Allerton

Park & Retreat Center

Park Blog

Prescribed Burns Video

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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

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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

Since 1946: 75 Years of Allerton… 75 Years of You!

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Although it existed as a private estate for many years prior, the story of Allerton Park as we know it began in 1946. That year, Robert Allerton generously donated his home and surrounding property to the University of Illinois. For the first time, the public was welcome to visit this vast, unforgettable landscape, and the story of Allerton Park and Retreat Center began…. continue reading here. … [Read more...] about Since 1946: 75 Years of Allerton… 75 Years of You!

Fall 2021 Artist-In-Residence Application Open Now!

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Inviting artists to live and create at Allerton Park and Retreat Center will recreate the intimate experience Robert Allerton provided his guests. We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Fall 2021 residency! Residencies of two to six weeks will allow uninterrupted time for artists to explore their ideas, immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the Park, and engage with our central Illinois communities. Sculptors, photographers, painters, printmakers, … [Read more...] about Fall 2021 Artist-In-Residence Application Open Now!

Forestry Mulcher 2021

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For the last month, Natural Areas Manager Alex has been spending his days with this "beast"! Thanks to support from our Friends of Allerton, we were able to once again rent a forestry mulcher and implement intensive invasive species management. Alex cleared areas that were overtaken with multiflora rose, privet, and bittersweet, which will allow us access to introduce prescribed fire and spot spraying in an effort to control these invasive species. Find previous "before & after" photos … [Read more...] about Forestry Mulcher 2021

2021 Retreat + Review: From the Director

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I’m generally an optimistic person, but identifying the positive aspects of the past year was more difficult than I had hoped it would be. As has been the case for so many, 2020 was a year of inconceivable challenges. However, one positive for us has been the growth of community. We, the Allerton supporters, have stuck together. We linked arms, faced our convictions, and proved that we will not waiver in the face of adversity. It has been said that true growth only occurs with true hardships. … [Read more...] about 2021 Retreat + Review: From the Director