CHAMPAGIN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Spring has sprung in Southern, Illinois. Now that the weather is getting nicer here are 10 nature reserves near Champaign-Urbana to enjoy.
1. **Allerton Park and Retreat Center**: Located in Monticello, this park features extensive natural areas, gardens, and sculptures.
2. **Meadowbrook Park**: Situated in Urbana, Meadowbrook Park offers walking trails, prairie restoration areas, and organic gardens.
3. **Busey Woods**: A natural area in Urbana with trails and woodlands, Busey Woods is managed by the Urbana Park District.
4. **Kickapoo State Recreation Area**: Located in Oakwood, this park offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating amidst scenic natural surroundings.
5. **Homer Lake Forest Preserve**: Situated in Homer, this forest preserve features trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities around Homer Lake.
6. **Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve**: Found in Mahomet, this preserve offers hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a museum, all set around Lake of the Woods.
7. **Middle Fork River Forest Preserve**: Located in Penfield, this preserve features the scenic Middle Fork River, hiking trails, and opportunities for canoeing and fishing.
8. **Sangamon River Forest Preserve**: Situated in Fisher, this forest preserve offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking along the Sangamon River.
9. **River Bend Forest Preserve**: Found in Mahomet, this preserve offers hiking trails, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities along the Sangamon River.
10. **Heritage Lake Park**: Located in Leroy, this park offers fishing, boating, and hiking trails around Heritage Lake.
These nature reserves provide a variety of outdoor experiences and opportunities for exploration near Champaign-Urbana.