Information
Landmark: Touch of Nature Outdoor Education CenterCity: Carbondale
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, Carbondale, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center offers top-notch environmental learning and outdoor adventures just outside Makanda, Illinois, surrounded by the towering oaks of the Shawnee National Forest.Southern Illinois University Carbondale runs it, a sprawling 3,400-acre expanse of woods, wetlands, and open fields that offers rich opportunities for learning, research, recreation, and connecting with the community.Touch of Nature sits about ten miles south of Carbondale, Illinois, tucked among the tall oaks and winding trails of the Shawnee National Forest.The land rises in gentle hills, shaded by old oak and maple, with pockets of wetlands and clear streams, and a path leading straight to Little Grassy Lake-an inviting place for study and outdoor adventures.The center’s mission is to enrich lives with hands-on outdoor adventures, a deep respect for the environment, and a spirit of inclusivity.It’s designed to bring people of every age and ability closer to nature, inspire sustainable habits, and boost both body and mind through time spent outdoors-whether that’s walking a forest trail or feeling the sun on your face.More than twelve miles of multi-use trails twist through shady forests, quiet wetlands, and along the sparkling edge of the lake.These trails welcome hikers, bikers, and trail runners, and they’re perfect for slowing down to watch a hawk glide overhead or study the plants along the path, with ecosystems rich enough to explore both wildlife and the environment in depth.Little Grassy Lake is a quiet, scenic spot where people paddle canoes, glide in kayaks, cast fishing lines, and watch herons lift off from the water.Outdoor adventure zones offer rock walls to scale and ziplines that whip through the air, each designed with routes and speeds to suit every skill level.Campgrounds and picnic shelters host everything from group retreats to school outings and neighborhood gatherings, with wide lawns where kids kick soccer balls under the shade of tall oaks.Inside, you’ll find rooms ready for environmental classes, hands-on workshops, and lively conferences-each with a whiteboard waiting for fresh ideas.Touch of Nature offers a wide range of educational programs for diverse audiences, including outdoor education tailored for K–12 classes, where students might test stream water or examine rock layers as they learn about ecosystems, geology, biology, and conservation.Seasonal EDventure Camps draw kids into themed outdoor fun, mixing science experiments, trail adventures, and bursts of creative play under the open sky.Training courses-like the Leave No Trace certification and hands-on interpretive guide workshops-give educators and outdoor pros a chance to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge, whether on a trail or in a classroom.Inclusive programs offer tailored activities for people with disabilities, making sure everyone can join in and enjoy the outdoors-whether it’s feeling the crunch of leaves underfoot or casting a line into a quiet lake.Recreation and wellness trails welcome both easygoing walkers and seasoned adventurers, winding through varied terrain and leading to overlooks where the wind smells faintly of pine.Out on the lake, you can paddle through calm ripples, cast a line for fish, or watch herons glide low over the water.Rock climbing and ziplining get you moving and boost your confidence, whether you’re gripping a rough cliff face or soaring through the air on a cable.The center hosts hands‑on team‑building challenges and leadership programs that push groups and organizations to work together-sometimes with ropes, balance beams, or timed problem‑solving games.At Touch of Nature Forest, research and conservation come alive, offering SIU a living laboratory where students study forestry, track wildlife through rustling leaves, and explore the intricacies of environmental science and ecology.They care for the forest to keep it healthy, protect its wildlife, and share its wonders-like the scent of pine needles-with those eager to learn.The center brings people together through neighborhood events, volunteer projects, and collaborations with local schools, environmental groups, and public agencies-sometimes even planting trees in the park down the street.It’s a gathering place that sparks environmental awareness and encourages outdoor adventures across southern Illinois, from hiking shady forest trails to paddling quiet rivers.You can find the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center at 1206 Touch of Nature Road in Makanda, Illinois, 62958.Call (618) 453‑1121 or visit ton.siu.edu.Set among tall oaks and quiet trails, it combines environmental education, outdoor recreation, and conservation in one remarkable place.With its wide range of programs, varied facilities, and strong focus on inclusivity, it’s become a go‑to spot for individuals, families, schools, and researchers wanting to connect with nature-whether that’s spotting herons along the river or exploring the forests of southern Illinois.
