Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Champaign County Forest Preserve District The Champaign County Forest Preserve District manages more than 4,000 acres in seven preserves

Explore Nature with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District
Discover over 4,000 acres of scenic natural areas across seven preserves in Champaign County, Illinois. Since 1935, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District has protected local ecosystems and cultural heritage while offering year-round outdoor recreation—hiking, fishing, camping, paddling, biking, birding, and stargazing. Enjoy accessible facilities including picnic shelters, event rentals, educational centers, and the award-winning Museum of the Grand Prairie. With a mission to inspire conservation and connection to nature, we host inclusive programs and events for all ages. Located throughout Champaign County—your next outdoor adventure awaits!

Prescribed Burn Today at Buffalo TraceStarting at noon, our Natural Resources team will conduct a prescribed burn at Buf...
09/14/2026

Prescribed Burn Today at Buffalo Trace
Starting at noon, our Natural Resources team will conduct a prescribed burn at Buffalo Trace, near the East Parking Lot.

What this means for you:
A portion of the bike path — from the parking lot to the culvert near the center of Buffalo Trace — will be closed during the burn. Please follow all posted closure signs and barricades for your safety.

Why we're doing this:
Today's burn targets invasive woody shrubs in this prairie area, helping restore native habitat and support healthier ecosystems for years to come.

Thank you for your patience as we care for this natural space!

A few recent views from around Champaign County Forest Preserves lately! What wildlife and nature scenes have you been s...
09/13/2026

A few recent views from around Champaign County Forest Preserves lately! What wildlife and nature scenes have you been spotting recently? Post your photos in the comments below.

The colors of the season are falling into place at the Forest Preserves. Check out Middle Fork River Forest Preserve for...
09/12/2026

The colors of the season are falling into place at the Forest Preserves. Check out Middle Fork River Forest Preserve for bright days and dark nights!

We recently hosted another presentation within our History of Champaign County Forest Preserves program series. The late...
09/11/2026

We recently hosted another presentation within our History of Champaign County Forest Preserves program series. The latest topic examined Middle Fork River Forest Preserve! The presentation highlighted the preserve's development, lesser-known history, and offerings.

09/11/2026

Sights and sounds of the early autumn prairie at Buffalo Trace

For the Potawatomi, needlework has always been a vital tool for survival and cultural resilience. In the 18th-19th centu...
09/10/2026

For the Potawatomi, needlework has always been a vital tool for survival and cultural resilience. In the 18th-19th centuries, they revolutionized this tradition by transforming European trade silk and wool into ribbonwork, a complex appliqué technique still worn today with deep pride to honor their continuous presence.

The shawl above was made by Margaret Zientek, Wabdepkwe (White Head Woman), Citizen Potawatomi Nation who is an honored regalia artisan and teacher. She speaks of her legacy:

"I wanted to make regalia for my daughter when she was only 17... I worked to teach myself... Over the years I have been perfecting the craft... I have made regalia every year since 2000 for the Potawatomi Leadership Program Students. I try to teach the young women and young men how to build their regalia."

Be sure to attend The Art of Making: A Handiwork Market on October 11th to experience community artists in action, explore your creative side, and check out our new exhibit! bit.ly/Handiwork_Market

Photo Credit: Margaret and Her Daughter, Tesia, Performing Southern Cloth Dance. Courtesy: Sharon Hoogstraten.

We're honored to be voted Top 3 in FIVE categories in this year's News-Gazette People's Choice Awards! This recognition ...
09/10/2026

We're honored to be voted Top 3 in FIVE categories in this year's News-Gazette People's Choice Awards! This recognition means so much to us, and it wouldn't be possible without this incredible community.

Providing natural greenspaces and recreational opportunities is about more than just outdoor space — it's about building community and inspiring discovery. Whether you're taking a quiet walk, exploring a trail for the first time, enjoying exhibits at the Museum, or bringing your family out for a weekend adventure, we love being a part of it.

1st Golf Course - Lake of the Woods Golf Course
2nd Campground - Middle Fork River Campground
2nd Museum - Museum of the Grand Prairie
2nd Walking/Hiking Trails - Homer Lake Forest Preserve
2nd & 3rd Park: Lake of the Woods and Homer Lake Forest Preserves

Address

109 S Lake Of The Woods Road
Mahomet, IL
61853

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(217) 586-3360

Website

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