Allerton

Park & Retreat Center

Park Blog

2021 Matching Gift Challenge

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Our Advancement Committee is providing another opportunity for you to double your impact when you make a gift to Allerton!  The 2021 Matching Gift Challenge will match dollar-for-dollar every donation under $500 made before December 31, 2021.  You can give to the Friends of Allerton fund, or designate your donation to the area of Allerton that means the most to you: the Mansion, Formal Gardens, Natural Areas, or Accessibility. Last year's Challenge inspired a tremendous outpouring of … [Read more...] about 2021 Matching Gift Challenge

Northern Saw-Whet Owl Survey

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Last month, our Natural Areas staff helped University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign biologists and Illinois Natural History Survey conduct a Northern Saw-Whet Owl survey. They were fortunate to net two and attached a numbered identification band to their legs that will allow other researchers who capture them to identify where these migratory owls have been. Owls are weighed, measured, sexed and aged and then quickly released. The two Allerton visitors were both females - one hatched in 2021 and … [Read more...] about Northern Saw-Whet Owl Survey

Allerton In-Residence Fall 2021: Interview with Aumaine Rose Smith

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Aumaine Rose Smith, a poet based in Cleveland, is currently living onsite as Allerton's Fall 2021 Artist In-Residence. Prior to her residency, we interviewed Aumaine to learn more about her life, profession, and expectations for her time at Allerton. What is your background as an artist and what sparked your creative journey? "My interest in writing was likely sparked by growing up around many books. My mom was able to teach me to read when I was fairly young, and my grandma gave me a … [Read more...] about Allerton In-Residence Fall 2021: Interview with Aumaine Rose Smith

Fall color sneaking in…but slowly

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"If you’re thinking fall color is lacking compared to late October of most years, you are correct. 'The fall color is definitely behind. Generally I think of wet falls having good color, but this year I get the feeling that everything is going to be muted. Hopefully I am wrong!' said Nate Beccue, the Natural Areas Manager at Allerton Park & Retreat Center." Continue reading here. Photo: Steve Hoffman, Piatt County Journal Republican … [Read more...] about Fall color sneaking in…but slowly

Rathje’s second $1million donation will improve Allerton gardens, Mansion

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Dave and Debra Rathje of Decatur have made a one million dollar gift to continue improvements to Allerton. The Rathje’s donation will be directed to the Fu Dog Garden and the Solarium, the window-lined ‘back porch’ of the Mansion. A portion of their investment will be used to make immediate updates to each area, including restoration work to the House of the Golden Buddhas, the prominent gazebo in the Fu Dog Garden, as well as the statues it contains. In addition, endowment funds have been … [Read more...] about Rathje’s second $1million donation will improve Allerton gardens, Mansion

Allerton’s Fall Residency Announced, Applications Open for Spring 2022

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Aumaine Rose Smith has been selected as Allerton's Fall 2021 Artist In-Residence. Smith, a poet based in Cleveland, will spend two weeks living in the newly renovated Ice House on the Allerton estate. Allerton’s In-Residence program, which began last November, offers artists and naturalists the opportunity to immerse themselves in their work and find inspiration from the Park. The program aims to support and highlight the meaningful work of creators and researchers, making their professions … [Read more...] about Allerton’s Fall Residency Announced, Applications Open for Spring 2022