Touch of Nature Environmental Center

Conference Services, Facilities and Lodging

Therapeutic Recreation and Camp Little Giant - Creating memories and smiles since 1952.

Adventure Education - Rock climbing, team building, zip lining and more.

Environmental Education

The Buffalo Tro, Friday, Oct. 12

The Eighth Annual Buffalo Tro, Friday, Oct 12

Touch of Nature's signature fundraiser takes place Friday, Oct 12 from 5-8:30 p.m.. This year’s Tro takes on special significance as it honors Hank Schafermeyer, the founder of the Touch of Nature’s Underway Adventures program who passed away on Dec. 22, 2017. Schafermeyer was a forestry graduate student at SIU in 1969, and with the help of fellow student Tony Calabrese, they began Underway Adventures program; a staple of Touch of Nature to this day.

Touch of Nature’s Camp 1 Dining Hall will be named Schafermeyer Hall in his honor at 3 p.m.. The Buffalo Tro evening then begins with its reception at 5 p.m.. featuring light appetizers served with local wines and beer. Bidding on the wide variety of silent auction items is from 5 to 7 p.m.. The main course is served at 6:30 p.m.. consisting of marinated beef steak cooked directly on a bed of hardwood coals, served with dinner salad, baked potato, hot bread and dessert. Vegetarian and special diet options available. The live auction will follow dinner.

Visit our Buffalo Tro events page to register and find out about sponsorship opportunities here.

NEWS AT TOUCH

Two Special Dedications the Day of the Buffalo Tro

Hank Schafermeyer

Friday, Oct 12 will include special dedications and the renaming of two buildings at Touch of Nature after State Representative John Cavaletto, and Underway Adventures founder Hank Schafermeyer. Find out more information on our Buffalo Tro event page here.