New Nature Programs - Urbana · 2018. 12. 3. · Nature Programs Adults Only Owl Prowl (1991) Saturday, February 2, 5-7pm Anita Purves Nature Center & Busey Woods Age 15 and Up Explore

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

Nature ProgramsNature Play Kids (2017)Fridays, March 1-April 12, 10-11amFriendship Grove Nature PlayscapeRecommended for Ages 3-6; kids under 6 months attend freeFee: $4/child

Bring your young ones to the nature center for creative play time with guidance and additional supplies from a nature play facilitator. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability. 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. Pre-registration is encouraged so we have enough supplies for everyone. Drop-ins are welcome, in which case the $4/child fee should be paid inside the nature center upon arrival.

Date Pre-Register by Code

March 1 February 28 7454

March 8 March 7 7455




April 5 April 4 7459

April 12 April 11 7492

NEW! Forest Preschool (2019)Monday-Friday, March 18-22, 8am-12pmBusey Woods & Friendship Grove Nature PlayscapeAges 4-6, must be toilet trained

This pilot program, developed for children who have not yet attended kindergarten, takes place entirely outdoors no matter the weather! Drop off is from 8-8:30am at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. From there kids will head into Busey Woods for themed nature explorations. A snack is provided. Children must come dressed appropriately for the weather and bring a refillable water bottle daily.

EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$68R/$103NR | Mar 4 $76R/$114NR | Mar 11 7493

FREE! Nature Center Pre-K Fridays (2016)Drop-in Fridays, January 11-February 1, 9am-12pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 6 and Under with adult

Kids age six 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.

Follow the Anita Purves Nature Center on Facebook for the most up-to-date program information, or sign up here to receive the nature center’s monthly e-newsletter: www.urbanaparks.org/e-news/

40 and Flying - Connecting You with NatureJoin the Urbana Park District as we celebrate the Anita Purves Nature Center’s 40th anniversary. To celebrate we are bringing back 40 programs and events from the past 40 years. Some of these are familiar programs that we still offer with a days-gone-by flair, while others are one-time programs that were a hit back in the day. All programs occur at the Anita Purves Nature Center, 1505 N Broadway, Urbana unless noted otherwise. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter or sign up to receive our e-newsletter, [email protected] to get access to our SECRET words. Tell the latest secret words to the front desk staff when you come to any and all of our planned programs, and be entered each time for our 40th anniversary raffle prizes.

& FLYINGANITA PURVESNATURE CENTER

1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019

|

Na

ture Program

sAdults Only Owl Prowl (1991)Saturday, February 2, 5-7pmAnita Purves Nature Center & Busey WoodsAge 15 and Up

Explore Busey Woods at night in search of owls with Illinois Natural History Survey Avian Specialist, Tara Beveroth. Start with a presentation on native Illinois owls, then head outside to listen for their calls. After the hike, meet the Anita Purves Nature Center’s resident screech owls and warm up with hot cocoa. Be prepared for wet, cold and/or slippery conditions. Hikes will be on soft, uneven paths. Pending weather conditions, this program may be rescheduled.


$7R/$11NR | Jan 19 $9R/$14NR | Jan 26 7277

FREE! Be a School Tour VolunteerBy AppointmentAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 18 and Up

Hone your natural history knowledge and leadership skills, and make a difference to more than 3,000 children who visit the nature center each year. Share the excitement of teaching while exploring Busey Woods and Meadowbrook Park’s Spomer Prairie. Volunteers learn to guide many fun and easy nature activities as they lead tours at these sites. To be a volunteer, you must be available on some weekday mornings or afternoons. You can arrange a training time by calling Chelsea Prahl at 217-384-4062 or email [email protected].

“School tour volunteers play an important role in our community. They have a passion for the environment and it is evident in their interactions with students. Volunteers welcome excited children into our natural areas and guide them while encouraging moments of curiosity and discovery. They enjoy helping to open young minds to the wonders of the environment and we are thankful for their valuable

contributions.”

