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.
Dec 2025
The Nature Institute’s trails take a yearly hiatus from December 15-April 1. This means the trails are not available for regular hiking.
However, The Nature Institute will continue to host programs throughout this closed period. Be sure to check out our upcoming programs and get your nature fix with a little education.
Godfrey, IL,62035
Jan 2026
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
Description:
A new spin on our classic Yoga + Hike program! You asked – and we agreed! This special winter edition includes a 30 minute hike, 60 minute indoor yoga practice, and hot coffee from Germania Brewhaus. Our winter edition will also give you an extra hour to sleep in! Spaces are limited.
Program Fees:
$25
Get 15% off by becoming a member!
Registration Required:
Yes
Things to bring:
Reusable water bottle
Yoga Mat
Godfrey, IL,62035