Forest Preserve Friends Foundation

A non-profit that supports conservation, education, and recreation in Champaign County Forest Preserves.

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About the Project Contribute Now!

Fundraising Update!

We're Over Halfway There!

Now's a Great Time to Join the Story

As of December 2025, the Foundation officially made it halfway to its $500,000 goal for the Nature Center at Homer Lake. There is still a long way to go but we could not have gotten this far without your help and your generosity in 2025! 

January-October 2025: Early Planning and Support

The Foundation pledged to raise $500k to contribute to the project. Dedicated supporters made early gifts as plans for the Nature Center developed.

November 2025: Going Public

The campaign was fully launched to the public on social media and other public media outlets.

December 2025: Giving Tuesday & More

Generous donors contributed over $5k on Giving Tuesday alone & more gifts came in throughout the month.

January 2026: Over Halfway There!

♫ “Whoa whoa we’re halfway there!”♪♫♪ Thanks to your gifts in 2025 we’re now over halfway to reaching the 500k goal!

Join the Nature Center's Story!

Now's a Great Time to Join the Story

From Gifts to Growth

Your Gifts Made a $345K Impact in 2025.
From accessibility upgrades to preserve improvements, your support drives real change.

Read the 2025 Annual Report Here.

Watch short videos on non-profit day and the history of the Foundation to learn more.

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Ways to Give

Join Three Rivers Society Today 

Grow the Stable Roots Endowment 

Become an Animal Advocate 

Give Where It Counts

Your gift supports what matters most—from trails to habitat restoration. Monthly giving provides steady, year-round impact. You can also dedicate a gift in honor or memory of someone special with a bench, tree, or tribute. However you give, you help sustain the preserves for future generations.

Make a Gift Now

Forest Preserve Friends Foundation Board Information

Foundation Members

  • Carter Billingsley - President 
  • Will Timmons- Vice President
  • Roger Laramee- Secretary
  • Mary Ellen Wuellner- Treasurer
  • Tim Bartlett- Foundation Board Liaison
  • Jennifer Vallowe
  • Daniel M. Noel
  • Rachel Smith-Bolton
  • Matt Hausman
  • Sarah Livesay
  • Nancy Geubelle
  • Kipling (Kip) Knox
  • Lorrie Pearson
Foundation Members
Questions for Board Members?
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Memorial Bench Program

Honor a Loved One with a Memorial Bench
A $2,700 donation covers the bench, engraved plaque, installation, and a 10-year guarantee. Benches are placed at available locations in Champaign County Forest Preserves or the Golf Course (KRT not included).

Please place your order by:
• March 1 (summer install)
• August 1 (fall install)

Benches are Douglas fir and take at least 6 weeks to arrive. Staff will help select a meaningful location and guide you through the form and donation process.

Current popular locations:
Middle Fork, Dark Sky Trail, Willow Pond, Prairie View Trail, Activity Center patio, and select golf course tee boxes.

To get started, contact [email protected], call (217) 586-3360 or fill out the form below and submit with your donation.

Tree/Bench Dedication form

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Honorary and Memorial Trees

Plant a Tree in Honor or Memory
Celebrate someone special with a living tribute in one of the Champaign County Forest Preserves. A $500 donation includes the tree, installation, 5 years of care, and a brass leaf displayed indoors on the preserve’s Donor Tree.

For an additional $500, a 9" x 5" cast bronze plaque can be installed at the base of the tree with your personalized message.

To get started, contact [email protected] or call (217) 586-3360 or fill out the form below and submit with your donation.

Please place your order by March 1st for spring planting and August 1st for fall planting. Locations and tree types are selected with staff to support preserve health. 

Tree/Bench Dedication form

Indoor Tree
Honorary or Memorial Tree with Plaque

Legacy Giving

Support the Forest Preserves—Now and for the Future

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District? The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation offers flexible giving options—during your lifetime or as part of your legacy.

Give now with gifts of cash, securities, or real estate—often with tax advantages.
Leave a legacy by naming the Foundation in your will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy.

You can also explore Charitable Remainder Trusts, which provide income to you or a loved one while supporting the Forest Preserves in the future.

Have questions? Contact us at [email protected] or speak with your legal or financial advisor.

Already Included Us in Your Plans?

If you've named the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation in your estate plans, please let us know. This ensures your gift is honored as you intended and helps us plan for the future.

 

Recent Fundraising Achievements

The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation has raised funds and received donations for these recent projects: the renovation of the waterfall at the Botanical Gardens, the development of the Kickapoo Rail Trail, the Rankin Center at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, and renovations to the Covered Bridge at Lake of the Woods as well as the Dark Sky Trail and Amenities Project, improvements to the Homer Lake North Boat Launch, and Trail Improvements at Lake of the Woods.