STORYWALK®: The story of the little mole who went in search of whodunit
Monday, July 5 - Monday, August 2
STORYWALK®: THE STORY OF THE LITTLE MOLE WHO WENT IN SEARCH OF WHODUNIT
Timberdoodle Trail, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Daily During Preserve Open Hours
Since its first publication in 1993, The Story of the Little Mole Who Went in Search of Whodunit has been charming readers with its candid tale. This self-guided activity will be set up along the Timberdoodle Trail at Homer Lake Forest Preserve. As you stroll down the trail, you are directed to the next page in the story. The StoryWalk® concept is an innovative way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Park at the Interpretive Center parking lot and follow the signs to the StoryWalk®. Visit any time during preserve open hours. FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Museum Mondays: Adventures in Clay
Monday, June 28
MUSEUM MONDAYS: ADVENTURES IN CLAY
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
For many cultures around the world, creating ceramic pottery has been an essential part of life! We’ll take a look at different types of pottery and how they were made. Make a coil pot and check out a professional potter working a foot-powered pottery wheel! FREE. Space is limited. Registration is required by June 25 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1426
Freedom Fest - Postponed
The Freedom Fest Celebration, planned for Friday, July 2 at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, has been postponed.
The Freedom Fest Volunteer Committee met today and agreed to postpone the July 2nd fireworks event for the safety of festival-goers. Soggy conditions at Lake of the Woods, standing water in low lying areas of the preserve, and exceedingly high river levels do not afford the opportunity for the committee to hold a safe and enjoyable fireworks event. With more rain in the forecast, these conditions are expected to worsen rather than improve over the coming days.
Summer in the Schoolhouse: Reading & Writing
Friday, July 9
SUMMER IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE: READING & WRITING
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10-11 a.m.
Jump back in time to 1890 and see if you can keep up with a 19th century reading and writing lesson!! Class will be taught by our own school marm or master, straight out of the past. Costumes welcome; see you at summer school! FREE. Space is limited. Registration is required by July 8 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1430
Museum Mondays: Fun with Fossils
Monday, July 12
MUSEUM MONDAYS: FUN WITH FOSSILS!
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Did you know that numerous fossils have been found in Champaign County?! Help us dig deep with fossils and local history! Join us for hands-on activities all related to the study of fossils, featuring authentic museum artifacts and a mock fossil dig! FREE.Space is limited. Registration is required by July 9 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1427
Tree Rings Class for Kids
Tuesday, July 13
TREE RINGS CLASS FOR KIDS
Online Event via Zoom, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a Tree Rings Zoom! We will make an old fashioned toy called a buzz saw, look at artifacts people in the past used to build items with wood, make a TREE-mendously cool craft using images of tree rings and even receive an actual tree ring!! Pick up your craft bag for this zoom class July 7-10, from 1-5 p.m. at the Museum of the Grand Prairie. $5 per bag. Ages 5-11. Registration required by June 29 For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
Activenet link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1399
Morning with the Museum: Sports Stories
Wednesday, July 14
MORNINGS WITH THE MUSEUM: SPORTS STORIES
Online Event, Streaming on the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook and YouTube pages, 10 a.m.
Bring your coffee and join staff members for some casual conversation via Facebook and YouTube Live! The theme for this edition is "Sports Stories.” Summertime is full of fun activities, games, and sports all summer long and our staff members will share great content associated with our favorite sports! Hear about local sports history and heroes, examine artifacts from our collection related to sports, and much more! Be a good “sport” and tune in to hear these stories and as well as share yours with us! We'd also love to hear from you! Want to ask us a question? Please send in all of your questions! Ask your questions live, Facebook message us, or email us at pcain@ccfpd.org. Tune in live to have your questions answered! FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
CCFPD Summer Concert Series Music on the Lake: The Chickadee Sermon
Sunday, July 18
CCFPD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
MUSIC ON THE LAKE: THE CHICKADEE SERMON
Walnut Hill Shelter, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 5-7 p.m.
Join us in welcoming The Chickadee Sermon! Their sound emphasizes vocal harmony and delicate instrumentation with acoustic guitars, banjo and accordion. They play original songs about their small town, country upbringings, and cover artists like Jerry Garcia, John Hartford, and Emmylou Harris. Enjoy this band in one of Champaign County’s most beautiful settings! FREE. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s Covid Guidelines & 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 pcain@ccfpd.org.
Walk with a Naturalist
Monday, July 19
WALK WITH A NATURALIST
Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a guided hike along the Timberdoodle Trail. We’ll point out interesting plant species, birds, insects, and more! Meet outside in front of the Interpretive Center. FREE. Space is limited. Registration required at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to inclement weather. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
ActiveNet Link:http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1438
Museum Mondays: Cars and Trucks and Things that Go!
MUSEUM MONDAYS: CARS AND TRUCKS AND THINGS THAT GO!
For thousands of years, humans have used wheels to transport themselves and items much faster than the speed of our own two legs. In the past 100 years, all sorts of vehicles have revolutionized our daily lives in more ways than we realize. Speed into the museum for a morning full of historical items and activities centered on motorcycles, cars, busses, trucks, trains, and many more vehicles with more than two wheels. Also, participate in “Touch-A-Truck” where we will have unique vehicles you can learn about and talk to their drivers! FREE. Space is limited. Registration required by July 16 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1428
Miniature Garden Summer Moon Day Kit
Tuesday, July 20
MINIATURE GARDEN SUMMER MOON DAY KIT
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, $10.00
What is Moon Day? July 20, 1969 was the day astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin Aldrin, Jr. of the Apollo 11 mission successfully landed on the moon! We are celebrating with this kit that comes with a succulent plant and everything you need to create a special Moon Day Miniature Garden! Fun for ages 3-103! Kits come in a drawstring backpack and will be available for pickup from July 20-July 27, 1-5 p.m. You will be contacted for your preferred pick up site, Museum of the Grand Prairie or Homer Lake Interpretive Center. Quantities limited. Reserve your kit online at ccfpd.org. Ages 3-103, $10 per kit. For more info: (217) 586-2612 Or mmontez@ccfpd.org.