- Chelsea Prahl Environmental Education Coordinator

Organic Gardens: Community Gardening in Meadowbrook ParkGrowing Season: March 3-November 3, 2019Meadowbrook Park - Race St entranceAge 18 and Up

Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden program has supported healthy bodies and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. A garden supervisor will assist with questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in “as is” condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged. For more information, call 217-384-4062 or read the garden manual at www.urbanaparks.org/parks/meadowbrook-park/.

To Register for a Garden Plot:• Register by calling 217-367-1544 or completing the

registration form on page 79. Online registration is not available.

• In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30/plot deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District’s published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit.

• New gardeners must attend a Garden Meeting at the Anita Purves Nature Center where garden plot selection will take place. You must register and pay for the garden at least two days prior to attending a meeting.

Garden Meetings at Anita Purves Nature Center:

Date Time Register for a Plot & Meeting

Tue, Feb 19 6:30-7:30pm Feb 17

Sat, Mar 2 1-2pm Apr 30

Tue, Mar 12 6-7pm Mar 10

Tue, Mar 26 7-8pm Mar 24

Sat, Apr 6 10-11am Apr 4

Plot Size Fee Code

Raised Plot*: 11’ x 3’ $20R/$30NR 7447

Half Plot: 17’ x 15’ $30R/$45NR 7445

Full Plot: 17’ x 30’ $50R/$75NR 7444

*Raised Plots are ADA Accessible


1979-2019

Na

ture

Pro

gram

s


Birding for Beginners (1996)Saturday, March 2, 9-11amAnita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with registered adult

This workshop is for folks with little or no birding 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 the woods. All equipment will be provided, including a trail snack.


$10R/$15NR | Feb 16 $13R/$18NR | Feb 23 7280

Parent/Child Nature Discovery (1994)Saturday, March 23, 10-11amAnita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with registered adult

Discover the wonders of nature through the eyes of your child. A naturalist will guide you and your child as you share a special time together hiking in Busey Woods while engaging in songs, role-play, and more.


$4R/$5NR | Mar 9 $6R/$7NR | Mar 16 7281

Magic Mixtures (1992)Saturday, January 19, 10-11:30amAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 6 and Under with Adult; Parents Free with Registered Child

Kids and their parents are welcome to join in the fun during this magical program. You will experiment, create and discover using a variety of household materials alongside the Master Mixer. Be prepared to get slimy!


$7R/$11NR | Jan 5 $9R/$14NR | Jan 12 7278

Owl Prowl for Kids (1991)Saturday, February 23, 5-7pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAges 6-15; Parents Free with Registered Child

This program is a special opportunity for kids to explore Busey Woods at night in search of wild owls. We will start with a short presentation indoors, then hit the trails! After the hike, dissect an owl pellet, meet the nature center’s resident screech owls and warm up with hot cocoa. Be prepared for wet, cold and/or slippery conditions. Participants will hike on soft, uneven surfaces- please, no strollers. A minimum of one adult is required for every three children. Pending weather conditions, this program may be rescheduled.


$9R/$14NR | Feb 9 $11R/$17NR | Feb 16 7279

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 wildflowers blooming or fairy shrimp emerging in Busey Woods. 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.


1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019

|

Na

ture Program

sNature Photography (1980)Thursdays, April 3-May 1, 4-5pmAnita Purves Nature CenterStudents enrolled in Urbana Middle School’s SPLASH Program

Students participating in the SPLASH program (Students Playing and Learning After School Hours) will work alongside a local photographer to capture moments in nature. This hands-on experience allows students to express their vision of the environment around them through their own lens. For more information about the SPLASH program, please contact Urbana Middle School.

Eggtastic (2013)Saturday, April 13, 1-3pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAge 8 and Up; under 15 with registered adult

Give your eggs a different tint this year. Create homemade dyes that will make your holiday eggs look like bird eggs. Dress for mess and bring your own hard-boiled eggs and containers. Afterwards, take a natural dye booklet to continue the fun at home!


$6R/$9NR | Mar 30 $7R/$11NR | Apr 6 7451

Family of 4+ EB Cost | Deadline Cost | Deadline Code

$23R/$35NR | Mar 30 $26R/$39NR | Apr 6 7494

Live Animals!Come meet the owls, turtles and snakes at the Anita Purves Nature Center and learn how you can “Adopt an Education Animal.” For an up-close visit with the screech owls, attend the Owl Prowl for Kids (page 64) or the Adults Only Owl Prowl (page 63).

