Take a Child Outside Scavenger Hunt Challenge
Saturday, September 25 - Thursday, September 30
TAKE A CHILD OUTSIDE WEEK SCAVENGER HUNT CHALLENGE
Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, During Interpretive Center regular hours
Take a Child Outside week is September 24-30, and we are putting on a special scavenger hunt at Homer Lake Forest Preserve! Beginning on Saturday, September 25, scavenger hunt lists will be available for pickup at the Homer Lake Interpretive Center. Bring your completed scavenger hunt back to the Interpretive Center during open hours to receive a prize! Current open hours: Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday 1- 5 p.m. FREE. All Ages. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Starwatch
STARWATCH
Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 6:30-11 p.m.
Join the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society for an evening with the stars at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, now a designated International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. We’ll meet at the Activity Center for a presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m., then proceed outside to view the stars, planets, and more! Volunteers will have telescopes set up for participants, but you are welcome to bring your own. Weather-permitting, the program will go until 11 p.m., but you may leave when you wish. No cloud date. Call (217) 896-2455 for weather updates. FREE. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
*In the event of inclement weather/overcast skies, the event may be cancelled. Cancellation notices will be made on the (217) 896-2455 number answering machine and on our Facebook pages AT LEAST two hours prior to the program start time.
CU Lockdown Trivia with the Museum of the Grand Prairie (CANCELLED)CANC
Due to low registration, this event has been has been CANCELLED. Thank you for your understanding and hope to see you at future virtual and in-person programs.
Saturday, October 2
CU LOCKDOWN TRIVIA WITH THE MUSEUM OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE
Online Event via Zoom, 7 p.m.
Want to test your knowledge?! Join CU Lockdown Trivia and the Museum of the Grand Prairie for a night of virtual trivia. The event will include four unique rounds of trivia with ties to local cultural & natural history, Abraham Lincoln, and women’s history. FREE to play with donations suggested to help support the Advancing Equity Fund at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Register at https://forms.gle/uMvuu9D51DPpxpHJ6 to receive the Zoom meeting information. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Teddy Bear Picnic for Homeschoolers
Tuesday, October 5
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Museum of the Grand Prairie 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Bring your favorite Teddy Bear or other stuffed animal (or more than one!) along for a Teddy Bear Picnic with the Museum of the Grand Prairie! In this outside program, we will make crafts, sing a song, and eat a treat. Every child will receive a real teacup to use and keep! $3 per child. Ages 5-11. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Programs may be altered or cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. Space is limited. Registration required at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link:https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1471?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Not-So-Spooky Walk With A Naturalist
Friday, October 8
NOT-SO-SPOOKY WALK WITH A NATURALIST
Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 5-6:30 p.m.
Come on our Not-So-Spooky Walk with a Naturalist to learn more about what goes on in nature in the fall, some of the tricks that nature plays on itself, and on us! Meet outside in front of the Interpretive Center. All ages. FREE. Space is limited. Registration required by October 7 at ccfpd.org. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1466
Volunteer Opportunity: Seed Collection
Seed Collection Help
The Natural Resources department with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District will have four volunteer seed collection events this year. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes and bring water if you can. We will provide any necessary tools. Some of the addresses may not take you directly to the parking lot but look for signs leading the way!
Kickapoo Rail Trail
Meet at Kolb Park
111-199 W Sherman St, Saint Joseph, IL 61873
14th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series - The Audacity of Abraham Lincoln
Thursday, October 14
14th ANNUAL LINCOLN LECTURE SERIES - THE AUDACITY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Online Event, Streaming on the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook and YouTube pages, 7 p.m.
In this booktalk, Richard Striner discusses his recent work, Summoned to Glory, which has been called a radical reinterpretation of Abraham Lincoln. Where previous Lincoln biographers describe his temperament as “moderate,” “passive,” or even “conservative,” Striner emphasizes the workings of Lincoln’s mind—stressing his cunning, his overall honesty, strategic thinking—even his ability to change his mind. Discover a new way to look at our sixteenth president! For more info: (217) 586-2612 or bgarvey@ccfpd.org
Wilderness Skills Living Workshop
Friday-Sunday, October 15-17
WILDERNESS LIVING SKILLS WORKSHOP
Burr Oak Group Campsite, Harry L. Swartz Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Friday 6 p.m.-Sunday 12 p.m. CST
Spend 3 days camping in the hardwood forests of Illinois where you will learn to make use of the landscape around you. This is an exciting class with lots of hands-on practice in the essential skills of wilderness survival. Participants will learn to make rope, light fires with fire-by-friction, build a shelter that will keep you warm and dry, find food in the wild, and techniques of cooking food over a fire. All this while sleeping in the comfort of your own tent. Adults only. $200 per person. Register by Oct 8. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs.. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or pleiter@ccfpd.org.
