This spring, Allerton staff assisted researchers from the Ward Lab of Ornithology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in their efforts to track and study the habitat use, migration routes, and behavior of native birds. Allerton Natural Areas Managers Alex Lourash and Nate Beccue are working with Dr. Mike Ward, Mike Avara, Tara Beveroth and Lauren Brunk of the Ward Lab to locate, catch, and tag wood thrushes at Allerton Park. The tagged birds are tracked using equipment installed on … [Read more...] about Wood Thrush Research with the Ward Lab of Ornithology
CHEF DELVALLEY DRAWS ON NATIVE INFLUENCES
Chef Benny DelValley began working in kitchens at age 16, and has worked in many over past 20 years with different styles, from seafood to Spanish and tapas. (First was Scully’s Chicken and Fish in Urbana.) He has been an executive chef and has worked in catering. “I really don’t have a culinary identity because I have just been exposed to so many cultures because of my family and my upbringing. I just love everything.” DelValley’s mom is registered with the Native American Community. He … [Read more...] about CHEF DELVALLEY DRAWS ON NATIVE INFLUENCES
Upgrading Accessibility Through Major Projects
Allerton Park and Retreat Center is in the midst of three projects that will increase accessibility at the Monticello-area park. They include the first phase of an off-road multi-use path, power chairs that will soon be available to check out, and continuation of the park’s first fully accessible woodland trail. The trio of efforts have been at least partially funded by state and local grants, as well as private donations. The multi-use path, which received a $130,110 grant from the … [Read more...] about Upgrading Accessibility Through Major Projects
John Gregg Allerton’s room restored in memory of his niece, Jane Schowalter
It is common for staff at Allerton Park and Retreat Center to hear stories from visitors who have fond memories of the 1,500-acre park, which was donated to the University of Illinois by Robert Allerton in 1946. But a history like that of the late Jane Gregg Schowalter is not one they hear very often. Donations made to Allerton in memory of Jane have been used to restore the former bedroom of her uncle, John Gregg Allerton, the decades-long companion and legally adopted son of Robert … [Read more...] about John Gregg Allerton’s room restored in memory of his niece, Jane Schowalter
