Ballardnaturecenter

Ballard Nature Center sits on a 217-acre preserve east of Altamont, Illinois (Effingham County). Founded in 2000 through the generosity of Ernest "Ernie" Ballard, who donated his 210-acre parcel to create a community resource, the center has grown into a fully-staffed non-profit nature education site run by a volunteer board of directors.

Trails & Outdoor Spaces - Four main hiking trails with connecting routes (visitors can shorten or lengthen walks as needed) - Two wheelchair-accessible trails plus accessible pavilions and fishing pier - Natural communities including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas - Arching wooden bridge spanning a flowing stream - Wetland boardwalk with observation platform - Kids' play area with balancing logs, stepping stones, bridge, and sandbox

The Fishing Pond - 1.3-acre pond stocked with bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and catfish - Handicap-accessible fishing pier (grant-funded) - Open to children, seniors, and visitors with disabilities - Wildlife viewing: belted kingfishers, Canada geese, turtles, bullfrogs - No ice fishing, swimming, or boats allowed

Visitor Center - Large exhibit room with interactive displays tailored for hands-on learning - Kids' area with periscope to view underwater ecosystems, hidden creature holes, animal track brushing, puzzles, and quizzes - Bird viewing area with 30+ species at feeders year-round - Indoor benches for quiet observation of chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits - Lower-level meeting room/classroom available for rent - Non-lending library with scientific publications, children's books, videos, and photo journals

• •School Programs – Custom curricula for student groups
• •Summer Camps – Multi-week outdoor education
• •Special Events – Seasonal programs like "Birds & Beans" (winter bird identification), "Valentine Program" (wildlife appreciation for families), habitat restoration workshops
• •Naturalist-Led Tours – Staff educators offer guided presentations and trails walks

The center has hosted family reunions, workshops, conferences, and weddings. Visitors must book rentals first-come, first-served.

Ballard operates as an independent 501(C)3 non-profit—not a state-run facility. Primary funding comes from: - Annual banquet fundraiser - Program fees - Donations and memorials - CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) - Small endowment - Grants for specific improvement projects (wetland overlook, fishing pier, trail surfacing)

The board of directors and numerous volunteers staff the visitor center, maintain grounds, lead programs, and manage the property.

In 2014, the Glen Mathias family donated 7 wooded acres adjoining the property, expanding preservation efforts.

• •Trails: Open dawn to dusk daily (foot traffic only—no bikes, horses, or ATVs)
• •Pets: Must be leashed; owners responsible for cleanup
• •Prohibited: Firearms, weapons, alcohol, collecting plants/animals, ice fishing, swimming, boats
• •Groups: 15+ people should register ahead
• •Photography: Commercial photography requires $50-$100 annual donation
• •Private Property: Respect adjacent land; do not enter without permission

The center's mission is clear: provide high-quality environmental education to students, educators, organizations, and individuals through visitor interpretation, educational displays, and natural community restoration. Special emphasis on ecosystems typically found in southeastern Illinois.

• •Contact: (618) 483-6856 | 5253 E. US HWY 40, Altamont, Illinois 62411