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Maple Syrup Festival

Welcome to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center! 

Welcome to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, where nature comes alive and learning takes on a whole new dimension. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, our center offers a unique and immersive outdoor educational experience like no other.

 

Whether you're a student, teacher, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to reconnect with nature, Touch of Nature provides a diverse range of programs, activities, and serene surroundings that inspire discovery, personal growth, and environmental stewardship. Step into a world where adventure meets education, and let Touch of Nature ignite your passion for the great outdoors.

 

Interested in scheduling a retreat, program, field trip or more at Touch of Nature? Fill out our program inquiry form and a member of our staff will reach out regarding your inquiry.

 

Touch of Nature Program Inquiry

 

Upcoming Events   

2024 Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course 

March 10-14, 2024

Maple Syrup Festival

March 23-24, 2024

AEE Heartland Regional Conference

March 28-30, 2024

2024 Solar Eclipse Weekend

April 5-9, 2024

Camp Little Giant

Begins June 10, 2024

EDventure Camp

Begins June 10, 2024

Team Illinois Youth Police Camp

June 9-15, 2024

Little Grassy Get Down

October 11-13, 2024

Programs

Programs

Touch of Nature hosts experiential education programs, ranging from outdoor education and youth focused workshops to inclusive recreation programs. These programs utilize the many natural resources located here in beautiful Southern Illinois.

Camps - Camp Little Giant

Camps and Retreats

Touch of Nature offers a variety of exciting, educational, and adventurous summer camps, including outdoor adventure camps and Camp Little Giant, offering a great way to mix education, fun and an appreciation of nature.

TON Trails

Veteran Adventures

TON Trails includes 12 miles of multi-use trails for bikers, hikers, and runners. Click here for trail information or check our Facebook page for trail open/close status and updates.

Base Camp

Basecamp

Base Camp offers a variety of equipment available to rent for your next outdoor adventure, regardless of whether it's for a day or several weeks.

Rentals open to SIU students, faculty, staff, and the community. 

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace

Touch of Nature offers Leave No Trace trainings, including Master Educator courses, Trainer courses, and awareness workshops, teaching ethical outdoor conservation. 

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Let Us Host Your Next Event!

We offer several hospitality services, including outdoor spaces, indoor facilities, lodging, dining, and custom activities for your next event, meeting, and conference. Please note that Touch of Nature no longer provides wedding services.

Fill out our program inquiry form