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Forest Park Nature Center Programming

Current Programs

Visitors to Forest Park Nature Center will find:

  • Seven miles of hiking trails through both forested woodlands and prairie openings
  • A natural history museum and bird observation room
  • The Trailhead Nature Store with nature-oriented and environmentally-friendly items
  • A variety of educational programs
  • Over 500 acres of dedicated Illinois State Nature Preserve

CLASSES AT FPNC

Advanced Registration Required

For specific information, see the Playbook. You can search Playbook by clicking on type of device, then the magnifying glass icon. To register for classes, click here.

PUBLIC EVENTS AT FPNC

FPNC offers a wide range of drop-in classes, where pre-registration is not necessary.  More information about this season’s events can be found in the Playbook.  Donations are appreciated unless a cost is listed.

****Check out our ‘EVENTS’ on Facebook and ‘SUBSCRIBE’ for immediate notifications and the most current information on our classes and events!*****

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Unless otherwise indicated, donations are requested for all walks and programs. FPNC members often receive a discount for programs with a fee. Thank you for your support!

For more information about any of these programs, call 309-686-3360.

Community Partnerships:

GROUP MEETINGS AT FPNC

Several area groups use Forest Park Nature Center as a meeting place.

Central Illinois Herpetological Society

Public meetings on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Come and share or learn about the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles. Contact Doug Holmes at (309) 682-3938, www.centralillinoisherp.com or [email protected] for more information.

Heart of Illinois Sierra Club

The local chapter of the Sierra Club holds public meetings at Forest Park on the third Wednesday of each month, September through May, at 7:00 p.m. These meetings usually have a guest speaker followed by discussion. For further information, contact David Pittman at [email protected] or by phone at (309) 676-5237.

Peoria Audubon Society

Peoria Audubon holds public meetings and presentations in the Nature Center on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May at 7 pm. Contact: www.peoriaaudubon.org.

Peoria Academy of Science Geology Society

The Geology Section explores all aspects of geology through educational programs and field trips to collect rocks, minerals, fossils and more!  Members of the general public are welcome at 7:00 PM on the 4th Tuesday of each month, though January’s Holiday Gathering and April’s Silent Auction are members-only.  To learn more about the organization and how easy it is to become a member, visit pasgeology.com.