Allerton

A New Appreciation

Allerton — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:41:51 +0000

Like many current and former Monticello residents, I hold a special place in my heart for Allerton Park. Many of you can likely recall family picnics and hikes as a child, lazy summer days lounging around the Sun Singer, or maybe the joy of bringing your children out to Allerton for the first time. The Park was a playground, the mansion a mystery.

I’m ashamed to say that growing up I didn’t realize just how lucky I was to have this place in my backyard. I knew Allerton was unique, but just how unique—and how valuable—I didn’t realize until later. Fourteen miles of trails through the forest made great scenery for cross-country practice, but the true importance of these areas was lost on me. The beauty of the formal gardens and statuary was obvious, but I put little thought into why Robert Allerton designed his gardens this way or how he chose unique statues from around the world. Allerton also happened to be the name of the local library, but the history of the Allerton family and how Robert came to build his estate at “the Farms” in central Illinois never crossed my mind.

Although I’ve certainly come a long way since that time, to this day I’m still learning about the many aspects of the Park. Learning not only what is, but what can be. I see Allerton in a new way. I see the restored prairie that provides habitat for state endangered and threatened species, and the need for continuous invasive species control to maintain the high quality forest that is one of the most valuable in Illinois. I see the need to preserve one-of-a-kind statues, and gardens that require not only constant maintenance, but significant reinvestment to really thrive. I see a century-old mansion in need of restoration to maintain its functionality as well as its historical and architectural significance. I see the opportunity for engagement to share Allerton with others and educational programs to teach the public, and in-particular, children, about the importance of this truly unique place.

I look forward to the day when I bring my own children here to share my memories as we make more of our own. I hope I can instill in them the same appreciation that I now have. It is only with this shared understanding and long-term investment that we can ensure the continued preservation of this place that we all know and love.

For more information on how you can help or get involved at Allerton, contact Bridget Frerichs at 217-300-3500.

Spring Wildflowers at Allerton

Allerton — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:42:50 +0000

This is one of my favorite times of year. All the vegetation begins to slowly emerge from the long, cold, unsympathetic winter. But, before trees begin to leaf-out Allerton’s natural areas are provided a welcome splash of color. In spring, the woods of Allerton Park are carpeted with more than three dozen kinds of wildflowers in hues of pink, blue, white, yellow, and lavender. These plants take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the forest floor before the trees completely leaf out. Most wildflowers have underground bulbs or other enlarged structures that store nutrients to survive the winter and allow the plants to quickly leaf out and flower in the spring. Flowering is brief. And once the plant has fruited it will often disappear without a trace until the following spring. The flowering season is fairly long with flowers blooming from early April through June. The peak is usually in early May. Garlic mustard, a native of Europe, has invaded many areas in the park and could be crowding out native wildflowers. The first two species of wildflower to bloom in the park every year are snow trillium and hepatica. These two flowers are mostly restricted to north facing ridges and ravines along the Sangamon River. Snow trillium are low growing perennials about 5-15 cm tall. Each individual has a single, 3-petaled, white flower. Snow trillium bloom so early that in some years you may see their blooms poking through melting snow. A close associate of snow trillium are hepatica. These flowers are also small in stature and range in color from white to pink having a leafless flowering stalk. Blue-eyed Mary is not an especially common wildflower in Illinois but Allerton Park is an exception with this delightful plant occurring by the thousands, along trails near the Sun Singer. Unlike most wildflowers, which are long-lived perennials, blue-eyed Mary is an annual, growing from seed each year. Its upper white petals form a “flag” to attract bees. In April and the first part of May, Virginia bluebells are one of the most abundant and spectacular wildflowers at Allerton. The pink flower buds change to porcelain blue as the flower opens to its characteristic fluted-trumpet shape. The loose flower clusters dangle gracefully above the smooth, dull leaves. The plants grow and flower quickly. By July, they have disappeared. Resembling a preacher in a pulpit, the flowering stem of the jack-in-the-pulpit is certain to catch your eye. The clubshaped spadix, the “jack,” is surrounded by a green or brown-striped leaflike spathe that forms canopylike “pulpit.” The true flowers are tiny and found at the base of the jack. These stately plants are usually 1 to 2 feet tall and have one or two glossy green leaves divided into three segments. Allerton is home to roughly 30 species of spring wildflower blooming from Mid-march through May. Be sure to stop by and see them all. – John Griesbaum Natural Areas Manager

