Events

Friday, November 1
NATURE PLAY PRE-K: THE NATURE OF WINTER
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 10-11 a.m.
This program is for preschoolers ages 3-6 to learn as we play in nature! Take a break from being indoors and gain appreciation for this surprisingly active time of year. This is a chance for parents/grandparents to engage with your child as they experience the natural world with an hour of hands-on activities. Dress for the weather and a short hike; we may go outdoors if weather permits. FREE. Space is limited; register by Oct 31 at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Saturday, November 2
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, 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. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.

Sunday, November 3
AT HOME IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS: THOMAS AND SARAH BUSH LINCOLN
12th ANNUAL LINCOLN LECTURE SERIES
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2 p.m.
Located on the Lincoln Highway, eight miles south of Charleston, Lincoln Log Cabin preserves the site of the last home and farm of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas (ca. 1778-1851) and Sarah Bush Lincoln (1788-1869). Matthew Mittelstaedt, Site Supervisor for the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, will speak about the varied fortunes of the Lincoln home site and Lincoln’s relationship with his parents. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or bgarvey@ccfpd.org.

Sunday, November 3

At Home in Central Illinois: Thomas And Sarah Bush Lincoln

12^th ANNUAL LINCOLN LECTURE SERIES

Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2 p.m.

Located on the Lincoln Highway, eight miles south of Charleston, Lincoln Log Cabin preserves the site of the last home and farm of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas (ca. 1778-1851) and Sarah Bush Lincoln (1788-1869). Matthew Mittelstaedt, Site Supervisor for the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, will speak about the varied fortunes of the Lincoln home site and Lincoln’s relationship with his parents. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or bgarvey@ccfpd.org.

Thursday, November 7
VOLUNTEER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES: WONDROUS WINTER TREES
Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Both current and new volunteers are welcome to join us for our Volunteer Lunch & Learn series! Bring lunch and a friend to learn more about volunteer opportunities and what CCFPD has to offer. Ryan Pankau, Horticultural Educator with the University of Illinois Extension Office, will join us to discuss trees and winter. Learn all about trees that thrive during the coldest season and the relationship trees and winter share. Light refreshments and beverages will be available. Please RSVP by Nov 1: (217) 586-3360 or volunteer@ccfpd.org.

Friday, November 8
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BLUES & BREWS
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to be in our museum at night? Explore the museum after hours during this wonderful program while also enjoying one of the many great bands Champaign County has to offer - Kilborn Alley Blues Band. Past nominees for "Best New Artist Debut" and "Best Contemporary Blues Album" at past Blues Music Awards, their music has impressed fans and critics not just in this area, but worldwide! Also, a local brewery will be on-hand serving craft beers and a selection of wines at a cash bar! $3 per person Space is limited; register by Nov 7th. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.

Wednesday, November 13
FULL MOON HIKE
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 5:30-7 p.m.
The full moon of November is historically named after beavers who are busy preparing for winter at this time of year. Tonight we will have a full moon; join us as we explore the moonlit wilderness and take in the sights and sounds of nature at night. Recommended for ages 10 and up as visibility will be low and talking will be at a minimum. $3 per person. Space is limited; register by November 12 at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Saturday, November 16
THIRD SATURDAY HIKES
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 10-11:30 a.m.
Fall and winter are some of the best times of the year for hiking. Join us on the third Saturday of the month this fall at Homer Lake and observe the changing of the seasons. Warm beverages will be available at the Interpretive Center after the hike. FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.

Sunday, November 17
HISTORIC HOUSES OF LINCOLN'S ILLINOIS
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2 p.m.
Erika Holst, curator of decorative arts and history at the Illinois State Museum will speak about the connections Abraham Lincoln has to several historic buildings within the 42-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, all of which are open to the public! Each site links today’s visitors with a place Lincoln lived, a home of a Lincoln friend or colleague, or a spot that illuminates Lincoln’s era and legacy in central Illinois. Based on Erika Holst's book of the same name, recently released by SIU Press, the author will sign books after the talk. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or bgarvey@ccfpd.org