The trails within forest preserves of Champaign County are often filled with runners, hikers and bikers throughout the day.
But at night, when the people gather inside their homes, foot traffic on the trails quiets.
Part of this is because the Champaign County Forest Preserve parks are only open during day time hours. But on Jan. 17 and 19, Homer Lake Forest Preserve will open its gates for an annual January full moon hike from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
“This is to give people the opportunity who may not experience being on the trails at night,” Jennifer Wick, Public Program Specialist for the Champaign County Forest Preserve, said. “It’s a really great experience, and there is a lot to be seen. Seeing nature at night is just as exciting as daytime; there are different things to observe at different times.”
Wick begins the hike indoors with a presentation about the moon cycle. As participants venture onto the hiking trails outdoors, she encourages them to not use artificial light so that the group can talk about how other senses will be heightened when vision by moonlight is limited.
During the family hike on Jan. 17, Wick plans interactive activities so that children can learn more about night vision for humans and wild animals.
The adult hike on Jan. 19 is a little longer walk where visitors will take time to look up at the moon, view constellations, and maybe even experience wildlife.
“Out here at Homer Lake, it’s just going to be darker than it is in town because we don’t have a lot of lighting throughout the park and we are also a little bit outside of town,” Wick said. “You’re just able to see more.”
“If you’re from Champaign, you can’t see the stars very well, even on a clear night. Being out here gives them an opportunity to really get to see the stars in the sky.”
Being removed from town and traffic also offers visitors an opportunity to hear more, too.
“It’s really just a no-interruption experience to listen and observe nature at night,” Wick said. “Whereas it might seem like there is nothing going on, there actually is a lot to hear and see at night.”
Participation in the full moon hike requires registration as there are a limited number of spots available. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled and will not be rescheduled.
A $3 fee is charged for persons over the age of 2. Registration by Jan. 16 is required, and can be completed by calling (217) 896-2455 or emailing jwick@ccfpd.org.
