• Talahi Lodge – The Education Center

    Talahi Lodge
    This is the education center.

  • Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary

    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.

HISTORY

TNI is rich in land and history. We have a strong sense of pride in our past and community which is why it’s important to us to share these resources.

ACCOLADES

Through preservation, restoration, and education we have graciously been awarded the Heartlands Conservancy’s Green Leaf Award for Youth Education 2015.

TEAM

We have an unbelievably hard-working and dedicated group of staff members and volunteers that continue to make The Nature Institute flourish.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Apr 2026

Tiny Trekkers: Leaf Zoo
Tiny Trekkers: Leaf Zoo

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

2213 South Levis Lane
Godfrey, IL,62035

MORE INFORMATION

Critters and Crypts: Session 2

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

2213 South Levis Lane
Godfrey, IL,62035

MORE INFORMATION

ECO Homeschool Adventures: Keepin' It Fresh
ECO Homeschool Adventures: Keepin’ It Fresh

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

2213 South Levis Lane
Godfrey, IL,62035

MORE INFORMATION