Welcome to our very first blog post! As we prepare for our official brand launch this January, we wanted to take a moment to look back at the incredible journey we’ve shared over the last few months. What started as a summer pilot has blossomed into a year-round hub for recreation, education, and preservation.
Here is a look at how we’ve grown together since July.
From Summer Fun to Year-Round Impact
Our summer was defined by "open play" and exploration. We welcomed over 170 participants in July and August for nature art, bug investigations, and scavenger hunts.
By September, we transitioned into a full-time, year-round facility. We launched the Limited-Edition Collector’s Badge Program, which saw families returning week after week to complete new challenges and collect their rewards.
Record-Breaking Moments
October was truly a month for the record books. We reached nearly 300 students in a single day during our Stewardship Days bison presentation. Between school field trips, our sold-out "Spooky Hike," and professional training for area educators, we engaged nearly 500 community members in just 31 days.
Innovation in Education
We believe that nature should be accessible to everyone, which is why we’ve spent the fall developing "Nature Center to Go" resources:
The Bone Artifact Kit: Featuring more than 35 distinct specimens such as a variety of skulls, this kit offers engaging, tactile experiences for science learners.
The Bison Artifact Kit: Showcasing authentic bison items like pelts and skulls, this collection provides immersive, real-world exploration of natural history.
Nature Sensory Bin Library: A new check-out program featuring 12 themed, curriculum-based kits that families and teachers can take home.
Citizen Science: In November, we officially joined Project FeederWatch, turning our visitors into real-world scientists by tracking the birds that visit our new feeding stations.
What’s Next?
Our physical space is evolving, too. Thanks to partnerships with the U of I Extension Master Gardeners, we’ve begun planting our new Wildlife Sanctuary Garden and installing 4K solar-powered cameras to capture remote wildlife footage to share with you all.
Save the Date: January 2026 This is when everything comes together! We will be officially launching our full brand kit and our 2026 program lineup!
COMING SOON
Our new professional logo and website.
An exclusive line of Nature Center merchandise
Lots of fun Nature programming
Nature Summer Camp 2026 sneak peak
Thank you for being part of this journey. We can't wait to see you on the trails!