October 07, 2008
Media Advisory -- Touch of Nature Walking Tour
A short walking tour set for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center, will highlight capital improvements completed over the summer through an innovative agreement between the University and the Illinois Laborers’ and Contractors Apprenticeship and Training Program.
SIU President Glenn Poshard, Touch of Nature staff and representatives of the trade union will conduct the tour. Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to attend, and once at Touch of Nature, should follow signs to the Camp 1 parking lot.
The University could not have afforded the improvements, but through this innovative partnership, the union’s apprentices practice their construction trade first-hand while living and learning at Touch of Nature’s educational facilities. Completed asphalt projects include: fixing potholes, improving parking lots, resurfacing tennis courts and a walkway to the beach. Completed concrete projects include: pouring a handicapped-accessible walkway to the fishing pier, adding tent pads and dumpster pads, pouring sidewalks for Camp 1 and creating a loading dock at Freeberg Hall.
Touch of Nature is approximately seven miles south of Carbondale, just off Giant City Road.