Take a Walk on Our Wild Side!
Whether you know the scientific name of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or can’t tell the difference between a toad and a frog, we encourage you to discover all of our flourishing natural areas. Nestled within Heritage Park, Scott Park, Porter Family Park, and Sunset Ridge Park, all feature our careful attempt to restore the balance of nature in settings that are simultaneously beautiful and educational. So while you’re exercising your body, get out to our natural areas and exercise your mind and soul as well; no two visits will ever be the same.
Interested in taking your love for nature to a higher level? Email Mike Davis-Natural Areas Specialist at mike.davis@champaignparks.org and become a Natural Areas Volunteer! Work sessions typically focus on staff-led invasive plant removal, seed collection, prescribed-burn monitoring, and a host of other activities that support the continued success of our natural areas program. All training and required equipment is provided.
Hop On the Pollinator Bandwagon!
The continent-wide decline in the number of monarch butterflies is due primarily to the loss of the natural area habitats that support milkweed, the native host plants they require for survival. Join us as we continue to explore district-wide landscape management practices that are best able to restore the magnitude of the magnificent monarch and address the larger message of pollinator-awareness that they represent.
