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Nature ProgramsNature Play KidsFridays, 10-11amFriendship Grove Nature Playscape, Anita Purves Nature CenterRecommended for Ages 3-6; kids under 6 months old attend freeFee: $2/child

Bring your young one to the nature playscape for creative play time with guidance and additional supplies from a nature play facilitator. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability. Pre-registration is encouraged so we have enough supplies for everyone. Drop-ins are welcome, in which case the $2/child fee should be paid with cash upon arrival.

Date Theme Pre-Register by Code

September 7 Can You Dig It? September 6 6921

September 14 Water Works September 13 6922

September 21 If You Build It... September 20 6923

September 28 What’s Cooking? September 27 6924

Nature Center Pre-K FridaysDrop-in Fridays, 9am-12pm• November 2, 9, 16 & 30• December 7 & 14

Anita Purves Nature CenterAge 6 and Under with adult

Kids age 6 and under and their families can drop by the nature center to discover self-guided activities just for little naturalists. Your adventures may lead you outdoors to the nature playscape as weather permits, so come prepared! Weekly themes depend on current events in nature. To keep these programs relevant to the changing seasons, themes are announced the week before each program. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook. Free-will donations of $2/child are strongly encouraged to allow for ongoing programming.

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| URBANA PARK DISTRICT | urbanaparks.org/register | 217-367-1544

Outdoor Movie Night - Homeward Bound: The Incredible JourneyFriday, September 21, 6:45-8:30pmRain Date: Saturday, September 22Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, Anita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Celebrate Take a Child Outside Week, Celebrate Aging Week, and Welcoming Week with an outdoor 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. We’ll have free popcorn and lemonade as long as supplies last. Bring your own snacks or picnic dinner if you wish. Your $5/person donation will help support programs like this. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.

Stories by the FiresideSaturday, September 29, 7-8pmFire Ring, Anita Purves Nature CenterRecommended for Age 6-Adult; children under 15 must attend with adultRegistration is required for all participants

Listen to folk stories by the fireside in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week as local storyteller Kim Sheahan brings myths and legends to life! We’ll provide hot cocoa and marshmallows. Bring your listening ears and a blanket/lawn chair to sit on. Remember to dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited!

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$10R/$15NR | Sep 15 $11R/$17NR | Sep 22 6927

Birdwatching Basics for Everyone with the Champaign County Audubon SocietySaturday, September 1, 9-11amAnita Purves Nature Center & Busey WoodsAge 8-Adult; Children under 15 must attend with adult

Bring your friend, child or other family member, and start a lifelong hobby together! This partner workshop is for folks with little or no birdwatching experience. Learn how to use binoculars, spot and identify common local birds and discover a bit about each bird’s natural history. We will spend time indoors getting acquainted with bird watching and then try out new skills during a hike in Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park. All equipment will be provided, including trail snacks! Registration is for two people with the option to add more to your group.

Adult + 1 Combined Registration:

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$12R/$18NR | Aug 18 $15R/$27NR | Aug 25 6925

Additional Person Registration:

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$5R/$7NR | Aug 18 $6R/$8NR | Aug 25 6926

Take A Child Outside WeekSeptember 21-29 is Take a Child Outside Week! Join the national effort to reconnect children with nature. Check out great ways to get outdoors throughout the park district! Just look for this symbol in the guide:

See pages 55, 56 & 59 for program details.

Date Event Time Page #

Friday, September 21 Nature Play Kids: If You Build It...* 10-11am 55

Play Date with Nature: Fort Building 4-6pm 59

Nature Walk, Roll & Stroll 5:30-6:30pm 59

Outdoor Movie Night 6:45-8:30pm 56

Saturday, September 22 Worldwide Day of Play 12-2pm 41

Sunday, September 23 Sunday Morning Bird Walk 7:30-9am 59

Monday, September 24 Play Date with Nature: Bug Hunt 4-6pm 59

Full Moon Walk, Roll & Stroll 7-8:30pm 59

Tuesday, September 25 Family-Friendly Yoga Hike* 5:15-6:15pm 50

Wednesday, September 26 Play Date with Nature: Nature Art 4-6pm 59

Thursday, September 27 Age-Friendly Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt 7pm 45

Friday, September 28 Nature Play Kids: What’s Cooking?* 10-11am 55

Play Date with Nature: Mud Kitchen 4-6pm 59

Saturday, September 29 National Public Lands Day Family Volunteer Event 9-11am & 1-3pm 59

Stories by the Fireside* 7-8pm 56

*Pre-registration and fees required.

