Snowflake Search
January 19-February 28
CCFPD SNOWFLAKE SEARCH
Champaign County Forest Preserves, Visit www.ccfpd.org for more info on open/closed times
Get out and explore your local winter wonderland in search of snowflakes! We’ve hidden creative snowflakes and winter fun facts throughout the Champaign County Forest Preserves. Bundle up and find as many as you can! Take a picture of your finds and share them with us on our Facebook and Instagram pages using the hashtag #CCFPDSnowflakeSearch. Follow the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, Museum of the Grand Prairie, and Homer Lake Interpretive Center Facebook pages as well as hashtag #CCFPDSnowflakeSearch to learn more about the winter season and discover clues to help find these stunning snowflakes painted on tree rounds. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or [email protected]
19TH CENTURY HISTORY THRU ARTS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Wednesday, February 8
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a hands-on experience to explore 19th century history through the arts. Learners will recreate works of art that reflect the history of the century. Available for homeschoolers ages 6 to 9. $5 per child. Space is limited; Registration required by February 4 at ccfpd.org to reserve your spots for this drop-off program. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be altered or canceled due to weather or health-related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or [email protected]
Registration Link: Activity detail | Champaign County Forest Preserve (activecommunities.com)
Owl Prowl
Thursday, February 9
OWL PROWL
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 5-7 p.m.
Why prowl for owls now? Many species are most active in the winter months, because they are breeding or nesting. That means we have a better chance of hearing or seeing a live owl in the wild! This program begins indoors with a presentation, and participants will have the chance to dissect owl pellets and take them home. Then, we will hit the trails to call and search for owls! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person. Space is limited; registration required by February 8 at ccfpd.org. All attendees (adults and children) must register in advance. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be altered or canceled due to weather or health-related concerns. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or [email protected]
Volunteer Event - Invasive Plant Removal
Volunteer Opportunity
Invasive plant removal
Saturday, Feb 18th 10-12pm
This will start with a short talk on the history of restoration in this site for CCFPD’s 75th anniversary!
River Bend Forest Preserve
1602 W Mid-America Rd
Mahomet, IL 61853
Help remove invasive honeysuckle and autumn olive with CCFPD Natural Resources staff. Wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and long pants. Keep in mind that clothes may get damaged from woody plants or sparks from possible burn pile. We will supply any tools needed. Please use address and follow any arrow signs on your way in. Check social media or email [email protected] the morning of event for weather cancellations.
All ages welcome, but youth must be supervised by an adult.
Invasive plant removal is one of the most ecologically impactful volunteer opportunities we offer, and remarkably satisfying too! Contact Emily at [email protected] or Sue at [email protected] if you have questions.
CCFPD Frog Call Survey Training
Saturday, February 18
CCFPD FROG CALL SURVEY TRAINING
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2-4 p.m.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is recruiting volunteers for our Frog Call Survey citizen science program! Attend this training session to learn about how frog monitoring works and how to participate in the survey. There will be an optional follow-up field training session in the spring. Dress for the weather, as we may go on a short walk. FREE. Ages 18 & up. Register by February 17 at ccfpd.org. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be altered or canceled due to weather or health-related concerns. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or [email protected]
Registration Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1615
Lincoln's Birthday Celebration for Kids
Monday, February 20
LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR KIDS
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 1-2:30 p.m.
Make your day off count! We will celebrate the legacy of one of Illinois’ Favorite sons on this President’s Day! Activities will include several crafts celebrating Lincoln’s life and legacy. Registration required, ages 5-12, $5 per child. Adults must accompany children. Registration required by Feb 13th at ccfpd.org. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be altered or canceled due to weather or health-related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or [email protected].
Special Exhibit Speaker Series the Health and Equality Ideals: Through the Lens of History and Preservation
SPECIAL EXHIBIT SPEAKER SERIES
The Health and Equality Ideals: Through the Lens of History and Preservation
Online Event, Streaming on the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook and YouTube pages, 7 p.m.
Help us continue our special speaker series with this engaging virtual program featuring Dr. David McBride, a research specialist, public historian, and professor emeritus of African American studies and history at Penn State University. David's presentation will trace the origins and accomplishments of struggles by civic and health activists to establish equal health opportunities throughout American communities. From the U.S. constitutional protections for equal access to health and environmental resources, to initiatives by public and private health institutions to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and equality ideals have shaped U.S. medicine and public health for nearly two centuries. Be sure to visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie’s special exhibit “A History of Healing: Infectious Diseases and Community Responses to Defeat Them” soon to learn more about the impact of hard-hitting diseases in our communities’ history and the effect they had on local healthcare systems. This program is supported in part by our friends at Illinois Humanities. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or [email protected].
Maple Sugar Days
Saturday, February 25
MAPLE SUGAR DAYS
Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2 p.m.
Did you know that the Homer Lake Forest Preserve has a 200-year-old Sugar Maple Grove? People have been tapping sugar maple trees to make sugar and syrup for centuries, and now you can, too! Explore the science and the history behind maple sugaring, learn how to do it yourself, and even take home a sample of syrup made from our very own trees. All ages. $5 per person. Space is limited; registration required by February 23 at ccfpd.org. Register for the morning session or the afternoon session. Current public health guidelines will be followed. Program may be altered or canceled due to weather or health-related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or [email protected]
Registration Links: AM Session - http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1620