Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center

09/04/2026

Underway Adventures took 21 Salukis to Bell Smith Springs last Saturday!

Some took to the cliffs and hopped in with TON staff, while others dipped their feet in and enjoyed the view!

We had a blast and can't wait for the next time!

09/01/2026

On August 23rd we saw a handful of Saluki's out at TON for Student Volunteer Day!

We worked on our newly updated Camp 2 Amphitheater, staining our benches and other pieces of cleanup.

Thank you to all who came out to help us bring this space together! We are so grateful for our Saluki family!

08/30/2026

Saluki Undergrads📣

We have several student job opportunities open now!

- Outdoor Education & Inclusion Program Aide
- Campus Outdoor Programs and Sustainability Aide
- Community Engagement & Retreats Program Aide
- Facilitates & Grounds
- Kitchen (Event/Seasonal Support)

If any of these peaks your fancy, you can apply through Handshake here: https://tr.ee/NF1gYe7cVJ

08/27/2026

Touch of Nature is very excited to be at the Du Quoin State Fair once again!

A robust wave of Saluki maroon and spirit will envelop the 2026 Du Quoin State Fair starting next week as Southern Illinois University Carbondale showcases its programs and services to the region and beyond.

08/26/2026

This past weekend we hosted the Air Force ROTC Retreat at Touch of Nature!
Around 85 SIU ROTC Cadets came to SIU's Touch of Nature for a nice little get away to get to know one another. We worked on team building, had smores and shared stories. They led their own physical training and inbetween it all had several laughs.
Thank you for choosing us to host your retreat! Until next time!

08/26/2026

We are once again so honored to host the WashU Danforth Scholars at Touch of Nature!

From leadership and history lessons to high adventure and smores, we had such a stellar time with this incredibly kind crew of people. Coming all the way from St. Louis, we are so thankful to share a little touch of southern Illinois nature with so many!

Thank you for choosing us, we can't wait for next year!

08/25/2026

🎶🥾🪕🍂 Between St. Louis & Nashville - Get Down on a little slice of heaven in the Shawnee Forest this Fall🎶🥾🪕🍂

Little Grassy Get Down is a SUPER-SPECIAL festival! Will you join us?

🎟 Tix and info: https://bit.ly/LGGDInfo

- 3 days of AWESOME Americana Music
- Convenient parking & camping options, no lugging gear for miles!
- Real flush toilets & bathhouses!
- Out-of-this-world ACTIVITIES for all ages - climbing wall, giant swing, guided bike rides, mountain bike trails, hiking trails, art & games & jams, OH MY!

Little Grassy Get Down 2026
Oct 9-11, 2026
Touch of Nature, Makanda IL
A 3-day Family-friendly Americana & Bluegrass Music Festival
A fundraiser for beautiful of Nature Outdoor Education Center
Kids 15 & under FREE with adult!!

08/22/2026

📣Salukis!

Whether you are an incoming or returning Saluki, we hope you had an excellent first week back! All of us here at Touch of Nature are thrilled to see you out here (or back out here)!

With so many events coming up from the Little Grassy Get Down to the Buffalo Tro, we want to remind you to use your student ID to its fullest extent! Many of our events have a student discount.

Need volunteering hours for an extra-curricular, fun, Honors Program? We have plenty of opportunities for that as well!

We are a resource for you through and beyond your academic journey! Check out our website for more details: https://ton.siu.edu/

08/21/2026

Just last week we saw so many Salukis!

We served the Marching Salukis, COLA, Dawg Days, Chancelor Fest, Light Up the Lake, and the SIU School of Medicine, rounding out at about 600 folks!

We are so proud to be a part of the Saluki Family!