In the grand kaleidoscope of states that comprise the United States of America, Illinois sits proudly as a sparkling gem. A symphony of nature, cities, farms, and rivers, she gleams with the charm of the Midwest, a crown set with the gleaming jewel of Chicago. The kids of Illinois, especially those who participate in Nature activities, aren't just ordinary kids - oh, no, they're something far more adventurous! Meet our hero, a dapper raccoon named Racket. Racket, with his bandit-masked eyes and bushy tail, is as spunky as a summer thunderstorm, and just as electrifying. He's a charming rogue, always ready to guide our brave Illinoisan kids on their explorations. From the wild prairies of the south, where nature whispers ancient stories through the tall, swaying grass, to the secret corners of the Shawnee Forest, where trees older than time itself stand tall, Racket and the kids seek adventures. And boy, do they find them! They go bug hunting, canoeing on gleaming rivers, and stargazing in the clear, country nights, giggling at constellations with funny names like "Boötes" (which, by the way, Racket always mispronounces as "Booties" just to make them laugh). Imagine a group of kids, cheeks flushed with excitement, rosy from both the exertion and the cold, as they embark on a winter hike through Starved Rock State Park. There’s Racket, leading the way, slipping and sliding in the snow in a way that makes everyone chuckle. In the state of Illinois, every day is a new adventure, and every child is a brave explorer, and every raccoon? Well, he just might be the coolest guide you've ever met!
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Our center is a dedicated childcare hub with a strong emphasis on nurturing every facet of a child's growth. Our commitment is to offer an environment that allows children to thrive, develop, and explore their potential to the fullest. We take immense pride in providing top-notch care for your little ones, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times. We believe in creating a stimulating environment for children, and a significant part of that is offering a language-rich setting. Our center is equipped with a variety of resources to encourage language development and enhance communication skills. We strive to instill a love for language in children, helping them to express themselves effectively and confidently. Our comprehensive childcare services cater to a broad age range - from infants as young as six weeks old to preteens up to twelve years of age. We understand that each age group has unique developmental needs and we tailor our programs accordingly, providing age-appropriate learning and activities. Trust us to provide a nurturing, educational, and fun-filled environment for your child at every stage of their early life.


The BTPD is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the community through recreation, education, and preservation. Our mission is to provide families with a variety of recreational opportunities and activities. As a Park District, we are responsible for preserving open space, developing parks, and providing recreational programs for people of all ages. The BTPD offers four facilities to the community, including Recreation Station, Exploration Station, a children’s museum, and Willowhaven Park & Nature Center. We also have four parks, Perry Farm Park, Diamond Point Park, Willowhaven Park & Nature Center, and Turnberry Park. Every park offers a unique and exciting atmosphere where families can come together and enjoy time together. The BTPD is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for people of all ages. We strive to ensure that all of our parks and facilities are well maintained and offer a wide range of recreational activities. Through our recreational programs, educational opportunities, and preservation efforts, we aim to make the BTPD a place where families can come together and make memories that last a lifetime.


Illinois Extension is committed to providing practical, real-world solutions to some of today's most pressing issues. Our staff of experts are dedicated to translating cutting-edge research into meaningful changes that can help people, businesses, and communities. We have identified a select group of issues, which we refer to as grand challenges, to focus our efforts on and strive to make progress towards addressing them. At Illinois Extension, we are passionate about developing solutions to the grand challenges of today. Our team of experts works hard to translate cutting-edge research into practical applications that can benefit individuals, businesses, and communities. We are committed to making meaningful strides towards tackling the grand challenges and are driven by the desire to create positive change in our world.