Our instructors for this workshop are the highly experienced co-founders of Wild Nature Project. They have led this workshop at our location for 8 years, and we know you will enjoy them while learning so many new skills!
Note: To help keep costs down, we do not provide food in this course.
If you need to cancel: The registration fee will be refunded, minus a $50 administration fee, if the cancellation is received in writing no later than Oct 8, 2021
Volunteer Opportunity: Harvest Fest Event Help
Volunteer Opportunity
Harvest Fest Event Help
Saturday, October 16
Museum of the Grand Prairie,
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Volunteers are needed from 1:30 to 5:30 to assist with activities or information desk. All activities are outside. Free apples and cider for volunteers. All abilities welcome.
Event description:
Spooky stories and autumn activities await you! Enjoy the fun traditions of the season, including pumpkin carving and decorating, scarecrow making, hay-rack rides, open fire cooking, and spooky stories! Activities include Pumpkin Carving/Painting, Mask Masking, Hay Rack Ride Assistant, Corn Shelling, and Apple Peeling.
Harvest Fest
HARVEST FEST
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2-5 p.m.
Autumn activities await you! Enjoy the fun traditions of the season, including pumpkin carving and decorating, hay-rack rides, apple peeling, and more! $5 per person. Space is limited. Registration required by October 14 at ccfpd.org. Registered guests will receive one pumpkin per registrant. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Program may be cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1463
Outdoor Fun for Homeschoolers With One Room Schoolhouse Recess Games
Tuesday, October 19
OUTDOOR FUN FOR HOMESCHOOLERS WITH ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE RECESS GAMES
Museum of the Grand Prairie (outside by schoolhouse), Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10-11 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what kids played for recess back in one room schoolhouse days? Then join us for this fun, outdoor program where you will learn the history of the games they played back in the day, as well as getting a chance to try them all yourself! Be ready to exercise and have fun in this hands-on, outdoor program. Ages 5-12. $3 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Programs may be altered or cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1472?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Intro to Letterboxing
Wednesday, October 20
INTRO TO LETTERBOXING
Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m.
Attend this free training session to learn all about the art of Letterboxing, a real-life treasure hunt that involves art, puzzle-solving, and using clues to find hidden objects. We will have resident experts on site sharing their knowledge and helping new or beginner Letterboxers get started with this popular hobby. Recommended for ages 18 and up. FREE. Space is limited. Registration required by October 19 at ccfpd.org. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link:http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1467
Halloween Fun in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
Friday, October 22
HALLOWEEN FUN IN THE MABERY GELVIN GARDEN
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden behind Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2-4 p.m.
Halloween is right around the corner! Put on your costume (or not!) and join us in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden for Halloween fun! We will have a scavenger hunt around the garden to find Halloween decorations, a Halloween craft to complete, and sidewalk chalk so you can help us decorate the garden for the upcoming holiday! All ages. FREE. No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Programs may be altered or cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
En Plein Air: Painting with Evelyn Tardy
Saturday, October 23
EN PLEIN AIR: PAINTING WITH EVELYN TARDY
Izaak Walton Cabin, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m.
Isolation has been hard on all of us during the pandemic. Are you ready to enjoy some time with others while painting in the gorgeous setting of our Izaak Walton Cabin in Lake of the Woods? Participants can set up on the outside deck, nearby the cabin, or inside, depending on their personal comfort level. The cabin is surrounded by beautiful fall foliage and looks over the river. Join local artist and educator, Evelyn Tardy, as she leads us in this En Plein Air Class. You might decide to paint the mini red bridge, the creek, fall trees… the possibilities are endless! Supplies are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own supplies. $10 per person. Ages 16-103, no experience necessary. Space is limited. Registration required at ccfpd.org. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Programs may be altered or cancelled due to COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1473?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Tuesday, October 26th 1-3pm
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
Point Pleasant parking lot
2590 County Rd 3350 N, Gifford, IL 61847
All ages welcome! No RSVP needed. Come on out!