Salamander Meander (1993)Saturday, April 27, 2-3:30pmAnita Purves Nature Center & Busey WoodsAll Ages; under 15 with registered adult

Use nets, magnifiers and guides to investigate the bizarre and extraordinary life that lurks in Busey Woods’ seasonal ponds, including native and elusive salamanders. You may get wet, so dress for mess.


$4R/$6NR | Apr 13 $5R/$7NR | Apr 20 7452

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 ext. 20 for Nature Programs. 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/


1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019

Na

ture

Pro

gram

s


The Great Backyard Bird Count (2006)Saturday, February 16, 9am-4pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Help with bird conservation by counting birds. Anyone can participate—count for as little or as long as you wish! Record the birds you see through the windowed Wildlife Observation Room and during guided hikes. Get instruction in bird identification. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars if you have them or borrow a pair at the nature center. Free activity stations will also be available. To learn more about this annual four-day-long nationwide event, visit gbbc.birdcount.org/.• 10am and 3pm: Winter Bird Hike – Learn how to identify

some common winter birds as we trek along the trails of Busey Woods. Binoculars will be available to borrow.

• 11am-1pm: Recipes for the Birds – Discover how to mix seed to tailor-make a combination to attract your favorite birds to your feeder. Make one feeder to take home and one for the center’s Wildlife Habitat Garden.

• 1-3pm: Nest Builders – Learn about bird architects, the variety of nests they make and the materials they use. Dissect a nest and then make a nest helper, a container designed to provide materials like laundry lint and yarn scraps.

Sunday Morning Bird WalksSundays, March 3-May 26, 7:30-9amMeet in Anita Purves Nature Center parking lotAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Join the Champaign County Audubon Society for their 75th year of birding! Walk with CCAS 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). Check out the nature center and grab a snack during extended hours for a limited time. See Birds, Binoculars and Beverages on page 67.

Come See What’s Free!Big Grove Storytelling Festival (2001)Saturday, March 9, 1-4pmAnita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Gather your family and friends for an afternoon of imagination at the nature center as we host the Big Grove Storytelling Festival! Brought together by popular demand are four tellers who have entertained many nature center audiences over the years: Kath Brinkmann, Dan Keding, Kim Petzing, and Kim Sheahan. The fun will include crafts and contests. Concessions will be available, along with a booth where the tellers will sell their merchandise.

Performer Schedule:

Performer Time

Telling Round Robin with all Tellers 1-2pm

Kim Sheahan 2-2:30pm

Kath Brinkmann 2:30-3pm

Kim Petzing 3-3:30pm

Dan Keding 3:30-4pm

Woodcock Walk (2011)Wednesday, March 20, 6:30-8pmMeadowbrook Interpretive CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Discover the secret life of the bird with the upside-down brain during a guided twilight stroll. Watch its evening dance, visible only during the first few weeks of spring. Find out why this bird has so many other intriguing names like Labrador Twister, Pop-eyed Shot Dodger and Mud Snipe. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. The hike will begin on the accessible path but some groups may detour onto the unpaved prairie paths. Call 217-384-4062 by March 19 if you plan on attending.


1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019

|

Na

ture Program

s

Come See What’s Free!Birds, Binoculars & Beverages (2003)Sundays, April 7-May 12, 7:15-9:45amAnita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

The nature center will be open early to visitors and birders. Don’t have binoculars? They will be available for loan at the nature center. After your walk, enjoy coffee, light snacks and conversation while you observe birds from the Wildlife Observation Room, explore the exhibits in the Field Station or shop in the Audubon Nature Shop.

Moon Walks (1982)Friday, April 19, 7:30-9pm & Saturday, May 18, 8-9:30pmAnita Purves Nature Center & Busey WoodsAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Experience a new side of Busey Woods on these guided hikes scheduled on nights of the full moon. Listen for owls and other nocturnal creatures, and learn how they survive and thrive.

