Not-So-Spooky Fall Nature Walk
Oct 16- Nov 6
Homer Lake Forest Preserve, During preserve open hours
Halloween doesn’t have to be scary! Nature can be pretty spooky but also quite intriguing; from turkey vultures to the moon and even “wicked” plants. Come on our Not-So-Spooky Fall Nature Walk to learn more about what goes on in nature in the fall season, some of the tricks that nature plays on itself, and on us! This self-guided trail begins near the Interpretive Center, and follows the numbered rocks along the Timberdoodle Trail. Maps will be available at the trailhead. This trail will be up beginning October 16 through at least November 6. Check our Facebook page for updates: facebook.com/HomerLakeInterpretiveCenter. Stop by any time the preserve is open. Current preserve hours are 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. through October ,and 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. beginning in November. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org
Bats of Illinois: Past, Present, and Future
Fall Highlights
Friday, October 30
FALL HIGHLIGHTS
Online Event, Streamed on the Homer Lake Interpretive Center Facebook page and CCFPD YouTube channel
Fall is one of the most incredible times of the year in east-central Illinois. From the changing leaves to fall migration, every day brings a new change. All season long, we’ll be watching for signs of fall and documenting the changes so you can see them wherever you are.
Special Exhibit Speakers Series/Lincoln Lecture Series History Brought to Life by Susan B. Anthony
Sunday, November 1
SPECIAL EXHIBIT SPEAKER SERIES/LINCOLN LECTURE SERIES
HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE: SUSAN B. ANTHONY
Online Event, Streamed on the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook and YouTube pages, 7 p.m.
It had been a 72-year struggle for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing women their right to vote, with thousands of women dedicating themselves to “getting the vote,” but it was Susan B. Anthony, a former school teacher and advocate for temperance and abolition who through her leadership for women’s political equality, became affectionately and respectfully known as the “mother of The Cause.” Hear from Ms. Anthony herself as she describes her tireless work towards a more just society. Join Annette Baldwin, as Susan B. Anthony for this informative and inspiring presentation. Be sure to visit our special exhibit, How Long Must Women Wait? Woman Suffrage and Women’s Rights in Champaign County, and learn about more leading ladies from our history! FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Leafman Storywalk®
Friday, November 13- Tuesday, December 1
LEAFMAN STORYWALK®
Homer Lake Forest Preserve
We will have a StoryWalk® set up along the Timberdoodle Trail at Homer Lake Forest Preserve beginning November 13 through December 1! This self-guided StoryWalk® is an innovative way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to signs, which are installed along a trail. As you stroll down the trail, you are directed to the next page in the story. Park at the Interpretive Center parking lot and follow the signs to the Story Walk®. Free. All ages. Visit any time during preserve hours. Current hours are 7am- 5pm. For more info: 217-896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Special Exhibit Speakers Series/Lincoln Lecture Series: Women, Politics, and Abolition - A Complicated Collaboration
WOMEN, POLITICS, AND ABOLITION – A COMPLICATED COLLABORATION.
Online Event, Streamed on the Museum of the Grand Prairie Facebook and YouTube pages, 2 p.m.
Professor Stacey Robertson will reveal in this how women abolitionists in Illinois and the Old Northwest engaged in partisan politics as an avenue to end slavery and through this process found themselves increasingly aware of their own gendered disempowerment. Their efforts to expand their influence and power laid the groundwork for future women’s rights accomplishments. Stacey Robertson is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the State University of New York, Geneseo. FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or bgarvey@ccfpd.org
National Take a Hike Day
Tuesday, November 17
NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY!
Online Event, streamed on the Homer Lake Interpretive Center Facebook page and CCFPD YouTube channel
November 17 is National Take a Hike Day, and if you can’t celebrate by taking a hike or walk of your own, head over to our Facebook page and take a virtual hike along some of the trails at Homer Lake Forest Preserve! Be on the lookout during the month of November for a new geocache at Homer Lake Forest Preserve! Check our Facebook page for updates.
Miniature Garden Winter Wonderland Kit
Tuesday, December 1
MINIATURE GARDEN WINTER WONDERLAND KIT
Pickup at Museum of the Grand Prairie or Homer Lake Interpretive Center, starting Dec 1
Don’t miss out on a chance to make your own Winter Wonderland garden. Adults and children alike love to make miniature gardens! Keep your completed creation for a holiday decoration or assemble it for an amazing homemade gift. The bag comes with everything you need to make your miniature garden with a special Winter Holiday Flare! You will be contacted with a day and time to pick up your bag at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, or if you prefer, Homer Lake Interpretive Center. Pick up can be arranged throughout the month of December. And - it all comes in a great CCFPD drawstring backpack! $10 per kit; order online via www.ccfpd.org. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
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To Grandmother's House We Go Free Craft Kit
TO GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE WE GO FREE CRAFT GIVE AWAY KIT
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 1-3 p.m.
Remember all the fun we had making crafts at our yearly “To Grandmother’s House We Go!” holiday program? Well, never fear, we are offering this popular program virtually this year, and to accompany the program we have assembled a kit with crafts we have offered throughout the years in this popular program! Stop by the museum on Wednesday, Dec. 2, between 1-3 p.m., or while supplies last, to pick up your free kit including a Whip Stitch Stocking, Paper Doll Chain, Wooden Ornament and Pomander that will bring the scent of the holidays to your home! For more info: (217) 586-2612 or ksnyder@ccfpd.org.
To Grandmother's House We Go - Virtual Edition
Saturday, December 5
TO GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE WE GO! A VIRTUAL EDITION
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2-5 p.m.
Join us for a favorite annual program, but in a virtual sense! Virtually see the museum decorated for the holidays, learn how to make classic and old-fashioned Christmas crafts and activities with step-by-step videos, and much more! Even enjoy a virtual special appearance and presentation from Civil War Santa! Tune-in throughout the day to enjoy these virtual activities as they happen live or premiere on our social media pages. FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org