Champaign County Forest Preserve District

08/31/2026

September is a great month for dark skies, stargazing, and programs that explore the nighttime world, plus plenty of other programs throughout the Forest Preserves. See what’s coming up in September! More info and details can be found at champaignforests.org/events

08/26/2026

Check out the latest blog from the Museum of the Grand Prairie:
https://bit.ly/MGP_Blog

In this series we highlight the histories of Indigenous groups which once traveled and lived across Central Illinois as well as their contemporary descendants who maintain connections to the land today. Read more to learn about the Sauk and Meskwaki Nations!

Although two are distinct tribes, the Sauk (named federally as “Sac”) “People of the Yellow Earth” and Meskwaki (named federally as “Fox”) “Red Earth People” are closely related and share much of their history. Their strategic allyship against the French in the 1700s caused settlers ...

08/25/2026

Three months into the 2026 Trails Challenge - how you doing?

With the year moving into fall, there's still plenty of time to hit the trails before December 31! If you haven't started yet, now's the perfect moment — cooler weather is on the way and the preserves are gorgeous this time of year.

Quick refresher on how it works:

• 34+ trails, nearly 50 miles to explore across all our preserves
• Track your progress with the Goosechase app — join code CPSRBE
• Snap selfies at trail markers, complete fun challenges along the way

No matter many trails you've checked off so far, there's still time to add more. Lace up your shoes and let's see how many of our 34 trails you can knock out before the year wraps up!

Featured trail: North Waterfowl Trail at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve

If you haven't been out to Middle Fork's North Waterfowl Management Area yet, add it to your list. This spot overlooks 130+ acres of prime nesting habitat for migratory birds — including sandhill cranes — with an observation deck for easy viewing without disturbing the wildlife. With the recent rain, the area is full of water and full of life! The trail is in pretty good shape, considering it was probably under water a week ago!

08/25/2026

UPDATE: A couple of smaller units at Buffalo Trace, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve are receiving burns this afternoon (Tuesday, 8/25).

❗Prescribed burns are planned today (Tuesday, Aug. 25)🔥for Sangamon River Forest Preserve with ignition planned for approximately noon.

08/21/2026

The new Homer Lake Wetland, just off the West Lake Trail, was full of life this morning. After all the rain, native flowers were glistening in the sun as pollinators, insects, birds, and more moved through the wetland and surrounding area. A glimpse of native habitat in motion, with flowers, sunlight, and wildlife sharing the space in harmony.

08/21/2026

Road Work Alert: Homer Lake Forest Preserve

❗UPDATE THURS. 8/27
Homer Lake Forest Preserve will have a delayed opening of 9 AM on Friday, Aug. 28.❗

UPDATE MON. 8/24
Road maintenance and sealcoating work will be taking place at Homer Lake Forest Preserve this week (8/25 – 8/28).
Please expect intermittent road closures in and around the preserve while this work is underway. Wednesday may be particularly dusty as roads are cleaned and prepared for sealcoating.

Thursday: The preserve, including the North Boat Ramp, will be closed until noon for sealcoating. The preserve may reopen earlier if work is completed ahead of schedule.

Thursday–Friday: The playscape parking lot will remain closed while additional work is completed.
Please plan accordingly and use caution around work areas. Thank you for your patience while this work is completed!

*Hidden Acres and Collins Pond will be open and available throughout the week if you'd like to steer clear of any maintenance work.*