EarthCare Expo & Nature Hike (1990)Saturday, April 20• Nature Hike, 1-2pm• Short Films, 2pm & 3pm• EarthCare Expo, 2-4pm

Anita Purves Nature CenterAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Celebrate Earth Day as you meet Earth-friendly folks and engage with hands-on displays and activities for all ages. Co-sponsored by the Urbana Park District, Faith in Place, and Interfaith Alliance C-U, the event will feature displays from partners throughout the Champaign-Urbana area. A selection of Earth-care-themed short films will be shown at 2pm and 3pm; all ages will enjoy these thought-provoking gems. Enjoy a nature hike through Busey Woods. Kids’ activities will be offered at the adjacent Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. No pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit www.faithinplace.org and click on Events.

Arbor Day (1995)Friday, April 26, Time TBALocation TBAAll Ages - under 15 with adult

Join the Urbana Park District as we partner with the City of Urbana in an Arbor Day celebration. Enjoy the fresh air provided by the beautiful trees at our local parks. There will be opportunities to learn more about trees, assist with tree planting and participate in a variety of tree-riffic hands-on activities.


1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019


1979-2019

Na

ture

Pro

gram

s


Outdoor Learning OpportunitiesEach year the Anita Purves Nature Center staff engage with thousands of elementary and middle school students 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 who participate.

Teachers - Bring your class for a School Tour through 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. An environmental educator will bring hands-on materials, interactive lessons, and sometimes a live owl, turtle, worms or snake to your classroom (as related to the topic).

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 at www.urbanaparks.org/programs/nature-programs/.

Are you looking for a program to compliment a unit or lesson you are teaching? Contact Chelsea Prahl, Environmental Education Coordinator, at 217-384-4062 or [email protected] to develop a special request environmental education program to fit your specific needs.

Items You Can BorrowThe Urbana Park District also offers a wide variety of education loan items at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Items such as curriculum guides and natural history reference materials are available as well as themed loan boxes. These 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/. If you don’t have time to pick up and/or bring back your kit, educators in the Urbana-Champaign area may request loan box delivery or pick up for a small fee.

Teach with a TurtleBorrow the Reptiles and Amphibians loan box and have a live turtle in your classroom for up to two weeks! This is the perfect way to have a classroom animal for a short duration and not be bothered with what to do with the animal during days off from school. This kit includes supplemental activities, turtle care and feeding instructions, and standards-based lesson plans. This hands-on experience will be unforgettable for you and your students.

Winter School Tours (1983)Monday-Friday, February 4-8Anita Purves Nature CenterSchool Classrooms with Teacher

Local schools have the opportunity to visit Busey Woods and learn how animals survive winter. Discover adaptations that allow animals to stay active during the cold season! Teachers contact Chelsea Prahl, Environmental Education Coordinator, at 217-384-4062 or email [email protected] to schedule a tour.

Earth Day Celebration with Schools (2012)Monday, April 22, Time TBAAnita Purves Nature CenterSchool Classrooms with Teacher

In celebration of Earth Day the Anita Purves Nature Center is inviting students to join us for hands-on activities geared around caring and appreciating the environment. For more information on the event, teachers can contact Chelsea Prahl at [email protected] or call 217-384-4062.

Get on the List!Sign up for our 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.


1979-2019


1979-2019

|

Na

ture Program

s

Adopt anEducation Animal

The nature center houses a number of education animals that 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 2018 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 or Toad $15 $80 $150

Snake $30 $160 $300

Owl $50 $260 $525

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

Na

ture

Pro

gram

s


Our goal for these natural areas is to restore areas characteristic 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 15 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• Parking for the Kickapoo Rail Trail

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.

Natural AreasStewardship Saturdays will return in Summer 2019.

Stewardship Saturday volunteer workdays are on hiatus. If you or your group is interested in other volunteer opportunities at the Urbana Park District, contact Ellen Kirsanoff, Development Coordinator, at 217-367-1536 or email [email protected].

|

Na

ture Program

s

The Urbana Park District has been awarded the Best of the Best Award for Best Green Practices from the Illinois Association of Park Districts!

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 62-68).

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.

Documents

New Nature Programs - Urbana · 2018. 12. 3. · Nature Programs Adults Only Owl Prowl (1991) Saturday, February 2, 5-7pm Anita Purves Nature Center & Busey Woods Age 15 and Up Explore