Barber (#BarberPaintsPpl) is one of Allerton’s recent spring artists in residence. A native of Detroit, he is spending time at the park during a Midwest Tour, gaining inspiration to craft abstract paintings. The Midwest-based artist uses a unique method of codifying the human form into geometric shapes and lines — think stick-like figures — to help avoid stereotypical perceptions of the body, with the goal of allowing the viewer to determine the figures’ social and cultural identities for … [Read more...] about A Q&A with Barber, a spring artist-in-residence
May bird hikes announced
Spring Migration Bird Hikes are scheduled for each Friday in May, starting this Friday (May 6). Hikes start at 9 a.m. in the Main Parking Lot. There is $5 charge. Hikes are free for Allerton Bird Club members. A Full Moon Hike is also planned May 16. Cost is $10, while $20 includes two beers. To register for a hike, click on the event: — Friday, May 6: Spring Migration Bird Hike — Friday, May 13: Spring Migration Bird Hike — Monday, May 16: Full Moon Hike — Friday, May 20: … [Read more...] about May bird hikes announced
Spring and summer yoga!
Whether it’s during the morning sun or under the light of a full moon, there are outdoor yoga sessions for all at Allerton in upcoming months. Here is a list and links to upcoming sessions, provided by Yoga Off the Square May 15: 10 a.m. — Community Yoga on the Bowling Green June 4: 10 a.m. — Stretch ‘n Sip Yoga in the Meadow June 14: 8 p.m. — Full Moon Yoga in the Meadow July 13: 8:30 p.m. — Full Moon Yoga in the Meadow Aug. 11: 8 p.m. — Full Moon Yoga in the Meadow Summer … [Read more...] about Spring and summer yoga!
Allerton Director featured in News-Gazette
From Allerton Park and Retreat Center Executive Director Derek Peterson, talking about one of his main business role models: “The one and only Lou Liay,” Peterson says. “Not only is Lou an impressive Illini, he has an energy and work ethic that I tip my hat to. His past successes with the Alumni Association and his constant ability to bring people together for a greater good are truly inspiring. Lou Liay is one of a kind.” In News-Gazette Editor Jeff D’Alessio’s April 24 edition “Beyond … [Read more...] about Allerton Director featured in News-Gazette
High schoolers supplement classroom work at Allerton
Some Monticello High School agriculture students are using Allerton Park as a field school to supplement their classroom curriculum. Eighteen students in Elizabeth Rost’s conservation management course will visit Allerton eight to 10 times this spring, learning from Natural Areas Managers Nate Beccue and Alex Lourash. “All year we’ve been learning about topics within the field of conservation and outdoor recreation. And now, this is like our field experience. At the beginning of the year … [Read more...] about High schoolers supplement classroom work at Allerton
Earth Day and Allerton’s efforts to be green
MONTICELLO — Starting with the installation of wood-burning boilers in 2009 and 2010, Allerton Park and Retreat Center has made a commitment to renewable energy as it makes progress toward a goal of being carbon neutral by 2035. Since that first boiler was installed 13 years ago, the park has also put in three solar arrays, which provide most of the power to five buildings in the Visitor Center Complex. The power of the sun also provides energy to utility boxes in the Meadow, meaning that … [Read more...] about Earth Day and Allerton’s efforts to be green
Allerton Concert Series lineup announced for 2022
MONTICELLO — Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello has announced its lineup for the its Concert Series, presented by The Ayers Family, which will include the Grammy award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers on Saturday, Oct. 8. That final presentation will also include a chance to camp outdoors at Allerton. “We thought adding this concert to the Annual Family Campout would be a great way for our community’s kiddos to experience great music, and also learn about nature and Allerton’s … [Read more...] about Allerton Concert Series lineup announced for 2022
Replanting of Evergreen Allée ahead of schedule, thanks to donors
MONTICELLO — Thanks to donors — and volunteers willing to get their hands dirty — the re-planting of Norway Spruce trees along the Allerton Park and Retreat Center Evergreen Allée is ahead of schedule. Five volunteers helped Allerton Assistant Facilities Manager Micah Putnam get a good number of trees in the ground the morning of March 29. And they made good time. “We planted 30 trees. We got them all in the ground in about two-and-a-half hours,” Putnam said. It is the third year of … [Read more...] about Replanting of Evergreen Allée ahead of schedule, thanks to donors