KIDS
Face painting at LCF's Mudpuppy Festival
While our popular Mudpuppy Festival has taken the year off, we're still celebrating! In recognition of the mudpuppy salamander (the Sangamon River's coolest creature!) the city of Monticello declared January 30, 2021, as Mudpuppy Day.
Mudpuppies are active in every season, and you can be, too. Look below for family nature activities, indoors and out!
Print and Color at Home
"Mandy's Prairie Home" Coloring Book
All ages can enjoy coloring the beautiful black-and-white illustrations in this story of a Midwestern prairie threatened — then saved — written and illustrated by Gillian Moore.
Mandy, a Massasauga rattlesnake, lived happily in sunny, open prairie. But strange, invading plants began taking over her home. Her friend, the Wise Old Oak, saw its acorns struggle to survive in the cool shade. Could anything save them? Using fire — nature’s own tool — caring people bring Mandy’s home back into balance.
Educational Poster Created by LCF
Freshwater Mussels and Their Fish Hosts
Freshwater mussel larvae hitchhike on the gills or fins of fish while they change into young mussels. To attract the right fish, some mussels even grow their own amazing fishing lures! LCF's large, colorful mussel-host poster shows the host and hitchhiker pairings found in the Upper Sangamon River. Contact us to obtain full-sized copies (26 x 38.5 inches), or print a small PDF.
Illinois' Amphibians & Reptiles
Slime, Scales & Mudpuppy Tales
Kids can get to know our state's salamanders, frogs, snakes, turtles, and lizards with this booklet from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It includes basic facts, plus simple line drawings to color.
All-Season Hiking Fun
Scavenger Hunt Bingo
There's lots to discover as the seasons change! Take along our bingo card when you visit our Bruce Hannon Levee Trail. It's a fun way to encourage kids to look closely and feed their curiosity.
Whose Pawprints Are Those?
Winter Activity Guide
When the snow falls, it's your chance to learn to identify animal tracks! The Champaign County Forest Preserve District's guide is filled with fun activities focused on the nature of Central Illinois.