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What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation is taking part in Giving Tuesday this year by raising awareness of the mission of the Champaign County Forest Preserves, communicating the three tiers of the forest preserves mission: conservation, education, and recreation, and showing how this mission serves its community in so many ways. Read, watch and learn through captivating stories on this webpage and on our social media pages, to discover firsthand how the Champaign County Forest Preserves are making a difference for your community.

More About Giving Tuesday
Conservation

Over the past few years, with your support, Champaign County Forest Preserves has restored over 300 acres of native prairie, protected 115 acres of wetlands, and enhanced the ecological health of five preserves, which supports water quality and overall ecosystem resilience. These efforts safeguard local biodiversity and create spaces for our community to connect with nature. Your contributions make this possible, ensuring a thriving, sustainable landscape for generations to come.

Learn more 
Education

Champaign County Forest Preserves’ educational programs reach over 23,000 community members each year through engaging, hands-on learning at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, the Homer Lake Interpretive Center, throughout the preserves, and around the community. Our dedicated museum and education teams host hundreds of programs annually, from interactive exhibits to outdoor field experiences, inspiring all ages to explore local history, natural science, and conservation.

Learn more 
Recreation

Recreation at Champaign County Forest Preserves brings thousands closer to nature each year. With about 200,000 visits annually to our trails, waterways, golf course, campground, and natural areas, our preserves offer diverse experiences for hikers, golfers, bikers, paddlers, campers, and nature lovers alike. Programs like the Trails Challenge inspire participants to explore over 47 miles of scenic trails, while our lakes welcome hundreds of canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts each season. Your support enriches these outdoor opportunities.

Learn more about trails 

Jasper the Adventure Pup

🐾 Meet Jasper, the adventure pup exploring Champaign County Forest Preserves! Every trail he trots and every path he sniffs is thanks to supporters like you. 🌳 This #GivingTuesday, donate now to protect these special places for all paws and people who love the great outdoors. 🐕💚

Jasper the Adventure Pup

Giving Tuesday Tree Update!

Our Giving Tuesday Tree has come to life, thanks to YOU! 🌿 Each leaf and bird on the tree represents a generous donor who believes in protecting and enhancing the Champaign County Forest Preserves. We're so grateful for your support, but our tree has room to grow!
It’s not too late to help us reach new heights. Every donation to the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation, big or small, adds to the impact.
 
Visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie to see the tree in-person.

The Giving Tuesday Tree

🌳 This Giving Tuesday, help us fill our Giving Tuesday Tree at the Museum of the Grand Prairie! When you make a donation to the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation between now and December 3rd, we’ll add your name to our tree as a leaf or bird. 🍂🦅
Each level of support adds a unique touch:
🍁 $10-$99 = Leaf
♥️$100-$249 = Cardinal
🦅 $250-$499 = Eagle
🪶 $500+ = Great Blue Heron
 

Conservation

Roger Digges, Vice President of the Champaign County Audubon Society, visited Buffalo Trace to share a powerful testimony in support of the Champaign County Forest Preserves. Conservation efforts at the preserves have not only been beneficial for native bird habitats but have also supported deer, foxes, and a wide range of other wildlife that contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

Beyond being a haven for wildlife and a birdwatching paradise, the preserves offer safe, peaceful spaces where people can recharge, exercise, connect with nature, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Watch the full video interview of Roger at Buffalo Trace!

Recreation

Gordon Salm, who's been golfing at the Lake of the Woods Golf Course for 35 years is a vital supporter of the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation and a proponent of recreation at the Champaign County Forest Preserves. He is also the Chairman of the Golf Committee and a strong advocate for educating youth about the sport. Gordon has worked with the committee to develop the Junior Golf League and other curricular activities that keep the game alive for generations to come. He's also helped the Golf Course maintain its Audubon Certification—an achievement that not many golf courses can claim! Thank you for your testimony and support, Gordon! Watch the full interview here!

Education

This Giving Tuesday, join us in supporting transformative educational programs at the Champaign County Forest Preserves. Hear from Kamryn Suttinger, Director of Museum and Education, as she shares how your donations enrich learning experiences at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Homer Lake Interpretive Center, and across our preserves. Your generosity helps connect thousands of visitors to nature, history, and science—fostering curiosity, inspiration, and stewardship. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community. Watch a short video of Kamryn here!

Contribute to Help Our Community Get Closer to Nature

Contribute to Help Our Community Get Closer to Nature