A half-acre opening in the woods along the Purple Trail was recently planted with high quality prairie plants (i.e., wild bergamont, purple coneflower, prairie dock, compass plant, rattlesnake master, black-eyed Susan) that will be full of color and blooms for our native birds, bees, and other wildlife. Thanks to the volunteers who harvested some of the seed by hand, and to Trish and Larry Kallembach, whose donation helped us purchase additional seed! … [Read more...] about New Prairie Planting on the Purple Trail
Winter Bird Hike Sightings
Participants in last week's Winter Bird Hike spotted 25 species, including (pictured below) Red-headed woodpecker, Common redpoll, Red-breasted nuthatch and Purple finch. Find the full list here. Find additional hike dates and details on the "Tours/Hikes" section of our Event Calendar. … [Read more...] about Winter Bird Hike Sightings
“The Struggle to Stop the Oakley Dam” Presentation
“‘The Struggle to Stop the Oakley Dam’ will be the presentation at the next meeting of the Piatt County Historical and Genealogical Society, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1 in the FS meeting room at 427 W. Marion St., Monticello. Bruce Hannon will tell the story behind the coalition of citizens — led by University of Illinois faculty members and Champaign conservationists to stop the dam — which would have flooded a portion of Allerton Park.” -Piatt County Journal-Republican … [Read more...] about “The Struggle to Stop the Oakley Dam” Presentation
Branch Cam
It may look like just a fallen branch to us, but to the wildlife of Allerton it plays an important role as nesting material and food source! Watch and see the variety of visitors this fallen branch gets over the course of a few days. https://youtu.be/xsCK49oxZ0c … [Read more...] about Branch Cam
2022 Winter & Early Spring Lodging Availability
Couple’s getaway, family mini-vacation, or solo sanctuary -- Take advantage of our 2022 winter and early spring weekend lodging opportunities to reset and recharge! February 4, 5, 11, 25, 26 March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 View guestrooms here, and call 217-333-3287 for reservations. Photo: Gary Sebens, Allerton Park Photography Group … [Read more...] about 2022 Winter & Early Spring Lodging Availability
Holiday GLOW: Artist Interviews
We are thrilled to once again feature the work of talented artists at Holiday GLOW! Read on to learn more the artists and their pieces... Q: Can you share a little about your background as an artist and/or your creative process? Zoelle Nagib: "Making art has been a part of my life since childhood. Both of my parents’ are professional craftspeople, and their expertise in neon, ceramics, and photography laid the groundwork for my art literacy. As a pre-teen, I spent hours using a … [Read more...] about Holiday GLOW: Artist Interviews
Allerton shifting focus from Mansion weddings to lodging, events
Allerton Park and Retreat Center has announced it is refocusing sales efforts, prioritizing more public offerings instead of private event bookings. The Mansion, located at 515 Old Timber Road in Monticello, has historically been used for a variety of purposes, but Park staff says it will now have a greater emphasis on public accessibility through lodging and events. Park officials note that while the Mansion will still be available for weddings, conferences, and other private events, the … [Read more...] about Allerton shifting focus from Mansion weddings to lodging, events
2021 Matching Gift Challenge
Our Advancement Committee is providing another opportunity for you to double your impact when you make a gift to Allerton! The 2021 Matching Gift Challenge will match dollar-for-dollar every donation under $500 made before December 31, 2021. You can give to the Friends of Allerton fund, or designate your donation to the area of Allerton that means the most to you: the Mansion, Formal Gardens, Natural Areas, or Accessibility. Last year's Challenge inspired a tremendous outpouring of … [Read more...] about 2021 Matching Gift Challenge