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sIntroduction to Mushroom HuntingSaturday, October 6, 10-11:30amAnita Purves Nature Center & Busey WoodsAge 15 and Up

Learn how to safely identify five edible fungi (and their dangerous lookalikes) with local foraging enthusiast JP Goguen. Time will be split between classroom discussion and identification outdoors. Attendees will discover the fungus among us in our own backyards and neighborhoods!

Please note, information contained in this program is strictly and categorically intended as a reference. Collection of any species is not permitted on park district properties. The Urbana Park District is not responsible for what participants collect and eat outside of this program.

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$12R/$18NR | Sep 22 $13R/$20NR | Sep 29 6928

Wreath-Making WorkshopWednesday, December 5, 6-7:30pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 15 and Up

Display your own hand-made delight for the holidays! Delight Flower Farm welcomes you to experience the winter spirit through wreath-making. You will learn basic wreath-building and design techniques and use locally-sourced supplies to make a beautiful, handmade treasure to take home with you. During this workshop you will construct an approximately 20” diameter wreath on a 12” frame. Wreath decor includes fresh evergreen, berries, pine cones, tree nuts, ribbons, dried flowers, and more.

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$43R/$65NR | Nov 21 $54R/$81NR | Nov 28 6929

Parent and Child in the WildSaturday, October 13, 1-4pmAnita Purves Nature Center & Busey WoodsAge 8 and Up with adult

Could you start a fire without matches? Could you find your way if you were lost in the woods? This bonding experience for parents and kids will be unlike any other. Together, we will get “lost” in Busey Woods and learn survival skills to get back safely. Practice using a compass, building a survival shelter, and starting a fire without matches. We’ll celebrate our success with roasted marshmallows and s’mores! Register yourself and your child/ren so we have adequate supplies.

Adult + Child Combined Registration:

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$18R/$27NR | Sep 29 $22R/$33NR | Oct 6 6707

Add an additional child (up to 2):

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$5R/$7NR | Sep 29 $6R/$8NR | Oct 6 6706

Owl-ebrationSaturday, November 17, 1-3pmAnita Purves Nature CenterRecommended for Age 6 and Up; Age 3 & Under attend freeChildren under 15 must attend with adultRegistration is required for all participants

Love owls? Help us celebrate the owls that live at the nature center at a party in their honor! Enjoy games, crafts and up-close encounters with Eastern screech owls Quasi, Ginger, and Jack. Fees for this event go directly to the ongoing care of the nature center animals. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited!

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$5R/$7NR | Nov 3 $6R/$8NR | Nov 10 6705

Winter Solstice CelebrationFriday, December 21, 6-8pmBusey Woods & Fire Ring, Anita Purves Nature CenterRecommended for Age 8-Adult; Children under 15 must attend with adult

Bundle up as we experience nature at night on the shortest day of the year. Take a hike through Busey Woods to search for nocturnal wildlife, then gather around the campfire for hot apple cider, popcorn and s’mores. Set your intentions for the coming year, and craft a memento to take home with you. Pre-registration is required for this exclusive opportunity, as space is limited!

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$12R/$18NR | Dec 7 $13R/$20NR | Dec 14 6704

Be on the Lookout forPop-Up Programs!

Naturalists from the Anita Purves Nature Center occasionally conduct last-minute or “pop-up” programs when special events occur in nature such as the nighthawk migration, the fall leaves changing colors, or the first winter snow. Look for pop-up program announcements on social media by following the Anita Purves Nature Center and Urbana Park District on Facebook and Twitter. Or visit www.rainoutline.com, search Urbana Park District, and sign up to receive email or text alerts for Nature Programs.

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| URBANA PARK DISTRICT | urbanaparks.org/register | 217-367-1544

“So You Want to Be a Leader?”WorkshopsThese workshops are perfect for new educators, homeschool parents and camp, scout and afterschool leaders. It is also for those who just want to renew their team building and nature activity repertoire.

