Finals are wrapping up this week and summer will officially begin! Congratulations to all the 2020 Grads! We loved having you at CPM. To all those returning to campus next year, we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
This week has been really cold in Champaign-Urbana, and I for one am not here for it. May should be sunny and warm, not cold and rainy. But we are in Illinois and the weather is predictably strange when the seasons change. The unfortunate chilliness of the weekend didn’t keep people from heading outside to enjoy the newly reopened state parks, however. Many people were out hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching all over Illinois.
The Illinois government has allowed state parks to reopen as of May 1st. That means instead of taking walks around town, you can go on a beautiful hike instead! Being outside, away from everyone, and in nature is not only a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it is also a wonderful way to reduce stress. Worries seem so small when you are surrounded by towering trees or rushing rivers.
Here are some things you can do in state parks…
Hike
Observe nature
Outdoor yoga
Bike
Run the trials
Fish (off a boat or offshore)
Kayak
Picnic
Play frisbee
Things remaining closed in state parks include…
Visitor centers
Campgrounds
Playgrounds
Shelter reservations
Educational programs
Beaches
Special events
Concessions
Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website to read through all the guidelines and updates. They have a full list of state parks that will be open in specific areas in Illinois, so you can find a state park near you!
