Homer Lake Interpretive Center

Currently, the Homer Lake Interpretive Center offers four exhibits: Our One True Home: The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, The Grand Prairie, Life on the Prairie, and Homer Lake’s Wildlife. 

Our One True Home: The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day runs from Summer 2020 - April 30, 2021. This exhibit details how and why Earth Day began at both the national and local levels. Earth Day has been called the “least understood famous event in modern American history.” It spontaneously emerged on a truly grassroots level in response to “a time when people could see, smell and taste pollution” in their daily lives. On the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, 20 million people participated in thousands of events across the United States. Locally, Champaign County leaders emerged – average citizens who passionately worked to make the world a better place. They formed groups like Households Involved in Pollution Solutions and Students for Environmental Concerns. One family even produced and sold their idea of a Flag of Earth. Many women emerged as community leaders for the first time, as they found a new voice and new opportunities.

The Grand Prairie Exhibit explores the early Illinois prairie ecosystem. The Grand Prairie region in Illinois spans over 30 counties and was formerly occupied by tall-grass prairie, marshes, potholes, and woodlands along the rivers. This vast plain, shaped by glaciers and maintained by fire, is now one of the most important agricultural areas in the world. Explore the history of this landscape and its peoples when you visit the Center!

The Life on the Prairie Exhibit documents what life was like for the Illinois settlers. Delve deeper into the unique story of the Grand Prairie, the landscape the settlers first encountered, and the Forest Preserve District’s methods for maintaining the remnants of this unique habitat. Also, discover the success stories of once-rare species in Illinois such as bald eagles, river otters, and sandhill cranes.

Homer Lake’s Wildlife Exhibit features live turtles, catfish, and snakes. You can watch the birds and wildlife at the feeders from the comfort of an indoor bench, explore the wildlife that call Homer Lake home, and learn how to become an Animal Advocate. The Animal Advocates Program allows you to sponsor one of the Interpretive Center’s animals, learn about the species, and develop a greater appreciation for wildlife and natural habitats.

After stopping by the Interpretive Center, head just down the road to the Natural Playscape. This interactive and naturally inspired playground is designed to connect people to nature. Its features include the Crawdad Creek, Compass Stone, Boulder Bluff, Stump Jump, and Bluebird House. This type of playground has many benefits: it cultivates environmental stewardship, makes for more creative play, improves motor coordination, reduces stress, increases concentration and impulse control, and reduces symptoms of ADD and ADHD. Prepare to get dirty, wet, and muddy while exploring the playscape! Hours of play are from April - October, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and November - March, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

“Champaign County Forest Preserve District.” Champaign County Forest Preserves, www.ccfpd.org/education/interpretive-center-homer-lake. 

“Exhibits.” Homer Lake Interpretive Center | Champaign County Forest Preserves, 2020, www.ccfpd.org/education/interpretive-center-homer-lake/exhibits.