Current Projects

We are constantly working to improve our facilities and spaces at Touch of Nature. Our current and future improvement projects include installing an adaptive swing set, improving and beautifying our administration office, and creating a new welcome plaza. Your support can help make these improvements happen.

Adaptive Swing Set
Administration Office Improvements
Welcome Plaza

TON Adaptive Swing Set

A new feature at Touch of Nature

Studies have shown, with great success, that swinging can have great therapeutic benefits. The back and forth motion of swings can help soothe and calm a person, help improve mood, and helps with balance and coordination skills. It is our goal to provide a safe and fun atmosphere where campers of all abilities can enjoy the simple pleasures in life without worrying about limitations.

This particular set will include a wheelchair accessible platform swing, an adult full-backed harness swing, as well as common belt swing seats. These inclusive features mean anyone, no matter their ability or disability, will have an opportunity to utilize and experience the swings.

This project has been fully funded and is expected to be implemented soon.

TON AdministrativeBeautification Project

The Touch of Nature Administration Offices are often the first facilities that our campers and participants see when arriving at Touch of Nature. The exterior of the building and the surrounding gardens are in need of upgrades and beautification. A project that has been delayed several years due to the costs involved. Volunteers have reached out and are willing to help make this project happen but are looking for donors willing to help fund the purchase of materials needed.

EXTERIOR BUILDING AND GARDEN NEEDS:

Commercial Entry Doors: $4800.00 - Four new commercial entry doors are needed to replace the residential doors that exist on 4 of the 5 entries to the building.
Gutter Covers: $2200.00 - Gutter covers on the building will provide year round assistance in controlling water runoff into the garden area and will also help with annual routine maintenance.
Plants: $1000.00 - Once the preliminary work is completed on the garden, we’ll look to start planting. Volunteers will work with Touch of Nature staff to plant native plants in the garden.
Stone Edging: $900.00 - Natural stone edging will surround the border of the garden area in front of the office. Four tons of rock is needed.
Signage: $825.00 - Plant identification signs will be purchased and placed throughout the garden to help guests identify flowers, grasses, ferns, etc., and provide a year-round educational opportunity. These funds will also support installing our National Park Service designation placard in the garden.

TOTAL: $9,725.00

Already funded: Light Covers, Rain Barrels, Lighting, Concrete Pad

TON Welcome Plaza

The Welcome Plaza will be located at the main entrance into Camp 2 after leaving the upper parking lot and will serve Touch of Nature in a number of ways:

Act as a welcome area for groups and campers when they arrive.
Become a continuously growing memorial plaza to celebrate loved ones.
Provide historical and educational information for our guests.
Provide a space for guests to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Like so many projects at Touch of Nature, the Laborers' International Union (LiUNA) continues to support the programs, camps, and events at Touch of Nature on an annual basis and we are proud to call them a Community Partner. LiUNA staff and apprentices will work to build this new project.

Show your support for Touch of Nature and this project. Purchase an engraved brick or paver to be placed in the plaza. Below you will find the specifics of each type of brick you can buy.

The ground paver is 15-inches square. Purchasing the ground paver will entitle you to three lines of text with up to 13 characters per line.
The wall brick is the standard 4 x 8 inches. Purchasing the wall brick will entitle you to three lines of text with up to 13 characters per line.

Link to order form

Current Projects | Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center | SIU

Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center

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