Nature Hikes 101 for the Newbie LeaderSaturday, October 13, 10am-12:30pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 15 and Up

A sense of wonder and the kid at heart will be the theme for this workshop for the curious. We will explore the natural world and discover fun and engaging ways to share what we know with all ages. This workshop will be hands on and largely outdoors so be ready to play, explore and ask questions as we peek under logs, discover fun ways to remember and identify bird calls, and explore ways to connect kids with learning. You will take home a ready-to-use, tricks-of-the-trade pack as well as a renewed sense of awe.

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$30R/$45NR | Sep 29 $33R/$49NR | Oct 11 6682

Urbana Park District Rainout Line - Download the app or call us.For information about program cancellations, including weather cancellations, and for updates about special events or other key happenings at the Urbana Park District, you may call the Sports, Program, and Event Hotline at 217-367-9575. For evening sports programs, this line will be updated after 4:30pm on weekdays and one hour before the scheduled program or sports on weekends. All other updates will be made as conditions change. You may also find out about the Rainoutline App for your phone at: http://www.urbanaparks.org/events/rain-outs-and-cancellations/

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Sunday Morning Bird WalksSundays, September 2-October 28, 7:30-9amBusey Woods - Meet in Anita Purves Nature Center parking lotAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Birding is an adventure for any age. Walk with Champaign County Audubon Society leaders and search for birds in Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park. Learn and practice basic bird watching and identification techniques. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow one from the Anita Purves Nature Center with a refundable credit card deposit of $15 (pick up Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm).

Play Date with NatureSeptember 21, 24, 26 & 28, 4-6pm each date• September 21: Fort Building• September 24: Bug Hunt• September 26: Nature Art• September 28: Mud Kitchen

Friendship Grove Nature PlayscapeRecommended for Age 6 and Up with adult

Come play with us at the nature playscape in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week! During these special times, a nature play facilitator will be on-hand with extra supplies and “loose parts” for play. Explorations and play will be based on different themes each day! Come and go anytime during program hours. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability.

Nature Walk, Roll & StrollFriday, September 21, 5:30-6:30pmBusey Woods - Meet at Anita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Celebrate Take a Child Outside Week during a relaxing all-access exploration through Busey Woods along the 1/3-mile boardwalk loop. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.

Full Moon Walk, Roll & StrollMonday, September 24, 7-8:30pmMeadowbrook Park• Meet at Garden Pavilion, Race St entrance

All Ages - under 15 with adult

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the prairie on a moonlit night. Explore features of the night sky, and look for signs of wildlife — we may even hear owls calling. This program is an exclusive opportunity to see nature at night, as the park closes at sunset. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Route will follow the paved path for up to 2.5 miles. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.

Come See What’s Free!National Public Lands Day Family Volunteer EventSaturday, September 299-11am - Meadowbrook Park, Race St entrance1-3pm - Perkins Road Wet Prairie (Urbana Dog Park)Age 7-Adult; under 15 with adult

Volunteering as a family is a fun way to bond, make memories and give back to nature. Celebrate the beauty and importance of native plants and natural habitats with your family on National Public Lands Day. Help collect seeds by hand and/or plant native plants at two vital restoration sites. Your efforts will be appreciated by the pollinators and wildlife that depend on native plants and everyone who shares and enjoys these spaces. Stay for refreshments, and all kids will receive a National Public Lands Day Certificate for volunteering. Long pants, long sleeves, and sneakers or boots are recommended. Call 217-384-4062 by September 27 to let us know you are coming.

America Recycles Day: Fall Into RecyclingSaturday, November 3, 1-4pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Join us to swap Halloween costumes, compost leftover pumpkins and learn more about recycling at this fall event!• Bring Halloween costumes (kids & adults) to swap with others!

(Leftover costumes will be donated to a local charity.)• Bring Halloween pumpkins to this event to compost! Please no

paint, glitter, stickers or candles.• Create autumn-themed works of art using recycled materials.• Make your own creation from reused or repurposed materials

at home before the event, and enter to win an award in the fifth annual Creative Reuse Competition. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.

Before this event, participate in the America Recycles Day at Boneyard Creek clean-up event hosted by the City of Champaign from 10am-12pm. Visit www.champaignil.gov for more information.

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| URBANA PARK DISTRICT | urbanaparks.org/register | 217-367-1544

Adopt anEducation Animal

The nature center houses a number of education animals who demonstrate the variety of wildlife living in Illinois. Most have injuries that would compromise their survival in the wild, or were captive-bred. All of the animals are on exhibit and featured during educational programs with schools, scouts and the general public. In 2017 alone these animals visited over 80 different groups!

