Enjoy this virtual walk along the Brown Trail where you'll see the Virginia Bluebells have started to bloom! https://youtu.be/g_Watk2Wjgg … [Read more...] about Bluebells on the Brown Trail
Spring Drone Tour
A quiet, rainy Sunday morning drone tour of the formal gardens. … [Read more...] about Spring Drone Tour
Prairie From Above
“The Allerton prairie getting greener by the day! Lots of work went into this area this year and we can’t wait to see it this summer/fall. Check out the spiderweb-like art that the animals trails create amongst the bare soil.” -Alex, Natural Areas Manager … [Read more...] about Prairie From Above
House in the Woods Highlight
In addition to seven lodging rooms, The House in the Woods features a relaxing common area with a couch, TV, mini fridge, microwave, and toaster - making it the perfect spot for your next peaceful getaway! Built in 1917 to house Robert Allerton’s gardening staff, The House in the Woods is tucked into a secluded alcove between the Sunken Garden and Centaur, just steps from the Yellow Trail. Gather a close group of friends or family and plan for a weekend away surrounded by the quiet of nature … [Read more...] about House in the Woods Highlight
Alvin Cam!
Check out what's been happening on our strategically-placed trail cams.... Our Natural Areas Managers (who double as detectives) found a den in the side of the bluff and decided to investigate. A chubby-cheeked critter (let's call him Alvin) and a few other surprise vistors made an appearance! https://youtu.be/xEVJBRU3hPs … [Read more...] about Alvin Cam!
Wildflower Watch: March 26, 2021
Bloodroot, snow trillium, spring beauties, and hepatica are currently blooming.... ...with dutchman's britches on the way! … [Read more...] about Wildflower Watch: March 26, 2021
Prescribed Burns Video
When one of your Natural Areas Managers is also a skilled videographer, you get amazing footage like this! The application of fire to an area for management purposes is called “prescribed fire” and is an important land management technique. Most of our native plants are adapted to fire or depend on it for seed germination, nutrient recycling, reduction of competition, or maintenance of open tree canopies. Returning the natural process of periodic fire helps to restore and maintain hundreds … [Read more...] about Prescribed Burns Video
Recreation for All
By Mindy Brand, Assistant Director of Annual Fund and Programs While going through the University of Illinois Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Master’s program last year, I found that people are very curious about what it means to study recreation. It turns out that the word “recreation” actually means a lot. And not just abstractly - it means a lot to your life. The verb form of the word may shed some light: to “recreate” is something we all do regularly, whether we realize it or not. We … [Read more...] about Recreation for All