Helen Burgner Douglas-Hart had a dream of developing English tea gardens and a natural area that would reflect the native habitats of east-central Illinois. In 1963, Helen formed the Douglas-Hart Foundation and created Friendship Garden located at 17th and Lafayette near downtown Mattoon. In the 1960s, work started on converting a 33-acre farm field into a nature preserve. Today, the Douglas-Hart Nature Center features more than 70 acres of prairie, wetland, and forest habitat. It also provides the people of the surrounding communities the unique opportunity to learn about and discover the wonders of nature.
Helen holds a rich history in Coles County and beyond. Helen traveled extensively around the world and took the time to share her experiences in several journals. The journals are part of the library collection at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center and are available for viewing. Additionally, Helen kept several diaries, the earliest at age 19. In 1961 she traveled to China, Thailand, the Philippines, and more. She published her travels in the newspaper and called it the Chit Chat.
Helen holds a rich history in Coles County and beyond. Helen traveled extensively around the world and took the time to share her experiences in several journals. The journals are part of the library collection at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center and are available for viewing. Additionally, Helen kept several diaries, the earliest at age 19. In 1961 she traveled to China, Thailand, the Philippines, and more. She published her travels in the newspaper and called it the Chit Chat.