march
23mar11:15 am12:15 pmWinter Wellness - YogaYoga with Soulside Healing Arts
Be guided in mindful movement with attention to breath. This class moves through postures at a refreshing pace to increase strength, mobility, and balance. Meditation and breath work
Be guided in mindful movement with attention to breath. This class moves through postures at a refreshing pace to increase strength, mobility, and balance. Meditation and breath work are interspersed throughout. All levels welcome; this class is adaptable to the abilities of its participants.
This class will be held at Wildlife Prairie Park, Hespell Deck except for March 16th class which will be in the Log Room in front of the fire place with windows looking into the Wolf Habitat.
Class is FREE with paid Park Admission. WPP Members receive Park Admission for FREE.
Please bring a mat.
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(Saturday) 11:15 am - 12:15 pm(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
23mar12:00 pm1:00 pmCritters & CookiesLet’s get Hawkward
Join us for a one-hour, elementary-oriented learning experience on Let’s get Hawkward that will include a presentation, an encounter with one of WPP’s animal ambassadors and a craft
Join us for a one-hour, elementary-oriented learning experience on Let’s get Hawkward that will include a presentation, an encounter with one of WPP’s animal ambassadors and a craft or activity.
Animal Ambassador: Remy, the Red-tailed Hawk
Craft/Activity: TBD
-Free for WPP Member Child; $5 for Non-Member Child
-Adult Chaperone required & free for the class
-Regular park admission fee still applies for Non-Members. WPP Members receive FREE park admission.
-Reservations Required. Purchase Tickets Online.
-Located in Forest Hall Education Center Basement Classroom
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(Saturday) 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
23mar2:00 pm3:00 pmCritters & CoffeeForests of Kickapoo Creek Watershed
Join us for an informative discussion on Forests of Kickapoo Creek Watershed by guest speaker Jacon Bolton, Founder of Sylvics Forestry & Nursery as you enjoy WPP’S Wildly Crafted Bison Blend
Join us for an informative discussion on Forests of Kickapoo Creek Watershed by guest speaker Jacon Bolton, Founder of Sylvics Forestry & Nursery as you enjoy WPP’S Wildly Crafted Bison Blend Coffee. This 45-minute program is geared towards adults.
FREE for Members
$5 for Non-Members. Regular park admission fee still applies.
Reservations Required. Purchase Tickets Online.
Located in Forest Hall Education Center
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(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
Friday, March 29 – Sunday, March 31, 2024 Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt-FREE with Park admission-Once you find the large numbered
Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
-FREE with Park admission
-Once you find the large numbered eggs, return the form to the Visitor Center for an exclusive WPP carabiner (until supplies last) and enter the Grand Prize drawing for a Private Meet and Greet with an Animal!
Daily Programs
–9am-4pm Forest Hall Education Center Open
10am Meet the bunnies in Forest Hall
–11am Special appearance by a WPP animal ambassador on the Main Bricks
–1pm Keeper Chat with the Wolf Pack
–Registration Required.
–10am Guided Hike with Recreation Staff – FREE with paid admission. WPP Members receive free admission.
–11:15am Winter Wellness Yoga – FREE with paid admission. WPP Members receive free admission.
–12pm Critters & Cookies – FREE for WPP Members. $5 for non-members. Park admission still applies for non-members.
–2pm Critters & Coffee – FREE for WPP Members. $5 for non-members. Park admission still applies for non-members.
–Egg Hunt – Registration required. FREE with paid admission. WPP Members receive free admission.
–Easter Brunch – Registration required. FREE with paid admission. WPP Members receive free admission.
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march 29 (Friday) - 31 (Sunday)(GMT-05:00)
The guided hike will be presented by a member of the Recreation Staff. The hike will include park history but will mostly focus on hiking for fitness and
The guided hike will be presented by a member of the Recreation Staff. The hike will include park history but will mostly focus on hiking for fitness and reaching step goals. Dress appropriately for the weather. Hikes will only be canceled if it is actively storming, or conditions are unsafe to get to the park. The route will be determined the day of the hike.
Guided Hike will be free for members, and free for non- members with paid admittance.
(Saturday) 10:00 am(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
30mar11:15 am12:15 pmWinter Wellness - YogaYoga with Soulside Healing Arts
Be guided in mindful movement with attention to breath. This class moves through postures at a refreshing pace to increase strength, mobility, and balance. Meditation and breath work
Be guided in mindful movement with attention to breath. This class moves through postures at a refreshing pace to increase strength, mobility, and balance. Meditation and breath work are interspersed throughout. All levels welcome; this class is adaptable to the abilities of its participants.
This class will be held at Wildlife Prairie Park, Hespell Deck except for March 16th class which will be in the Log Room in front of the fire place with windows looking into the Wolf Habitat.
Class is FREE with paid Park Admission. WPP Members receive Park Admission for FREE.