You could be part of their lives! Your financial contribution, or “adoption”, goes directly toward the animals’ medical care, housing and food. This is a great way to support local environmental education! Adoptions also make great gifts to the animal lovers in your life.

Upon adoption you receive:• A fact sheet with the animal’s history and photographs• Adoption certificate• Your name on the donor exhibit in the Field Station for the period of the adoption• Invitation to a private 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.

Attend the Owl-ebration to meet the owls in person! Fees for this event go directly to their ongoing care. See page 57 for more details and registration information.

You can also help increase the visibility of wildlife in the outdoor habitat gardens by donating bird seed!

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The nature center houses a number of education animals who demonstrate the variety of wildlife living in Illinois. Most have injuries that would compromise their survival in the wild, or were captive-bred. All of the animals are on exhibit and featured during educational programs with schools, scouts and the general public. In 2017 alone these animals visited over 80 different groups!

You could be part of their lives! Your financial contribution, or “adoption”, goes directly toward the animals’ medical care, housing and food. This is a great way to support local environmental education! Adoptions also make great gifts to the animal lovers in your life.

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

Our goal for these natural areas is to restore characteristics of Illinois’ most diverse habitats. Restoration includes planting and seeding native plants, removing nuisance plants, and conducting prescribed burns to encourage healthy growth. Learn more about each of these areas at:http://www.urbanaparks.org/parks/natural-areas/

Natural areas are open sunrise to sunset. Naturalists are available, and classes are designed for all age groups and interests. To inquire about programs and services, call the Anita Purves Nature Center at 217-384-4062. Visit page 16 for information. Help us maintain these natural areas by not collecting items, walking pets or cycling.

Busey WoodsBusey Woods is a 59-acre bottomland oak-hickory forest. It is located at the north end of Crystal Lake Park with an entrance just west of the Anita Purves Nature Center. The C-U Optimist Club sponsors management of Busey Woods.

Commissioners Grove & Wetland in Weaver ParkWith the help of volunteers, the Urbana Park District is restoring a variety of ecosystems at this quietly emerging park. Located south of the intersection of Main Street and Smith Road, this 60-acre park contains:• An in-progress 5-acre woodland/savanna restoration• Newly-established 35 acres planted with prairie and native grasses• An award-winning watershed management wetland

Spomer Prairie in Meadowbrook ParkPrairie was the dominant natural feature of Illinois before the settlers arrived. Since 1978, the Urbana Park District and countless volunteers have worked to re-create approximately 80 acres of Illinois native landscape. Visit this park in south Urbana, along Windsor Road and Race Street, and explore and enjoy a part of Illinois’ natural history that has all but disappeared.

Perkins Road Wet PrairieWith help from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation 2000 program, the district is restoring 35 acres behind the dog park. Once restored, the park will include prairie and wetland environments for wildlife observation, environmental education programs and recreation. For a sneak peek at this developing natural area, attend a Stewardship Saturday.

Stewardship SaturdaysDress for the weather and lend a hand while learning about local natural areas. During Stewardship Saturdays, volunteers assist with: • Invasive plant removal;• Trail improvements and clean-up;• Native plant seed harvest and/or planting.

Tools, gloves, instruction and refreshments are provided.

Stewardship Saturday workdays are recommended for children 8 years and older, however accommodations for younger participants may be available with enough advance notice. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Large groups are welcome. Scouts and groups with children should call well in ad-vance to make arrangements to help - an alternate workday may be required as some stewardship activities are not suited for children.

Let us know you will be attending by calling 217-384-4062 prior to each date. Please dress for the weather.

For Busey Woods• Meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center

For Meadowbrook Park• Meet at the Race Street parking lot south of Windsor Road

For Weaver Park• Pull off at the intersection of Main Street and Smith Road

For Perkins Road Wet Prairie• Meet at the Dog Park parking lot on Perkins Road, ½ mile

east of Cunningham Avenue

Date Time Location

September 89-11am Busey Woods1-3pm Weaver Park

September 29National Public Lands DaySee page 59 for details

9-11am Meadowbrook Park

1-3pm Perkins Road Wet Prairie

October 139-11am Busey Woods1-3pm Weaver Park

October 279-11am Meadowbrook Park1-3pm Perkins Road Wet Prairie

November 109-11am Busey Woods1-3pm Weaver Park

December 89-11am Busey Woods1-3pm Weaver Park

Natural Areas

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| URBANA PARK DISTRICT | urbanaparks.org/register | 217-367-1544

The Urbana Park District is leading the community in environmental stewardship!

