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Preserves open at 7:00 AM - 30 minutes after sunset. Closing time today is 7:25 PM.
Explore our collection of educational resources designed to engage and inform visitors of all ages. From self-guided trail brochures to a more interactive experience with our loan materials, there is something for everyone. Whether you're a teacher, scout leader, or homeschool parent, our resources are tailored to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural history of our area.
Be your own guide! We invite you to explore nature at your convenience with a new series of brochures that will help you experience some of our preserves’ most popular trails. These brochures include detailed trail maps, photos, and information about the flora and fauna that await you on the trail!
Visit our YouTube channel where you will find videos and playlists covering environmental and history/cultural videos to supplement your classroom curriculum. Some videos directly support our loan kits! If you see a video on our YouTube channel that intrigues you, give us a call and we can collaborate to create some in classroom activities.
If you do not see a kit that fits your specific needs we can work with you to create your own customized kit.
To reserve any of our loan materials, please contact Stacey at [email protected].
Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer Lake
Birds have different types of beaks, eggs, and feet to adapt to their unique lifestyles. Our loan kit includes replicas of bird skulls, eggs, and tracks, as well as hands-on activities. Provided in partnership with the Champaign County Audubon Society.
$25 refundable deposit required.
Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer LakeMuseum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods
The Field Trip Pack includes many items to assist your children as they explore nature. Hands on equipment includes field guides, dip nets, compasses, trowels, and a whole lot more which will encourage self-initiated learning. This backpack is appropriate for ages 3 and up.
$15 refundable deposit required.
Borrow a rod and reel from the Homer Lake Interpretive Center for FREE! Tackle packets are yours to keep. Poles can be borrowed any day the Interpretive Center is open and must be returned before closing time. Each loan requires the deposit of a current driver’s license or state ID. Ages 17 and up must also show a valid fishing license at the time of check-out; kids age 16 and under are not required to have a fishing license.
GPS units are available to enhance your hiking experience as you search for geocaches; track the distance, speed, and route of your hike; or learn about unique locations at Homer Lake. Staff is available at the Interpretive Center to provide a simple tutorial that will have you out hiking in no time! Borrowing a GPS unit is FREE; a valid credit card or personal check is required.
Amphibians and reptiles are fascinating creatures! This pack has been developed to help you learn about and observe these animals in their natural environment. Binoculars, magnifying glasses, field guides, observation equipment, a headlamp, frog call recordings, and many other hands-on items are included in the pack.
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods, District Headquarters, Lake of the Woods (contact Museum) Do you want to look for insects but don’t know how or don’t have the tools? Come out to the forest preserves and borrow an Insect Backpack! Each backpack contains a how-to guide, insect nets, bug boxes, insect guides, and much more. This backpack is appropriate for all ages.
Explore the health and life of our local waters. This box contains equipment to test and measure the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and nitrogen of the water. Also included are pond dipping nets to investigate the macroinvertebrates of the water, and a binder with indoor and outdoor activities. This loan box is appropriate for ages 10 to adults.
$10 fee plus a $15 refundable deposit required.
WAN IP: 44.201.97.138