March 2013 Newsletter

Allerton — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:47:20 +0000

Volunteer Meeting at Allerton

Allerton — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:07:17 +0000

This March, Allerton Park and Retreat Center will be buzzing with an energy it hasn’t seen in several years. We plan on bringing back a University of Illinois favorite – Allerton Spring Break. Allerton Spring Break is an alternative spring break in which students and the community participate in volunteer activities at Historic Allerton Park and Retreat Center.
Most people are aware that Allerton is owned by the University of Illinois. Donated to the University by Robert Allerton in 1946, the estate and grounds have been used by the public for education and recreation for nearly seven decades. By bringing back the spring break program, University of Illinois students and local community members will have the chance to become part of that history for an entire week. That week will bring the opportunity to help with projects that will benefit the park for years to come.
Allerton Spring Break runs March 18-22. There are fifteen available slots that will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Workdays will run from 8AM-4PM. There will be a daily shuttle from the University to Allerton to bring student participants out in the morning and back in the afternoon. This year Allerton has partnered with the University of Illinois Employee Credit Union to supply lunches to our participants.
For those interested in volunteering at Allerton on a more regular basis, we are holding an informational Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, February 20 at 6:00pm in the Retreat Center. Attending this orientation is the first step in becoming an Allerton volunteer, and it will answer any questions the community may have about volunteering at Allerton. Current volunteer opportunities available include gardening, working as a Visitor Center attendant, or helping preserve our natural areas. There are many more, so anyone interested in learning about them should definitely be there!
Applications for Allerton Spring Break as well as information on other volunteer opportunities are available on our website or by contacting Mindy Brand at brand@illinois.edu.

February 2013 Newsletter

Allerton — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:35:53 +0000

What’s Happening at Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:59:23 +0000

Gallery Refinishing – Each November the retreat center undergoes some sort of major project, this year we refinished the floors in the main gallery. By all staff accounts this has not been done in the last 30 years, if ever. Regardless, the floors look great, the next time you are in the mansion make sure to give them a look.
Events:
February Bed and Brunch, just in time for Valentine’s Day…Allerton is happy to announce the first Bed and Bruch of 2013, to be held on Saturday February 16th and 17th. For this event guests can expect a romantic dinner with a relaxing evening in one of our well-appointed guest rooms. The next morning couples will have a reserved seat at our signature Allerton Sunday Brunch.
March Photo Retreat with the News-Gazette…Photography is one of the common hobbies many of the guests to Allerton share. With all the natural beauty of the park who can blame them? This March Allerton Park and Retreat Center is teaming up with the News-Gazette for a full day of professional photography instruction, camera familiarization, and the use of Allerton Park and Retreat Center as your canvas. Cost for the event is $349.
In March Allerton Mansion Opens for overnight weekend accommodations…Looking for a no hassle evening away? Select weekends this March, Allerton Mansion is open for weekend overnight with rooms starting at just $109.00 per night. Stay the night in one of our well-appointed rooms complete with a hot breakfast buffet in the morning.

January 2013 Newsletter

Allerton — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:46:32 +0000

Flock Back to Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:46:07 +0000

Throughout the year here at Allerton Park and Retreat Center, many things change. Flowers in the gardens bloom and dieback, leaves in the natural areas green and then become the wonderful Fall colors we all love, and temperatures rise into summer and drop into Winter. With all these wonderful changes happening all year round at Allerton Park, there may be things that are overlooked. One of these things might be the birds.
Allerton Park is considered by many Illinois bird watchers as Piatt County’s best birding spot throughout the year. From open tallgrass prairies to forest and everything in between, the natural areas provide a diverse habitat for all types of birds. And it is not just the natural areas that attract bird species, as the gardens can also harbor unique areas for birds.
Any time of year unique species of birds can be found here. In spring, as migrating birds move from their overwintering grounds in South America and the southern United States to breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States, they need areas to stop over and refuel. As much of the land around Allerton Park is farmland and unsuitable for many of these birds, large numbers of species and individuals concentrate in the forested canopies. As many as 116 species have been seen here in one day during the spring including many colorful favorites such as the warblers and tanagers. In summer, nesting birds, such as Dickcissels, spend time defending territories and raising young, while Fall again greets migrating birds on their way south. Winter is a much quieter time left to the woodpeckers, owls, hawks and others, but unique birds, such as the White-winged Crossbill, are sometimes seen in the hemlock trees planted by Allerton.
Bird watching can be great at Allerton Park during any time of year and observing birds can help add that extra bit of discovery for a walk through the natural areas or the gardens. Come out to Allerton Park and take notice of these flying creatures. You will see it is truly a place for the birds.
Scott Rose Natural Areas Intern Allerton Park