Please bring a mat.
more
(Saturday) 11:15 am - 12:15 pm(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
30mar12:00 pm1:00 pmCritters & CookiesDon’t Worry, Be Hoppy
Join us for a one-hour, elementary-oriented learning experience on Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy that will include a presentation, an encounter with one of WPP’s animal ambassadors and a
Join us for a one-hour, elementary-oriented learning experience on Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy that will include a presentation, an encounter with one of WPP’s animal ambassadors and a craft or activity.
Animal Ambassador: Alphie & Raven, the Bunny Rabbits
Craft/Activity: Bunny Planters
-Free for WPP Member Child; $5 for Non-Member Child
-Adult Chaperone required & free for the class
-Regular park admission fee still applies for Non-Members. WPP Members receive FREE park admission.
-Reservations Required. Purchase Tickets Online.
-Located in Forest Hall Education Center Basement Classroom
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(Saturday) 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
30mar2:00 pm3:00 pmCritters & CoffeeSnake Anatomy and Misconceptions
Join us for an informative discussion on Snake Anatomy and Misconceptions as you enjoy WPP’S Wildly Crafted Bison Blend Coffee. This 45-minute program is geared towards adults.
Join us for an informative discussion on Snake Anatomy and Misconceptions as you enjoy WPP’S Wildly Crafted Bison Blend Coffee. This 45-minute program is geared towards adults.
FREE for Members
$5 for Non-Members. Regular park admission fee still applies.
Reservations Required. Purchase Tickets Online.
Located in Forest Hall Education Center
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(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
31marAll DayEaster Brunch & Egg HuntCelebrate Easter at the Park!
Easter Brunch Only 250 seats are available for this delicious brunch catered by Childers. Book your reservations before it’s too late! Brunch tickets
Easter Brunch
Only 250 seats are available for this delicious brunch catered by Childers. Book your reservations before it’s too late! Brunch tickets include tax, gratuity, Park Admission, and the Easter Egg Hunt. Reservations required.
Easter Egg Hunt
There will be separate egg hunts for different age groups. A special prize will be awarded to the child who finds the golden egg during each egg hunt! The Egg Hunt is Free with Park Admission. WPP Members receive Free Park Admission. Reserve your ticket!
Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
Free with Park admission from Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31.
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All Day (Sunday)(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
april
06apr9:00 am12:00 pmVolunteer WorkdayTrain Depot
Grab your work gloves and help spruce up the Park you love! At least once a month during our busy season, we need volunteers to help us clean
Grab your work gloves and help spruce up the Park you love! At least once a month during our busy season, we need volunteers to help us clean up an area of our 1,800 acre Park. In April we are focusing on the Train Depot and the surrounding area.
No experience necessary! Volunteer Workdays do not require regular commitments. Just sign up for as many Volunteer Workdays as you want. We welcome individuals 18 years and older and minors with a parent or guardian to sign up for Volunteer Workdays.
-Volunteers should plan to arrive 15 minutes before the Volunteer Workday begins.
-Enter the Park through the Ticket Gate and meet at the Train Depot.
-Dress for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are required & long pants are recommended all year-round.
-Sun protectant (hats, sun glasses, etc.), sunscreen, and insect repellant are also recommended.
-Bring water to stay hydrated.
-Bring your own work gloves.
-If possible, bring rakes and shovels.
If you have any questions or have a group interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@wildlifeprairie.org.
Interested in volunteering more at the Park? Available 2024 Volunteer Opportunities
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(Saturday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
06apr9:15 amSpring BashDisc Golf Tournament
11th annual Bash at Wildlife! This will be a PDGA sanctioned C tier event. Both rounds will be played at Wildlife Prairie Park, one of
11th annual Bash at Wildlife!
This will be a PDGA sanctioned C tier event. Both rounds will be played at Wildlife Prairie Park, one of the true gems in Illinois! Wildlife is annually featured in the Ledgestone Open disc golf event and this is one of the only times outside of that event that players can compete in a sanctioned event at Wildlife.
(Saturday) 9:15 am(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
06apr12:00 pm1:00 pmCritters & CookiesBackyard Habitats
Join us for a one-hour, elementary-oriented learning experience on Backyard Habitats that will include a presentation, an encounter with one of WPP’s animal ambassadors and a craft or
Join us for a one-hour, elementary-oriented learning experience on Backyard Habitats that will include a presentation, an encounter with one of WPP’s animal ambassadors and a craft or activity.
Animal Ambassador: owl, turtle, snake, amphibian, and mammal
Craft/Activity: TBD
-Free for WPP Member Child; $5 for Non-Member Child
-Adult Chaperone required & free for the class
-Regular park admission fee still applies for Non-Members. WPP Members receive FREE park admission.
-Reservations Required. Purchase Tickets Online.
-Located in Forest Hall Education Center Basement Classroom
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(Saturday) 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
“Membership Swap Weekend”April 12 – 14, 2023 Peoria Riverfront Museum | Peoria Zoo | Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum | Wildlife Prairie Park
“Membership Swap Weekend”
April 12 – 14, 2023
Peoria Riverfront Museum | Peoria Zoo | Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum | Wildlife Prairie Park
Are you a member of Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, Peoria Riverfront Museum, or Wildlife Prairie Park? Enjoy a weekend of free general admission* to all four of these Peoria-area attractions when you present your membership card and photo ID during the weekend of April 12-14.