Environmental issues are important to the Urbana Park District. The District is a leader in implementing programs and practices that demonstrate the value of responsible environmental practices. The “Green Team” committee implements and oversees environmental initiatives district-wide.

The Urbana Park District follows these environmentally responsible practices:

1. Provide environmental education and interpretation opportunities for the public (see Nature Programs on pages 55-59).

2. Promote preservation, restoration management and stewardship of open spaces, nature preserves, waters, greenways and trails.

3. Conserve and protect water and soil, enhance air quality, limit the production and release of damaging pollutants, and protect plants and wildlife.

4. Conserve energy resources and utilize alternative energy technologies when possible.

5. Re-use or recycle natural materials and manufactured products whenever possible; cooperate with local government and community groups to support recycling efforts.

6. Purchase and use environmentally safe and sensitive products whenever feasible.

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 a great benefit to all those who participate.

Bring your class on a School Tour to visit Busey Woods or Meadowbrook Park’s Spomer Prairie. Busey Woods programs include time to explore the nature center’s Field Station. Or, invite a Naturalist in the Classroom to visit your school. A trained environmental educator will bring hands-on materials, interactive lessons, and sometimes a live animal to your classroom.

All programs meet grade-specific Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers receive supplemental activity ideas to connect the real world to the classroom. A brochure with tour information is available for download atwww.urbanaparks.org/programs/nature-programs/.

Urbana Park District environmental educators are eager to help you! Contact Heidi Vasel, Environmental Education Coordinator, at 217-384-4062 or hjvasel@urbanaparks.org with your questions or requests.

Items You Can BorrowThe Anita Purves Nature Center also offers a wide variety of education loan items such as curriculum guides and natural history reference materials. Our themed loan boxes include natural history specimens, standards-based lesson plans for a variety of grades, and materials to assist you. For more information on available loan boxes and photos of what’s inside, visit www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/environmental-education-loan-boxes/.

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Outdoor Learning OpportunitiesEach 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 a great benefit to all those who participate.

Bring your class on a School Tour to visit Busey Woods or Meadowbrook Park’s Spomer Prairie. Busey Woods programs include time to explore the nature center’s Field Station. Or, invite a Naturalist in the Classroom to visit your school. A trained environmental educator will bring hands-on materials, interactive lessons, and sometimes a live animal to your classroom.

All programs meet grade-specific Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers receive supplemental activity ideas to connect the real world to the classroom. A brochure with tour information is available for download atwww.urbanaparks.org/programs/nature-programs/.

Urbana Park District environmental educators are eager to help you! Contact Heidi Vasel, Environmental Education Coordinator, at 217-384-4062 or hjvasel@urbanaparks.org with your questions or requests.

Items You Can BorrowThe Anita Purves Nature Center also offers a wide variety of education loan items such as curriculum guides and natural history reference materials. Our themed loan boxes include natural history specimens, standards-based lesson plans for a variety of grades, and materials to assist you. For more information on available loan boxes and photos of what’s inside, visit www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/environmental-education-loan-boxes/.

The Friendship Grove Nature Playscape, located just outside the nature center, is a unique and interactive landscape that engages children of all ages in imaginative and active outdoor play. Your class can explore this exciting new feature during your visit.

F R I E N D S H I P G R O V ENATURE PLAYSCAPE

FREE! Volunteer Naturalist TrainingBy AppointmentAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 18 and Up

Make a difference to more than 3,000 children who visit the nature center each year and help kids get excited about the environment. Share the joy of teaching while exploring Busey Woods in Crystal Lake Park and Spomer Prairie in Meadowbrook Park. Volunteer naturalists learn to lead many fun and easy nature activities. You must be available on a weekday morning or afternoon. Please call 217-384-4062 to set up a time for an individual training.

“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 student discovery.”

- Heidi Vasel Environmental Education Coordinator

Get on the List!

Sign up for our new educator resources email list and get seasonal helpful tips for the classroom and information about resources and upcoming programs.

Visit www.urbanaparks.org/e-news/ and scroll to Educator Resources.