December 19, 2019

Become a Touch of Nature member now to enjoy bird seminar and other special events and benefits

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Registration is now underway for a Bird Identification and Feeding Seminar at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center in February.

This intriguing event is just one of the special activities and benefits available exclusively for Touch of Nature members.

Members event set for February

The bird identification and feeding seminar is set for 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 8 at Touch of Nature, located about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road. It’s free for members and their extended families. Participants will learn how to identify various birds and how to attract them to feeders. Touch of Nature staff will highlight the various bird species found in the region.

All ages are welcome, although anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, as a portion of the event will be outdoors to  view birds in the area. Those attending are welcome to bring binoculars and field guides if they would like to. Light refreshments will be available. To sign up, call 618/453-1121 or register online.

Numerous programs and services at Touch of Nature

Touch of Nature is an experiential outdoor recreation laboratory encompassing more than 3,100 acres along Little Grassy Lake. It is home to a wide variety of programs including the adventure and environmental education programs, therapeutic recreation, Veteran Adventures, Camp Little Giant and more.

Numerous other camps, activities, retreats and events are held there as well, and work is underway to construct a multi-use trail project there. Each year thousands of people of all ages utilize Touch of Nature’s facilities and usage is expected to increase greatly when the new trail opens.

Memberships help support the numerous diverse programs and services offered at Touch of Nature.

Members get extras

There are some very special perks available just to those who become members. In addition to the bird ID and feeding seminar, other special member events coming in 2020 include:

  • VIP service for the popular Maple Syrup Festival pancake breakfast, set for Feb. 22 and 23.
  • A member appreciation dinner and moonlight paddle in October.
  • Free admission to the annual fall Haunted Hollow event.

Members will also receive a bi-monthly e-newsletter, a membership card, a subscription to Touch of Nature annual events, and a one-time 10% discount applicable at the Shawnee Trails store in Carbondale. In addition, members have the satisfaction of knowing they are protecting natural resources for future generations and supporting the unique educational programing offered at Touch of Nature.

New members welcome

Sign up for membership online at ton.siu.edu/support-us/membership.php. Additional benefits are available for different membership levels as well.

For more information, email tonmembers@siu.edu or call 618/453-1121.