Ballard Nature Center
The Ballard Nature Center started with a dream. Mr. Ernest "Ernie" Ballard wanted to create a nature center for everyone to enjoy and learn about nature. He donated a 210-acre parcel of land east of Altamont, Illinois, which has become what today is the Ballard Nature Center. The Ballard Nature Center was officially formed as a 501(c)3 non profit on August 19, 1999. Since then, Ballard Nature Center has developed into a full functional nature education site with a visitor center, staff, programs, activities, and numerous miles of trails. The nature center grew by an additional 7 wooded acres in 2014, when the Glen Mathias family donated the land.
There are six miles of hiking trails that meander through prairie, woodland, and wetland at the Ballard Nature Center. Visitors can learn about the local floral and fauna through the interpretive signs that line the trail. There is a handicapped-accessible observation deck that offers visitors a vista of the nature center's diverse natural communities.
The Visitor Center at the Ballard Nature Center includes a large exhibit room with a kids' area, a bird viewing area, a resource library, and a lower level classroom/meeting room. The visitor center also features interactive exhibits that are intriguing to all ages.
There is a kids' fishing pond within the park that includes bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and catfish. This is a great way for kids to get introduced to the outdoors.
The mission of Ballard Nature Center is to provide high quality environmental education to students, educators, organizations, and individuals through visitor interpretation, educational displays, natural community restoration and management. Environmental education will emphasize the importance of natural communities and their associated ecosystems especially those communities typically found in southeastern Illinois.
Ballard Nature Center’s Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of Ballard Nature Center. To find out more information regarding these projects and initiatives, click here to be sent to their official website!
School Programming
Ballard Nature Center offers educational field trips for all grade levels. While visiting the center, students are encouraged to be “scientists,” to make observations, to ask questions, and to assist in deducing an answer. Subject matter covered during a field trip is developed for the grade level. First graders often learn about animal sounds while third grade activities might revolve around food chains.
Each summer children Pre-K through 7th Grade can be seen exploring the center’s flora and fauna under the guidance of skilled naturalists/educators. Ballard Nature Center’s summer camps give children the opportunity to discover nature in a fun and educational way. Participants will learn about plants and animals through indoor and outdoor lessons, explorations, activities, and crafts.
Summer Camps
Special Programs
Throughout the year the Ballard Nature Center strives to offer programs to the community that appeal to all ages and interests, such as Hoot & Howl Hike, Woodpecker Walk, Firefly Fun, Noisy Frogs, Native Flower Arranging, and Family Science Day. Programs are available for children, adults, families, and groups. Ballard also provides several cub scout and girl scout programs throughout the year.
Acres and acres of the pre-settlement prairies of Illinois have been converted to agricultural fields and urban developments. Thus, Ballard Nature Center’s goal of restoring and managing natural communities (not just prairies but also savannas and forests and wetlands) is a truly significant and urgent one, which is being achieved at the center through scientific research, careful planning, collaborative efforts, and meticulous work. Tallgrass prairie, wetland, vernal pools, and oak-hickory forest have all been restored at the Ballard Nature Center.
Restoration/Management
Join us in supporting Ballard Nature Center
75% of this month's donations will go towards our partner, Ballard Nature Center.
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help Ballard Nature Center to provide high quality environmental education.