Frequently Asked Questions
How is the nature center and gardens funded?
The Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Friendship Garden, and the Whiteside Garden are owned and operated by the Douglas-Hart Foundation and governed by a Board of Directors. As a private, non-profit organization, the Douglas-Hart Foundation receives no tax support. Much of the money used to support the properties and mission is derived from an endowment that Helen Douglas-Hart left to the Foundation. Other funding derives from programs, grants, memberships & donations.
Who started the Douglas-Hart Foundation?
Mattoon local Helen Burgner Douglas-Hart had a dream of developing a natural area that would reflect the native habitats of east-central Illinois. In 1970, she made that dream a reality by taking 33 acres of farmed fields out of production to plant native species, creating the Douglas-hart Nature Center. This was after she created the Foundation and Friendship Garden in 1963.
Is there a fee for visiting?
Admission to the Nature Center and both gardens is free, though donations are greatly appreciated. Most programs and events do have a cost, though usually minimal.
The Douglas-Hart Nature Center trails are open every day, from sunrise to sunset. On weekdays, the Visitor Center is open from 8am-4pm. The Visitor Center is open from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and from 1pm-4pm on Sundays. The Visitor Center is closed on most federal holidays and on Sundays during the winter (beginning of December - end of March).
The Friendship Garden is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
The Whiteside Garden is open from March 1st to November 1st. Paths are open from sunrise to sunset. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-3pm.
The Friendship Garden is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
The Whiteside Garden is open from March 1st to November 1st. Paths are open from sunrise to sunset. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-3pm.
Are Pets allowed on the trails?
Yes. Pets are permitted outside on the trails but MUST be leashed, and owners MUST clean up after their pets. Pets are discouraged from attending events. Guide dogs are always welcome.
How long are the trails?
Douglas-Hart Nature Center: The main loop through the north prairie is approximately 1 mile, with crossover trails to offer additional distance. View our map for guidance. All trails are flat and accessible. The main trail is crushed limestone, while crossover trails are wood chips.
Friendship Garden: The garden offers a few sidewalks for walking across a half city block.
The Whiteside Garden: The botanical garden offers mowed grass trails on approximately 20 acres. Not all trails are flat or accessible. Please view the map for guidance.
Friendship Garden: The garden offers a few sidewalks for walking across a half city block.
The Whiteside Garden: The botanical garden offers mowed grass trails on approximately 20 acres. Not all trails are flat or accessible. Please view the map for guidance.
What species of trees and plants grow here?
Douglas-Hart Nature Center: Before the 1960s, this land was a farm field. Most of the trees and vegetation you see today had to be planted here. Though we try to maintain native species supportive of a healthy Illinois habitat, some of the plants found here are non-native or even invasive. Ongoing land management seeks to improve our native diversity.
Friendship Garden: Numerous plants grow at Friendship Garden that is inspired by an English Rose Garden after one of Helen's trips to England.
The Whiteside Garden: Once the home of Dr. Wesley Whiteside, this garden features plants from all over the world that grow in and around zones 5 to 8.
Friendship Garden: Numerous plants grow at Friendship Garden that is inspired by an English Rose Garden after one of Helen's trips to England.
The Whiteside Garden: Once the home of Dr. Wesley Whiteside, this garden features plants from all over the world that grow in and around zones 5 to 8.
Why are certain plants or trees being removed?
They are most likely being removed because they are invasive. Invasive species do not belong in this region but have the ability to “take over” areas, leaving no space for the native plants that are unique to Illinois or our region. Fighting the spread of invasive species is a major environmental goal meant to protect plants and wildlife.
Do you allow fishing?
No. Fishing and hunting are not allowed at any of our properties. Discarded hooks, fishing line, and other materials are dangerous to visitors and wildlife. To fish or hunt, please visit one of the other nature parks in the area that can better accommodate these activities.
Yes! Anyone with a positive attitude and a desire to help can join our volunteer team. Please fill out a volunteer application so that we can know more about you. The volunteer coordinator will contact you after submitting your application. There is no commitment attached to turning in an application or requesting more information about the volunteer program.
Are you hiring?
The nature center operates on limited funds and is very rarely hiring. Please visit our career portal to check for any openings.
Yes, if the date does not conflict with any programs or events. Rentals are permitted at all three of our properties.
How do I find out about upcoming programs?
By becoming a member, or Friend, of the Douglas-Hart Foundation, patrons are subscribed to the quarterly Nuthatch News publication, which lists upcoming programs for the season. Non-members can stop by the nature center to pick up a copy of the Nuthatch News or can request to receive the newsletter by email at no cost. Or view our calendar for a complete list of programs.
Can I bring you an injured or orphaned animal I found?
No. The Douglas-Hart Nature Center does not rehabilitate wildlife. We do not have the facilities, equipment, permits, or training to do so. It is illegal for anyone to possess a wild animal without the proper permit, even if trying to help. See our list of wildlife or animal control resources below.
Can we release an injured or wild animal here?
No. Animals are rarely abandoned orphans and are usually better off where they are without human interference. Even here, animals are never safe from predators, cars, and other mortal dangers. Our lands support their own delicate ecosystems and food chains that would suffer from the addition of extra animals.
What should we do with this baby rabbit we found?
Leave it be. Baby rabbits are ready to survive on their own at a very young age that might seem too young to humans. Also, mother rabbits only visit their nest for about 10 minutes a day. She is very sneaky, so you may not ever see her. If the babies are moved out of the nest, the mother will locate them by their cries and move them to a safe place. It is extremely difficult to raise a baby rabbit, and it will most likely die under human care. For this reason, many rehabilitators will not accept baby rabbits.
What should I do if there is a baby bird on the ground and it cannot fly?
For many baby birds, this is a natural part of growing up. Young birds spend 2 weeks living on the ground while their parents watch from nearby bushes. It is a dangerous time for them, but part of their natural life. If the bird has scruffy feathers, it is probably old enough to be outside the nest even if it cannot fly and should be left alone. If the bird is completely bald, you may look for the nest it fell from and try to put it back. If you cannot do this, try to leave the baby bird in a place where its parents might find it, as they will attempt a rescue. Don’t worry; birds do not abandon their babies after a human touches them.
Resources
Animal Control & RehabilitatorsWildlife Questions
Help! I've Found An Animal Coles Co. Animal Control 217-377-0969 Herrick Wildlife Rescue 217-825-7040 Ron Boeser Nuisance animal control 217-895-2628 U of I Wildlife Clinic 217-244-1195 The Bat Guy (Bats) 217-710-2919 Gloria Jeans (Deer and Squirrels) 217-232-1482 Anne Eddings (4-legged animals) 217-825-7040 Illinois Raptor Center (Birds of Prey) 217-963-6909 |
Native Plants & Landscaping
Prairie Moon Nursery
866-417-8156 Possibility Place Nursery 708-534-3988 Prairie Restoration Prairie Landscaping DeBuhr's Feed and Seed 217-234-7373 |
Educational Information
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(Region III) 217-935-6860 Illinois Natural History 217-333-6880 Coles County Soil & Water 217 345-3901 ext.3 Ticks Invasive Species |
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