*Charges may apply for additional experiences.
Please visit the individual facilities website or Facebook pages for hours of operation!
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april 12 (Friday) - 14 (Sunday)(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
13aprAll DayPokémon Goin the Park
Membership Swap Weekend!Peoria Zoo, Riverfront Museum, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, WPP Members receive FREE ENTRY to the Park. 11AM | iNaturalist – Pokédex of
Membership Swap Weekend!
Peoria Zoo, Riverfront Museum, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, WPP Members receive FREE ENTRY to the Park.
11AM | iNaturalist – Pokédex of our World
12PM | Guided Hike & Pokémon Contest Begins
2PM | Whose that Pokémon Inspiration
3PM | Contest Ends and Awards Ceremony
All Day (Saturday)(GMT-05:00)
14apr1:00 pm3:00 pmVolunteer Appreciation Celebration
Volunteers of 2023, please join us at
Volunteers of 2023, please join us at the Volunteer Ice Cream Social on April 14th at 1:00pm to discuss last year, and our plans for 2024.
Thank you for the generosity and hard work you dedicated to Wildlife Prairie Park in 2023. It’s volunteers like you that are vital to the success of the Park. With your help, we can make 2024 even better! Spring is quickly approaching and so is our Peak Season. We have many special events and programs planned this year and we need as much help as we can get!
If you have any questions, please email volunteer@wildlifeprairie.org
RSVP to attend. Check In upon arrival.
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(Sunday) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Road
Some Surprising Things About Bats That You Probably Don’t Know Join us in celebrating bats on International Bat Appreciation Day by learning about bat. Tom
Some Surprising Things About Bats That You Probably Don’t Know
Join us in celebrating bats on International Bat Appreciation Day by learning about bat. Tom Griffiths and Margaret Griffiths, both former professors at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington and Illinois Central College in East Peoria, are coming to talk about Some Surprising Things About Bats That You Probably Don’t Know.
In his nearly 53 years of studying bats, Tom Griffiths has been privileged to be part of a number of important scientific studies that have been critical in understanding the biology of these fascinating creatures.
-This talk begins with Tom’s participation as a college student in a bat-banding study conducted in Spring 1971 at a massive natural cave system in southern Vermont. Little Brown Bats were collected and banded in their winter roost (hibernaculum) and then collected months later in summer roosts located in houses, barns, and church steeples up to 150 miles away. This study provided the first information on the annual life cycle of bats, including information on migration, reproduction, and homing.
-From Vermont, the talk moves to Illinois. In May of 1988 similar field work conducted by Professor Griffiths and three Wesleyan students, under contract with the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR), resulted in surprising new information on bats of northern Illinois. The audience will learn of a semi-secret “biodiversity hot spot” where every one of the 10 species of bats known from northern Illinois has been unexpectedly found in large numbers.
-Moving to bat anatomy, we will briefly describe some findings by Griffiths and his students about how South American nectar-feeding bats stick their tongues out astonishingly far, and how Panamanian mustached bats produce echolocation pulses that are much louder than a jet plane at full throttle taking off (fortunately at sound frequencies well above our range of hearing, though your dog might hear them).
-Margaret will discuss what we know about White-Nose Syndrome, an imported fungal disease from Europe that sadly has killed bats by the millions across North America.
-We will conclude with some original research by Tom Griffiths and by other researchers on where bats fit on the Mammal evolutionary tree. Flying foxes will figure prominently in this story. Unless you look in advance of the talk, we promise that you will be flabbergasted to learn which mammal groups are most closely related to bats.
We will then happily answer whatever questions you’d care to ask.
Registration Required.
FREE with paid park admission. WPP Member receive park admission for FREE.
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(Wednesday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
27apr12:00 pm3:00 pmBioblitzFlood Plain Trail
Help us record the plants, animals, and fungi species on 1800-acres of Wildlife Prairie Park from 12 – 3pm on April
Help us record the plants, animals, and fungi species on 1800-acres of Wildlife Prairie Park from 12 – 3pm on April 27. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by making as many observations as we can and catalog the biodiversity of WPP.
Anyone can be a naturalist with iNaturalist. Just download the app and upload a picture of the wildlife you observe at the Park. The app will even help you identify what you see!
Come to the Park and learn about iNaturalist and put it into action by making observations.
Start at Forest Hall Education Center for an introductory presentation at 12pm and hike with us over to floodplain trail to make some observations. Check out the Spring Bioblitz Project Page, that will post real time updates during the Bioblitz.
This event is FREE with paid admission. Admission is FREE for WPP Members.
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(Saturday) 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
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Wildlife Prairie Park | 3826 N. Taylor Road | Hanna City, IL 61536