Nature Preserves& Protected PlacesJohn M. Olin Nature Preserve294 acres of diverse terrain, wildlife•habitat, and hiking trails located onS. Levis Ln. in Godfrey, ILHome of Talahi Lodge, The Nature•Institute’s education facilityOpen daily from sunrise to sunset•

Mississippi Sanctuary46-acre former estate of TNI benefactors•James & Aune NelsonBluff terrain, waterfall, views of the river•and Mr. Nelson’s beautiful arboretumOpen during regular business hours •

Kemp & Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary44 acres of restored tallgrass prairie,•named for bird enthusiasts Kemp & CoraHutchinsonMowed hiking trails and observation•platform, located at TNI’s main entranceOpen daily from sunrise to sunset•

Freeman, Metzger, Larson Savanna10 acres of restored oak savanna, named after•volunteer board membersLocated west of main entrance on Levis Ln.•Open daily from sunrise to sunset •

Heartland Prairie Project27-acre restored prairie & woodland, owned•by the City of Alton, managed by volunteersAt Gordon Moore Park in Alton, IL•Open during regular park hours•

Tips for HikingWear supportive shoes, especially through the Olin Nature Preserve and the Mississippi Sanctuary where trails become moderately steep.•

Leave No Trace: Whatever you carry in, carry back out. Please no pets, fires, or motorized vehicles on the preserves. •

Let somone know you’re going. Even though most TNI trails are light to moderate, there are innate dangers in hiking, such as encountering•venomous snakes or uneven terrain.

Watch out for poison ivy (“leaves of three, let it be”).•

The Olin NaturePreserve is one of thelargest in the state!It’s privately owned,

but open to the public

Did You Know?

IL Route 3

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TNI WORKS TO FOSTERAN AWARENESS AND

APPRECIATION OF THE

NATURAL WORLD

THROUGH PRESERVATION,RESTORATION, ANDEDUCATION.

Yes, I want to take a leadership role in protecting our natural

heritage by becoming a member of The Nature Institute.

(Check here for your dues to support TNI’s Scholarship Fund __)

Individual____ $25

Student____ $15

Mississippi Sanctuary Society____ $100+

Family ____ $50

Name__________________________________

Phone_______________________

Address___________________________________ Email_______________________

Please mail this form to: The Nature Institute 2213 S. Levis Ln. Godfrey, IL 62035. Your tax-deductible donation is payable to “TNI”.

2213 S. Levis Lane Godfrey, IL 62035

Main Office: 618-466-9930 Education Office: 618-467-2521

www.thenatureinstitute.orgFind us on Facebook

The Nature Institute

In 1926, the Levis Familycommissioned a group of Civilian ConservationCorps (C.C.C.) members to build a YWCAretreat called Camp Talahi. Nearly thirty yearslater, industrialist and entrepreneur John M.Olin bought the lodge and surrounding woods.Later, Mr. Olin deeded his property to theState, requesting that it always be preserved asa natural area.

Over the years, volunteer stewards,educators, and community members of allkinds have kept Olin’s vision alive. The NatureInstitute officially became a nonprofitorganization in 1980 and, with the help ofpeople like you, we continue to protect the OlinNature Perserve and other parts of ourcommunity’s natural heritage.

Our History Preservation

TNI land stewards use modern landmanagement techniques, like prescribed fire,to control invasive species, promotebiodiversity and improve wildlife habitat acrossall TNI preserves and buffer properties. Incollaboration with local partners, stewards alsowork on projects to protect habitat along the22-mile Great River Road, a National ScenicByway.

RestorationThe Heartland Prairie project is a vibrantexample of TNI’s restoration efforts. Withyears of dedication from volunteer stewards,city officials, and TNI staff, this formeragricultural land now serves as an example ofhigh-quality native prairie in Illinois. Otherprojects include the Freemen, Metzger, LarsonSavanna, the Kemp & Cora Hutchinson BirdSanctuary, and Cypress Pond.

Our Mission

EducationThe Nature Institute welcomes over 400 youngpeople to its Discovery Day Camp eachsummer, where they learn outdoor skills andthe importance of conservation. TNI educatorsalso host field trips, community events, freeand low-cost naturalist programs for areastudents, and environmental educationworkshops for teachers throughout the year.

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