photos of school children

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March 9 and 10, 2012
Friday 9:00 - 3:00 and Saturday 10:00 - 3:00


Natural Resources Building
607-615 E. Peabody Drive
Champaign, IL 61820

Printable 2012 Planning Guide with Exhibit Map

Printable 2012 Naturally Illinois Expo poster

Each year, in early spring, Institute scientists throw open the doors and invite everyone – schoolchildren, families, the general public – to come see, interact, touch, and experience the wonder of our state's diverse natural and cultural resources and cutting edge sustainable technologies.

Please come join us and experience fifty exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities of interest to the public, teachers, and students of all levels. Interact with scientists who work on cutting-edge research and solutions to water, energy, ecosystem, mineral resource, natural hazards, climate, cultural resource, and technology issues. Read more and see photos and videos from previous Expos here: Photos from the 2011 Expo, Videos from the 2011 Expo.

Several new displays in 2012 include: Live! Honey Bees, Waste to Oil, Metal as a Fuel, Exploring the Mahomet Valley in 3D, Time Table, Rocks and Minerals Under a Microscope, Winged Creatures That Go Bump in the Night, River Otters in Illinois, Extreme Weather...Illinois Style, and Nab the Aquatic Invader!

SUPPORT THE EXPO!

Did you know the Expo is led entirely by volunteers and funded entirely through donations? We rely on our donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Become one today! Learn more...

Two ways you can help, right now:

  1. Become a Friend of the Expo. Learn more, or donate now!
  2. Directly sponsor part of the Expo.

TEACHERS/YOUTH GROUPS—book your field trip today!

For teachers across the region, Naturally Illinois has become a staple of the year's science curriculum. That's because Institute scientists do more than merely inform - they engage and excite students of all ages. Also a great destination for Boys and Girls' Clubs, scout troops, and other youth organizations. See Teachers/Youth Groups link for more information.

Announcement for 2012 Expo

2011 Earth, Wind, and Fire logo

Earth, Wind, & Fire 5K Run and 2.5K Walk

The 5th annual Earth, Wind, & Fire 5K Run and 2.5K Walk will kick off at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning.



Find more information, as it becomes available, on this Web site or e-mail prairie@illinois.edu.

2012 Naturally Illinois Expo logo

Directions and Parking

(Directions and map will be available in the 2012 Planning Guide which is due shortly. Please check back.)

FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE
From I-74:
      • Take Exit 183, Lincoln Avenue, south
      • Continue south on Lincoln Avenue approximately 2.5 miles
      • Turn right (west) onto Florida Avenue.
      • Turn left (south) onto Oak Street.
      • Turn left into Lot E14 (west of Assembly Hall) and park all day FREE.
      • Catch a free shuttle from the south half of Lot E-14. Naturally Illinois Expo Shuttle will drop off at the Natural Resources Building
        at 6th and Pennsylvania for the Expo. Pick it up at the same place to return to the parking lot. This is the shortest trip if only
        attending the Expo.

            † ExplorACES shuttle bus will drop off at the ACES Stock Pavilion stop on Pennsylvania which is half a block east of the
              Natural Resources Building and the Expo. Pick it up at the same place to return to the parking lot.

These free shuttle buses will make continuous loops from the E14 parking lot every 10-15 minutes between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. Tell the driver or student host that you are going to the Expo.

METER AND LOT PARKING
Metered on-street parking is available along Pennsylvania Avenue, Peabody Drive (between First Street and Sixth Street), and Sixth Street. Visitor parking is also available in Lot E19. On Saturday only, visitors may also park in lot E2, E11, E13, or E15.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
From Lincoln Avenue, turn west onto Pennsylvania Avenue. The bus drop-off zone is marked along the curb of Pennsylvania Avenue between the garage and greenhouse. Please drop off your group in this location to alleviate traffic congestion and then procede to Lot E14 to park the bus. Continue west on Pennsylvania. Turn left (south) onto Fourth Street. Turn right (west) onto Kirby Avenue. Turn left (south) onto Oak Street and then park in Lot E14.


Concurrent University of Illinois Events



photos from some of the exhibits


Updated 02/23/12 AW

PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
William W. Shilts, Executive Director
615 E. Peabody Drive, MC-650
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-333-5111
Fax: 217-265-4678
prairie@illinois.edu

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