Rediscover Allerton: Volunteering at Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:24:37 +0000

As the leaves are changing and falling to the ground and the temperature outside is dropping, I am entering my third month as Volunteer Coordinator at Allerton. So far my new position has been a whirlwind of new faces and experiences. I meet new people all the time and am constantly being challenged by the tasks and responsibilities that come with my job. I have to say, even at this relatively early junction, I absolutely love it.

Prior to August of this year, it had been almost five years since Allerton Park had a Volunteer Coordinator. I have searched through countless files and documents left behind by the person who previously held my position, and it is clear that the absence of this position had a profoundly negative effect on the Volunteer Program. Volunteers benefit from having a coordinator, and Allerton certainly benefits from having volunteers.

I don’t want to make it sound like Allerton hasn’t seen a volunteer in five years, quite the opposite. We have a core group of volunteers that have remained active and dedicated to the park for years. They work regular schedules and care about Allerton very much. Their contribution is immeasurable. What I do mean is that there have been very few new volunteers coming out to start their own relationship with the park. This is something we are planning on changing in the coming year. We want to start seeing new faces at Allerton, as well as faces that just haven’t been around for a while. We will be hosting an informational orientation next February for all those interested in volunteering at Allerton. This orientation will include specific information on volunteer opportunities, job descriptions, and Allerton Park in general. I encourage anyone interested in or curious about volunteering at Allerton to contact me for more information about this orientation.

I have spoken to many people over these last few weeks about their experience, past and present, at Allerton, and the overwhelming majority of them have been touched in some way by their time here. I can’t say I’m surprised. Allerton is both ornately spectacular and quietly simplistic. This simplicity means that several different visitors can come out to Allerton, travel the same paths, visit the same gardens, and view the same sculptures but all have a uniquely personal experience. The same is true for our volunteers. What each volunteer takes from their time at Allerton is special and unique. Some come out for the fresh air and solitude, some for the personal relationships and new friends, some for the excitement of special events. Whatever their reason for coming out to Allerton, volunteers are sure to get more than they expected from the experience.

Contact information:

Mindy Brand
Volunteer Coordinator
333-3287 ext. 113
brand@illinois.edu

Rediscover Allerton: Fall at Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:06:23 +0000

Fall is my second favorite season at Allerton Park; day-to-day operations of the park seem to slow down just enough for the average employee to appreciate what he or she has accomplished.

Fall is a great time at the park to enjoy the natural areas and all the beauty they hold. Have you seen the Hickories this year? Forget the Hickories, one of my favorite trees at Allerton, the Sassafras, is a blaze of gorgeous reds and oranges. Have you been to the Centaur statue this season? If you approach from the bottomland forest, laboring up the steps to approach the alter above, you will be greeted by a golden sunrise of leaves witnessing the Death of the Last Centaur. And Formal Gardens are still revealing secrets of all kinds.
The Retreat Center is gearing up for holiday parties, all while the phone rings off the hook with brides calling to discuss summer wedding details.

The Allerton Barn’s door opened last weekend to welcome guests for Allerton’s first annual Oktoberfest Celebration. The barn quivered with laughter and beat with the steady foot-falls of Polka dancing – as much a treat for the spectators as the dancers.

We look forward to introducing the public to Allerton’s new website in the next few weeks. This website will be much more user-friendly, and will allow the staff to better interact with the public.

I mentioned that fall was my second favorite season at the park; it comes to a close as the chill of winter sets in. Most people tend to forget about Allerton in the winter, but winter is my favorite season here at the park. Winter is a quiet wonderland of sparkling ice and snow, and I think there is no better way to experience the artful arrangements of evergreens and sculpture Allerton has to offer. Allerton is here, Allerton is open; come out and rediscover all the different experiences that each season brings.