In an email to the Campus community on March 11, the University of Illinois shared their proactive policies to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As part of the University, Allerton will be adopting these policies, which includes cancelling or postponing several events. As of now, a small number of events will remain as scheduled. <UPDATE: As of 3/15, ALL public events have been cancelled until further notice. See the full update here.> You can find the updated event calendar here. … [Read more...] about Allerton’s COVID-19 Public Event Policy
2020 Retreat & Review
Allerton's Annual Retreat & Review takes a look at the Park's progress and highlights from the last year, along with exciting updates for the future! This year's edition features the Summer Concert Series, new developments in Public Outreach, restoration projects, student engagement, and so much more. Click here to read it now! Thanks to Blue in Green Photography for the lovely cover photo! … [Read more...] about 2020 Retreat & Review
Christmas Bird Count Recap
Thanks to everyone who made our first annual Christmas Bird Count a success! We had 14 Volunteers (ranging in age from under 10 to over 80) who collectively covered 190 miles (170 driving + 20 walking) between the hours of 4am and 9pm. They counted 50 species, and 1,840 individual birds! Read more about our Bird Count here. Some highlights included: Snow Bunting, Eastern Screech Owl, Greater White Fronted Goose, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Sharp Shinned Hawk, and Lapland Longspur. Thinner … [Read more...] about Christmas Bird Count Recap
Magical Memories
“Our guests from all over the country couldn’t believe how beautiful and unique the venue is – and just so suited for a weekend destination wedding where everyone can really relax and feel at home. We couldn’t recommend Allerton more. It will be a special place for us for our entire lives. First class all the way around!” – Joseph & Richard, April 2019 (wedding pictured above). There is something truly magical about the Allerton Mansion. Many see it as the … [Read more...] about Magical Memories
Champaign Central welders provide spine for Allerton’s lighted archway
Thanks to Champaign Central High School's advanced welding class, Allerton's Kirby Winter Wellness Walk has a new and improved lighted archway! These talented students planned and completed this project in just three weeks. We are grateful for their help, and even more excited to work with local schools to get more students out and into Allerton. Many students have never visited, but now this class has a stake in the Park. “It feels nice,” says Isaac Garcia, student at Central. “It’s just … [Read more...] about Champaign Central welders provide spine for Allerton’s lighted archway
Visitor Center Public Input
Last week we hosted a public meeting to talk about a new Visitor Center at Allerton. The purpose of this meeting was to give the public an opportunity to express what they would like to see in the upgraded building. We would like to continue the conversation and hear more of your thoughts. If you want to share your ideas for Allerton's new Visitor Center, please fill out this survey. You did not have to attend the public meeting to complete this survey. We appreciate your input! … [Read more...] about Visitor Center Public Input
Elmer’s Corner
The small grassland located at the south entrance off Allerton Road has long been known as “Elmer’s Corner”, named after an Allerton-era staff member Elmer Priebe. The earliest land cover records for Piatt County indicate that most of what is now Allerton Park was forested at the time of settlement. One exception to this is “Elmer’s Corner”. We believe the area east of Old Levee Road and north of Allerton Road was originally prairie and is an excellent site for ecological restoration work. … [Read more...] about Elmer’s Corner
Statue Cleaning
Thank you to the Friends of Allerton for their support in our efforts to uphold the beauty of the Park. Over the last two days our bronze statues have been cleaned and waxed by statue restoration company, Sculpture Sources. Check out the before and after images of the Sun Singer and Sea Maiden! Interested in helping with projects like this? Consider becoming a friend today! … [Read more...] about Statue Cleaning