Activenet link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1401
Pandemics as a Portal to Change: Mutual Aid Around Food, Community Panel Discussion
Thursday, July 22
PANDEMICS AS A PORTAL TO CHANGE: MUTUAL AID AROUND FOOD, COMMUNITY PANEL DISCUSSION
Online Event, Streaming on the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook page, 7-8 p.m.
In times of crisis throughout history, Champaign County's community members have come together to work to provide healthy food while building a sense of unity and mutual care. Today’s historic time of multiple pandemics including COVID 19, climate crisis, economic crisis, racism and other -isms is no different. Join Urbana Free Library, Museum of the Grand Prairie, Krannert Art Museum, Urbana Arts and Culture Program, the College of Fine and Applied Arts at Illinois, and the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, as we welcome local activists who are working to make a real change in the ways in which we get and grow our food in these uncertain times. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
Summer in the Schoolhouse: Arithmetic
Friday, July 23
SUMMER IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE: ARITHMETIC
Jump back in time to 1890 and see if you can keep up with a 19th century arithmetic lesson!! Class will be taught by our own school marm or master, straight out of the past. Costumes welcome; see you at summer school! FREE. Space is limited. Registration required by July 22 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1432
Family Fishing Day
Saturday, July 24
FAMILY FISHING DAY
Boathouse Peninsula, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 9-11 a.m.
Join us for a morning of free fishing fun for the whole family! We will have cane poles and bait available for use during program hours. FREE. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Walk-ups welcome. 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.
Activenet link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/Activity_Search/1439
Museum Mondays: All Fun & (Olympic) Games
Monday, July 26
MUSEUM MONDAYS: ALL FUN & [OLYMPIC] GAMES
As we are supporting the United States in this year’s Summer Olympics, you can have a chance to win a medal of your own! Check out items from our museum’s collection related to sports and learn how to play everything from early Native American games to modern day activities & games still popular today. Get ready to go for the gold! FREE. Space is limited. Registration is required by July 23 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1429
Teddy Bear Picnic
Tuesday, July 27
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC
Online event via Zoom, 10-11:30 a.m.
Bring your favorite Teddy Bear or other stuffed animal (or more than one!) along for a Teddy Bear Picnic Zoom with the Museum of the Grand Prairie! We will make crafts, sing a song, and eat a treat. Pick up your craft bag July 21-24, 1-5 p.m. $5 per bag. Ages 5-11. Registration required by July 19 at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
Activenet link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1400
Beatrix Potter's Birthday Zoom Class
Wednesday, July 28
BEATRIX POTTER’S BIRTHDAY ZOOM CLASS
Online event via Zoom, 10-10:30 a.m.
Let's celebrate the life of Helen Beatrix Potter the English writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist on her birthday! We'll read The Tale of Peter Rabbit and learn about her work as a nature illustrator. We will learn how to reuse some items in your own home to plant a rabbit-approved herb garden. After registering, you will pick up your activity bag for this class from July 22-24, or 27 from 1-5 p.m. at the Museum of the Grand Prairie. $5 per bag. Ages 5-11. Registration is limited. Registration required at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or mmontez@ccfpd.org.
Registration link :https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1423
Virtual Starwatch: Viewing the Summer Sky
Thursday, July 29
VIRTUAL STARWATCH: VIEWING THE SUMMER SKY
Online Event, Streaming on the Homer Lake Interpretive Center Facebook page and CCFPD YouTube channel, 7-8 p.m.
Though we can’t meet as a group just yet, we can still enjoy the beautiful summer skies on our own. The Milky Way will be stretching overhead and the planets Jupiter and Saturn will be visible. Join us as we host retired planetarium director Dave Leake as we take a virtual tour of some of the things to look for in the summer evening sky during this live virtual program. FREE. Recommended for ages 18 & up. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Summer in the Schoolhouse: Geography
Friday, July 30
SUMMER IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE: GEOGRAPHY
Jump back in time to 1890 and see if you can keep up with a 19th century geography lesson!! Class will be taught by our own school marm or master, straight out of the past. Costumes welcome; see you at summer school! FREE. Space is limited. Registration required by July 29 at ccfpd.org. 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 cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Registration Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccfpd/activity/search/detail/1433
Chalk the Garden!
Saturday, July 31
CHALK THE GARDEN!
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10 am-12 pm
Looking to get creative outdoors?! Help us decorate the sidewalks of Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden with this "Chalk the Garden!" event! All ages are welcome to show their creative side and have fun at this public event. Sidewalk chalk will be provided and can be picked up in the Botanical Garden's gazebo. FREE. Current public health guidelines will be followed; see CCFPD’s COVID Guidelines & Waiver for In-person Programs (https://bit.ly/3k4aSgO) Programs may be altered or cancelled due to weather or COVID-19 related concerns. For more info: mdale@ccfpd.org or (217) 586-2431.