Park Blog

A substantial lead gift from Joan and Peter Hood will help “get the ball rolling” on improvements in Allerton Park and Retreat Center’s Artisan Village. Their donation will support programming and long-term facility care for The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, in addition to serving as a contingency to supplement initial construction costs. The Hoods, who live in Urbana, are longtime supporters of the University of Illinois, where both had distinguished careers. The gift is in memory of … [Read more...] about Lead gift to name and support MacFarlane Artisan Village

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced the creation of a new administrative unit — the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces (DPNS) — to oversee Allerton Park and Retreat Center and the Illinois Arboretum. Headed by current Allerton Executive Director Derek Peterson, DPNS will ensure long-term sustainability of these public recreational spaces by focusing on conservation and community engagement. The creation of DPNS means the 160-acre Arboretum near the corner of Lincoln … [Read more...] about New campus division to oversee Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Illinois Arboretum

Our Executive Director Derek Peterson recently issued a heartfelt thanks to those who make Allerton and its myriad of events possible. In a Dec. 26 video post, he expressed appreciation to staff, donors, volunteers and those who visited the park last year. “As the year comes to a close and the staff and myself are already looking forward to 2025, I thought I’d take a minute to thank some of those responsible for making it such a great year,” Peterson said. “First and foremost, I’d like to … [Read more...] about THANKS FOR A GREAT 2024!

MONTICELLO — As fall begins to give way to winter, this is a good time to spot invasive species in yards and forests and try to limit their harm to native plants and wildlife. For homeowners in Central Illinois, bush honeysuckle — identified by its bright red berries — is a common invasive. At Allerton Park and Retreat Center, European privet (maroon-colored berries) has also been a problem since it escaped from the Formal Gardens decades ago, according to Natural Areas Manager Nate … [Read more...] about Fall is a good time to tackle invasives

MONTICELLO — As The Farms: An Allerton Folk School observed its first anniversary in September (of 2024), organizers spent time reflecting on the first year of operation. And they liked what they saw. Since its start at the Monticello-area Allerton Park & Retreat Center in September of 2023, participants from 110 communities in Illinois have taken part in more than 200 courses taught by 45 instructors. In all, just over 2,400 enrollments were registered during the first year of The … [Read more...] about The Farms: One year in and going strong!

A group gathered in the Mansion on Sept. 12 to view the fruits of the recent Mansion Solarium remodel and to honor Debra and David Rathje, whose generous gifts have made several Mansion and other Park upgrades possible. The Solarium project included installation of a new bar, new furniture, rug and window coverings. It has not only brightened the space that overlooks the Reflecting Pond, but made it a showcase for hotel guests, conference attendees and the public that comes out during weekend … [Read more...] about Rathjes honored for generous donations

(This is the presentation given at History Happy Hour on Sept. 12) The Allerton family is one of the oldest families in the United States, with the founding member, Isaac Allerton coming over on the Mayflower.  The history of the Allerton family was well documented in a book entitled A History of the Allerton Family in the United States, 1585 to 1885, and A Genealogy of the Descendants of Isaac Allerton, “Mayflower Pilgrim,” Plymouth, Mass., 1620. authored by Walter S. Allerton of New York … [Read more...] about History Happy Hour: The Allerton Family

We asked our staff for book recommendations in anticipation of upcoming Silent Book Club gatherings. We will be posting them periodically to give you ideas for your next read!! ------- MICAH PUTMAN Associate Director of Park Operations It is not surprising that Allerton’s Associate Director of Park Operations Micah Putman reads his share of books on gardening and the environment. But occasionally he branches out into other genres including science fiction. Here is his review of Project … [Read more...] about Staff Book Reviews