Party Like It's 1900! New Year's Eve Noon Day Celebration!
Meet the Critters
Owl Prowl Preview
Exhibit Opening: Earth from Space
Monday, January 6
EXHIBIT OPENING: EARTH FROM SPACE
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 1-4 p.m.
Explore the nature of our home, the Earth, from space! Join us as we kick off 2020, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, to view the new exhibit and do fun indoor crafts for kids. This poster exhibit features beautifully detailed satellite images of the planet—from the grid-like pattern of Kansas farmland to the sinuous channels of a river entering the Arctic Ocean. Exhibit will be on display January 6 – March 20. Earth from Space is brought to you courtesy of the United States Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution.
Full Moon Hike: Adults
Thursday, January 9
FULL MOON HIKE: ADULTS
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 6-7:30 p.m.
The full moon of January was once called the “wolf moon” because Native Americans observed wolves in the moonlight at this time of year. We won’t see wolves, but we will take an interesting hike, and we may hear the hooting of owls! The program will begin with a brief presentation indoors, then we will head outside for the remainder of the event. Please dress for the weather. Ages 18 and up. $3 per person. Space is limited; register by January 8 at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Full Moon Hike: Families
Friday, January 10
FULL MOON HIKE: FAMILIES
The full moon of January was once called the “wolf moon” because Native Americans observed wolves in the moonlight at this time of year. We won’t see wolves, but we will take an interesting hike, and we may hear the hooting of owls! The program will begin with a brief presentation indoors, and then we will head outside for the remainder of the event. Please dress for the weather. Recommended for ages 10 & up, as visibility will be low and talking will be at a minimum. $3 per person. Space is limited; register by Jan 9 at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Yoga in the Woods: New Year Renewal with Glow by Lola
Saturday, January 18
izaak Walton Cabin, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 1-2:30 p.m.
Join us as we renew our energy and spirit for the New Year! Lola, of Glow by Lola, will lead us through flowing poses, hand mudras, chanting, and essential oils all while receiving some hands-on Reiki energy healing in Lake of the Woods’ beautiful Izaak Walton Cabin! It may be cold outside, but it is warm and cozy inside where will be able to view the gorgeous winter scene from inside the cabin. Participants should bring a mat, towel, and anything else that may add to their comfort. $25 per person. Space is limited; register by January 11 at ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
School's Out: Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Monday, January 20
School’s Out: Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 1-3 p.m.
Join us as we explore the rich cultural heritage of the African American community in Champaign County on this Martin Luther King Day! We will learn about the life of Dr. King, celebrate his legacy, and learn how we can keep his mission alive today. Activities will include videos and songs about Dr. King, stories for families to share, crafts, and a fun snack you will help create! All ages. FREE. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
School's Out: Owl Prowl
SCHOOL’S OUT: OWL PROWL
Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 3-4:30 p.m.
Great Horned Owls begin nesting in January, which means we have a good chance of seeing or hearing a live owl in the wild this time of year. We will begin indoors with a presentation on native Illinois owls, dissect owl pellets, then head outside for a hike to listen and look for owls! Recommended for ages 6 & up. $5 per person. Space is limited; register by January 17 at ccfpd.org; For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Garden Speaker Series: Climate Change in Your Backyard and Forest
Sunday, January 26
Garden Speaker Series
Climate Change in Your Backyard and Forest
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2 p.m.
We all enjoy gardening in our backyards and walking in local forests. These patches of nature are more than areas of beauty and relaxation. Learn what plantings and ecosystem restoration you can complete to help partially solve how we deal with more heat, intense storms, droughts, and invasive species. Also, gain awareness of the impact changing conditions can have on our health when engaging in these activities. Join us for this presentation featuring Dr. Holly Rosencranz, Master Gardener and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine in the University of Illinois’ College of Medicine, and Warren Lavey, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Policy and Law in the University of Illinois’ Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Department. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Volunteers: Cut and Burn Invasive Species Removal
Tuesday, January 28
CUT AND BURN INVASIVE SPECIES Buffalo Trace, Meet at Crowley lot (1000 N. Crowley Rd.) 1-3 p.m.
Help the natural resources department remove, treat and burn Honeysuckle and Autumn Olive. Dress for the weather.
Owl Prowl
Saturday, February 1
OWL PROWL
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 5:30-7 p.m.
Why prowl for owls in February? More owls can be found in Champaign County amid the winter months, and some species are nesting or breeding during this time. That means we have a good chance of hearing or seeing a live owl in the wild! Participants will get a chance to dissect owl pellets and take them home. This program begins indoors with a presentation, then we will hit the trails to call and search for owls! Recommended for ages 6 and up. $5 per person. Space is limited; register by January 30 at ccfpd.org; for more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Interpret the Past, Educate the Present: Museum Docent Workshop Training
Sunday, February 2
INTERPRET THE PAST, EDUCATE THE PRESENT: MUSEUM DOCENT WORKSHOP/TRAINING
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2-4 p.m.
Do you have a passion for history and want to pass it on to others? The Museum of the Grand Prairie is looking for volunteers to be part of our new Museum Docent program! Attend this training session and workshop to learn how you can become a museum docent and lead tour groups through museum exhibits. Participants will receive an outline of the program and exhibit study sources, as well as tips & tricks to lead an engaging museum tour. If you cannot attend this workshop/training, another session is available March 11th. Later this spring, there will be a follow-up optional training session April 24th for docents to meet together again to compare notes and discuss ideas. Ages 16 & up. FREE. RSVP by February 1 with Pat Cain: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Friday, February 7
Why prowl for owls in February? More owls can be found in Champaign County amid the winter months, and some species are nesting or breeding during this time. That means we have a good chance of hearing or seeing a live owl in the wild! Participants will get a chance to dissect owl pellets and take them home. This program begins indoors with a presentation, then we will hit the trails to call and search for owls! Recommended for ages 6 and up. $5 per person. Space is limited; register by February 6 at ccfpd.org; For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Garden Speaker Series: Tropical Effects Felt in the Midwest: The Impact of Tropical Climate Change at Home
Sunday, February 9
GARDEN SPEAKER SERIES
TROPICAL EFFECTS FELT IN THE MIDWEST: THE IMPACT OF TROPICAL CLIMATE CHANGE AT HOME
The tropics host extraordinarily high numbers of plant and animal species. How climate change will affect the tropics is uncertain and this poses much concern about the sustainability of global biodiversity. Jeffrey Brawn, Professor and Head of the University of Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, will summarize what may happen at tropical latitudes and how this contrasts with places like the Midwest. Learn about the possible far-reaching consequences of tropical climate change on issues such as food security and environmental justice as well as what can be done to mitigate these issues. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.