information tour Abrochure classroom. the to world real the connect to ideas activity Generation Science Standards. Teachers receive supplemental Next and Core Common grade-specific meet programs All classroom. your to animal alive sometimes and lessons, environmental educator will materials, hands-on bring interactive a Or, invite Station. Field center’s nature the explore to time include programs Woods Busey Prairie. Spomer Park’s Meadowbrook a on class your Bring world. natural the about students their teach educators helps and programs environmental Center Nature offers educationThe Purves Anita Naturalist in the Classroom the in Naturalist School TourSchool Outdoor LearningOpportunities www.urbanaparks.org/e-news/ to visit your school. A trained Atrained school. your visit to to visit Busey Woods or or Woods Busey visit to visit www.urbanaparks.org to register online www.urbanaparks.org/ . . and and up a time for an individual training. individual an for atime up 217-384-4062 call Please set to afternoon. or morning a weekday on tours lead to you allow must To schedule aleader, your sites. be these at tours lead they as activities nature easy and fun many lead to learn naturalists Volunteer Park. Meadowbrook at Prairie Spomer and Woods Busey exploring while teaching of excitement the Share environment. the about excited kids get help and year each center nature the visit who children 3,000 than more to adifference Make 18Age Up and Center Nature Purves Anita Appointment By Orientation FREE! the nature center, is a unique and interactive landscape that that landscape interactive and center, aunique is nature the outside just located Playscape, Nature Grove Friendship The up for a Full-Bus School Tour. School aFull-Bus for up sign you if feature new exciting this play. explore Your can class outdoor active and imaginative in ages all of children engages FRIENDSHIP GROVE NATURE PLAYSCAPE School Tour School Volunteer New This Year! This New | Natural Areas Nature Our goal for these natural areas is to restore areas characteristics of Illinois’ most diverse habitats. Restoration includes planting and Stewardship Saturdays seeding native plants, removing nuisance plants, and conducting Dress for the weather and lend a hand while learning about local prescribed burns to encourage healthy growth. Learn more about natural areas. During Stewardship Saturdays, volunteers assist with: Programs each of these areas at www.urbanaparks.org/parks/natural-areas/ • Invasive plant removal; Natural areas are open sunrise to sunset. Naturalists are available, • Trail improvements and clean-up; and classes are designed for all age groups and interests. To • Native plant seed harvest and/or planting. inquire about programs and services, call the Anita Purves Nature Tools, gloves, instruction and refreshments are provided. Center at 217-384-4062. Visit p.13 for information. Help us Stewardship Saturday workdays are recommended for children 8 years maintain these natural areas by not collecting items, walking and older, however accommodations for younger participants may pets or cycling. be available with enough advance notice. All children under 16 must Busey Woods be accompanied by a supervising adult. Large groups are welcome. Busey Woods is a 59-acre bottomland oak-hickory forest. It is Scouts and groups with children should call well in advance to make located at the north end of Crystal Lake Park with an entrance just arrangements to help - an alternate workday may be required as west of the Anita Purves Nature Center. The C-U Optimist Club some stewardship activities are not suited for children. sponsors management of Busey Woods. Let us know you will be attending by calling 217-384-4062 prior to Commissioners Grove & Wetland in Weaver Park each date. Please dress for the weather. With the help of volunteers, the Urbana Park District is restoring a For Busey Woods variety of ecosystems at this quietly emerging park. Located south • Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center of the intersection of Main Street and Smith Road, this 60-acre park For Meadowbrook Park contains: • Meet at the Race Street parking lot south of Windsor Road • An in-progress 5-acre woodland/savanna restoration For Weaver Park • Newly-established 35 acres planted with prairie & native grasses • Pull off at the intersection of Main Street and Smith Road • An award-winning watershed management wetland For Perkins Road Wet Prairie Spomer Prairie in Meadowbrook Park • Meet at the Dog Park parking lot on Perkins Road, ½ mile east Prairie was the dominant natural feature of Illinois before the of Cunningham Avenue settlers arrived. Since 1978, the Urbana Park District and countless Date Time Location volunteers have worked to re-create approximately 80 acres of 9-11am Busey Woods September 9 Illinois native landscape. Visit this park in south Urbana, along 1-3pm Weaver Park Windsor Road and Race Street, and explore and enjoy a part of September 30 9-11am Meadowbrook Park Illinois’ natural history that has all but disappeared. National Public Lands Day - see p. 51 1-3pm Perkins Road Wet Prairie 9-11am Busey Woods Perkins Road Wet Prairie October 14 1-3pm Weaver Park With help from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources 9-11am Meadowbrook Park October 28 Conservation 2000 program, the district is restoring 35 acres 1-3pm Perkins Road Wet Prairie behind the dog park. Once restored, the park will include prairie 9-11am Busey Woods December 9 and wetland environments for wildlife observation, environmental 1-3pm Weaver Park education programs and recreation. For a sneak peek at this developing natural area, attend a Stewardship Saturday.

register by calling 217-367-1544 |

Each year the Anita Purves Nature Center brings thousands of elementary and middle school students through its doors to be involved in educational tours and programs. Educating children, families and the public about the outdoors and natural environment is a part of the mission of the nature center and is of great benefit to all those who participate. These important programs touch so many in our community, and we need volunteer help to make them possible. If you love the outdoors, enjoy working with children and families, and want to make a difference in your community, please consider becoming a Volunteer Naturalist and School Tour Leader at the Anita Purves Nature Center this fall!

“School tour volunteers are a vital part of the education programs at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Volunteers serve as an extra set of eyes, ears and hands to assist in directing the children’s attention to the wonders around them. This might show itself by being very excited about an insect that a student caught or asking guiding questions to assist in a student discovery.” - Heidi Vasel Environmental Education Coordinator

Urbana Park District Advisory Committee UPDAC is a citizen’s advisory committee formed by the Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners in 1971. UPDAC members serve in an advisory and informative capacity to the Board of Commissioners and to the citizens of the district. The group studies issues that are of importance to the park district and helps the board and staff to make decisions that are in the best interest of the district and its residents. UPDAC members are chosen for appointment to the committee based on their interest in UPD issues, and their ability and willingness to represent their neighborhood. Each member is also chosen based on geography. Ideally, the commissioners would like to have the membership of UPDAC reflect Urbana as a whole, with representation from all areas of the district. Over the years, UPDAC has provided advice and input into a number of developments and programs/directions that the park district has undertaken. Meetings are once a month for 10 months of the year, at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday. YOU can be part of this group, too. Apply online at: www.urbanaparks.org/get-involved/urbana-park-district- advisory-committee-updac/

visit www.urbanaparks.org to register online