Talahi Lodge
This is the education center.
Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary
Photographer Name
Date
OUR MISSION
The Nature Institute works to foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world through preservation, restoration, and education.
The Nature Institute (TNI) is a non-profit land conservation and environmental education organization based in Godfrey, IL. Since its founding in 1980, The Nature Institute’s board and staff have worked to foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world through preservation, restoration, and education.
Each summer TNI hosts about 400 children, grades pre-K through 6th, for Discovery Day Camp, a premier, ACA, nature day camp. Every school year, more than 8,000 area students visit TNI for field trips, including high school and college students. TNI also owns and manages more than 450 acres of protected land, such as the Olin Nature Preserve, the Mississippi Sanctuary, the Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary, and the Heartland Prairie Project at Gordon Moore Park. These natural areas provide unique places for the public to experience the diversity of the Riverbend area with its hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands.
Apr 2026
Leaf Zoo
Description:
Tiny Trekkers is a once a week drop off program for ages 3 – 5. Registration is offered by the month only, single class registrations are not permitted. Preschoolers will explore nearly 500 acres of preserve through hands-on experiences out in nature. Spots are limited.
Children must be able to use the restrooms independently. Please see our Tiny Trekkers page for more details. 4 child minimum per session, 8 child max per session.
Tuition: $25 per class, billed by the month (example: 4 classes = $100/month)
- Tuition is not adjusted/pro-rated/refunded for missed classes. The billing months are already adjusted for holidays.
- Installment payments are available for sessions.
- Pricing per month is based on the number of sessions in the month.
- Members receive 15% off all program fees.
Registration Required:
Yes
Godfrey, IL,62035
This new program is offered exclusively to 6th – 9th grade students! Critters & Crypts is our weekly Dungeons & Dragons group. Journey on quests with a nature-based flair, using characters and dice.
No experience is required. Dice and characters are provided. This is a primarily indoor program.
Each session is 8 weeks. Limited to 8 students.
Session 1: January 6th – February 24th
Session 2: March 10th – April 28th
Godfrey, IL,62035
Keepin’ It Fresh
Learn about limnology – the study of freshwater! Conduct hands-on science by dipping into our vernal pools in search of macroinvertebrates. You’ll also play a fast-paced game all about our macro friends.
Description:
Calling all homeschool families! This program takes place on select Wednesdays and occasional Tuesdays. Our Elementary sessions meet from 10 – 11:30 am, and our Middle & High School session meets from 1 – 3 pm. Sessions fill up quickly, so register early for your preferred dates.
Our sessions may include hikes, nature exploration, games, experiments, art projects, or scientific surveys. Participants in our younger sessions will also receive extension activities that can be completed at home with their whole family. Topics rotate each month and sessions are offered August through May.
Program Fees:
$12/child. Parents/guardians are free.
Get 15% off by becoming a member at the family level!
Registration Required:
Yes
Things to Bring:
Water Bottle
Godfrey, IL,62035