14th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series - Lincoln & Douglas: Touring Illinois in Turbulent Times - A Film Discussion
Thursday, October 28
14th ANNUAL LINCOLN LECTURE SERIES
LINCOLN & DOUGLAS: TOURING ILLINOIS IN TURBULENT TIMES - A FILM DISCUSSION
The Lincoln-Douglas debates are seen as one of the greatest political showdowns in United States history. Issues at the center of the debates continue to impact our country more than 150 years later. We invite you to join us for a discussion of a new documentary film, “Lincoln & Douglas: Touring Illinois in Turbulent Times.” The film examines the debates, memory of them, and how they are commemorated across the state of Illinois. During this virtual film discussion, hear from Dr. Graham Peck, Co-Director and Wepner Distinguished Professor of Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois-Springfield, Nathan Peck, Co-Director and Associate Professor of Art & Design at St. Xavier University, and Sunshine Clemons, Film Contributor and Co-Founder/Co-Director of the Springfield, Illinois Chapter of Black Lives Matter, as they discuss the process of making the film and participate in a Q&A. Prior to the panel discussion, we invite you to view a screening of the film on Urbana Public Television, Parkland College Television, or other streaming options. Visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook page or museumofthegrandprairie.org for more details on upcoming screening options. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Part of the Community - East Frisian Oral History in Champaign County
Thursday, November 4
PART OF THE COMMUNITY: EAST FRISIAN ORAL HISTORY IN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
Over a hundred years ago, people with names like Osterbur, Duitsman, Busboom, and Behrens came to America from a place called Ostfriesland (also known as East Frisia), Germany. When they boarded ships to make the transatlantic journey, these intrepid travelers sought a better way of life and knew they would probably never see their homeland or some members of their family again. After arriving, many families settled in northeastern Champaign County, Illinois to form unique East Frisian communities. To help preserve the heritage of these communities, the Museum of the Grand Prairie, then the Early American Museum, began the East Frisian of Illinois: A Field Investigation project in the 1990s. Its goal was to preserve Champaign County’s East Frisian Heritage through oral history collection. Join our Curator, Mark Hanson, to learn more about the stories captured in this project and recent preservation work that has taken place with these oral histories. Also, preview content from a new travelling and online exhibit entitled Part of the Community: East Frisian Oral History in Champaign County. This work was funded in part by grants from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Seed Scatter for Homeschoolers
Friday, November 5
SEED SCATTER FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10-11 a.m.
Seeds can’t walk, but they can travel very far. Hitchhiking, exploring, and parachuting are just a few ways that plants spread seeds. Homeschoolers will learn how and why seeds need to move and take a guided walk through the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden to find some seeds. $3 per child. Ages 5-11. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Registration required at ccfpd.org. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs. Programs may be altered or cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or mmontez@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1474?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Seed Scatter for Kids
Saturday, November 6
SEED SCATTER FOR KIDS
Seeds can’t walk, but they can travel very far. Hitchhiking, exploring, and parachuting are just a few ways that plants spread seeds. Join us to learn how and why seeds need to move and take a guided walk through the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden to find some seeds. $3 per child. Parents must accompany children. Programs may be altered or cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more information contact Marina Montez-Ellis at (217) 586-2612 or mmontez@ccfpd.org Space is limited. Registration required. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs.
Registration Link:https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1475?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Explore Archaeology Open House
EXPLORE ARCHAEOLOGY OPEN HOUSE
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 1-4 p.m.
Join museum staff, members of the East Central Illinois Archaeological Society (ECIAS), and the Illinois State Archaeological Survey in exploring the wondrous field of archaeology. Enjoy special displays, dioramas, films, activities, and artifacts of interest to both adults and children. Both historical and prehistoric archaeology will be covered. Holly Labisky of ECIAS will also provide a brief presentation discussing local cemeteries and what can be learned from them. Join us to learn more about the archaeological discoveries and work taking place in Champaign County and across the state! FREE. All ages. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines & Waiver for In-person Programs. Program may be altered or cancelled due to COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.