GREENHOUSE CAFÉ PATIO GETTING A FACELIFT
Special thanks to Deborah and Michael Westjohn for their gift to improve the Greenhouse Cafépatio! The patio’s current pea gravel will be upgraded to a hard surface and will receive new landscaping. “We really value Allerton—and what benefits Allerton benefits Piatt County,” Michael explains. The Westjohn’s gift also provides an endowment for the long-term care/updates of the space.
“Improving the outdoor space near the Greenhouse Café will continue our focus on inviting people to enjoy different parts of Allerton in new and accessible ways,” said Director of Allerton Park, Derek Peterson. “And it’s gifts like these– ones providing long term endowments – that will sustain the Park as we keep moving forward.”
Work on the patio will begin next week, and will not impact access to the Greenhouse Café.
Plan Your Trip to the Greenhouse Café | View Weekly Café Specials on Facebook
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: THE DAVID J. AND DEBRA C. RATHJE ALLERTON MANSION GRAND ENTRANCE DRIVE
After five months of hard work, construction is nearly complete on the David J. and Debra C. Rathje Allerton Mansion Grand Entrance Drive. The new entrance creates a more prominent, accessible vehicular entry to Allerton’s Mansion, in addition to ADA accessible walkways and parking, and improved lighting. The 22-foot wide concrete driveway runs along the current Gatehouse carriage lane where Robert Allerton’s guests would have historically approached the Mansion. In addition to encouraging visitors to stop in and find out what Allerton has to offer, the new entrance instills the feeling of a “celebratory approach” that the Mansion hasn’t had since Robert lived there.
Experience the David J. And Debra C. Rathje Allerton Mansion Grand Entrance Drive for yourself! Join us in late October for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and be one of the first visitors to make your way down this brand-new stately drive! Drinks and appetizers will be served following the ceremony in the Mansion courtyard. Formal invitations will be sent next week – keep an eye out!
LEARN ABOUT GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
A GREAT WEEKEND FOR CAMPING
We had a GREAT weekend at the 4th Annual Family Campout & Exploration, presented by Champaign Outdoors! A special thanks to the donors who contributed to the Friends of Allertonfund and put their donation towards covering the registration fees + camp setups for families from the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club. This year, we were able to accommodate more than 40 Don Moyer campers!
Second Thursday of Each Month | 9 – 10 AM | Greenhouse Café | FREE
Enjoy your morning pick-me-up while getting up-to-speed on all things Allerton! Grab a coffee and join Allerton staff in the Greenhouse Café on the second Thursday of each month to hear about a blend of topics on the past, present, and future of the Park. All sessions will include an opportunity for Q&A; some will end with an optional walk/hike. No pre-registration is required, and the Greenhouse Café will be open – so you can purchase a snack or take something home for lunch!
OCTOBER 11TH TOPIC: Natural Areas – ‘Tis the season for enjoying the outdoors! Learn more about Allerton’s 1,500 acres of natural areas, management practices, and ask your own land management questions.
October 14 | 2-4PM | Mansion Library | $27/person
Join published jewelry designer Anne Potter in this fun jewelry-making class! Learn jewelry-making fundamentals like bead stringing and finishing as you make your own piece of jewelry in a relaxed and self-paced studio environment – PLUS, take your finished product home! All beads and supplies are provided. Simply bring yourself and enjoy an evening of DIY therapy.
PURCHASE TICKETS | View Facebook Event
October 20 | 9 – 10 AM | Visitor Center | FREE
This informational volunteer orientation is open to the public and great for anyone interested in volunteering at Allerton. Get your questions answered, find out about different opportunities, and take the first step to becoming an Allerton volunteer! No registration required. Contact Mindy Brand at brand@illinois.edu for more information.
*October 20 | 10 – 11 AM | Visitor Center | $ – Donation
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946. Join us to experience the beauty of each garden while listening to the history behind its creation. Tours typically last 45-60 minutes, and all ages are welcome.
*This will be the final Third Saturday Garden Tour of the year!
October 24 | 6:30-7:30 PM | Meadow | $ – Donation
Enjoy the serene setting of yoga at Allerton under the full moon! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit after dark in the Allerton Meadow. Instructor Josie Heck from Yoga Off the Square will lead students through an all-levels class.
No mat? No problem! Mats will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.Please print and sign the liability form and bring it with you to class. Class will be held on the Gatehouse Lawn if it is cloudy. Donations are appreciated and will support Allerton!
View Facebook Event | Liability Form
October 27 | 10 AM -12 PM | Meet outside the Visitor Center | $5/person
Join Park Attendant and Certified Arborist Peter Lichtenberger for a workshop in Tree Care and Pruning. Learn tips and tricks in planting, mulching, site selection and species selection among other need to know basics for trees around your home. Proper pruning techniques will also be discussed as Peter leads you through Allerton’s gardens.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE | View Facebook Event
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
515 Old Timber Road
Monticello, Illinois 61856
