The Douglas-Hart Foundation is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization, and receives no tax support.
​The Foundation manages two properties: The Douglas-Hart Nature Center and Friendship Garden.

The Douglas-Hart Nature Center is located at 2204 DeWitt Avenue East, the corner of Lerna Road and DeWitt Avenue. The Douglas-Hart Nature Center consists of 65 acres of native Illinois habitat including prairie, woodland, and wetland. The Nature Center includes a visitor center with several amenities. The center is open Monday - Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sundays from 1-4pm (During winter months the Nature Center is closed on Sundays). Trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.

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Friendship Garden is located at 17th Street and Lafayette Avenue near downtown Mattoon. Started in 1963, Friendship Garden boasts several hundred species of plants and recently expanded, adding an additional acre of garden space.

helen douglas-hart

Learn more about our founder who started the nature center.

Foundation & Staff

Learn more about our dedicated staff and board of directors.

hours & Directions

Find basic information about our center including hours and directions.

friendship garden

Learn more about the garden we manage at 17th Street and Lafayette Avenue

faq & Resources

Have a question? Or find resources on wildlife control, plants and more.