School Programs

Welcome Educators!

The Champaign County Forest Preserves provides exciting hands-on learning experiences for your students. Within our preserves or in your classroom, your students can learn about local history and the plants and animals native to Champaign County. Our staff members are eager to serve you and your curriculum!

Our program offerings are designed to closely align with state standards including Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. The forest preserves strive to provide relevant and engaging programming designed to enhance the educational experience. For more information on this please contact Stacey at [email protected]. 

Important Update: Temporary Changes to Field Trip Locations at Homer Lake

Starting in December 2025, the Homer Lake Interpretive Center (HLIC) will be closed to begin construction on an exciting nature center expansion project. Construction is expected to last about 18 months. During this time, we will be moving our resident animals and some exhibits to the Activity Center at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve.

During construction, we will continue offering field trip programs throughout the forest preserves. For teachers who normally visit Homer Lake, you have two great options:

1. Stay at Homer Lake Preserve: Field trips will still take place at Homer Lake, but programs will be held at a different location further into the preserve and will not include a visit to the Interpretive Center.
2. Visit Middle Fork River Forest Preserve: If your group would like to see our live animals and some exhibits, you can visit our temporary nature center at Middle Fork. Please note this is a different location and may require additional travel time.

We’re excited about the improvements coming with the new nature center and invite you to follow the construction progress here: Champaign County Forest Preserve Nature Center Expansion.

Please reach out if you have questions or need help selecting the best option for your group. We look forward to welcoming you back to the new and improved Homer Lake Nature Center once construction is complete!

Fees

On-site and In-Class Programs

Champaign County Schools

• Pre-K: $1.50 per student, minimum fee of $25
• K-12: $2.00 per student, minimum fee of $30

Out of County Schools

• Pre-K: $2.00 per student, minimum fee of $30
• K-12: $2.50 per student, minimum fee of $35

Teachers and chaperones are free. 

In-Class Programs (Preschool - High School)

If your class cannot come to us for a field trip, consider an in-class program. Our educators can tailor a visit to meet your classroom needs. Presentation length varies from 30 minutes to one hour per classroom. Call to discuss any idea you have for your class. This experience could be scheduled for one class or multiple classes.