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Volunteer with The Douglas-Hart Foundation

The Douglas-Hart Foundation is one foundation with three locations, The Douglas-Hart Nature Center, The Whiteside Garden, and Friendship Garden. Each location has different opportunities related to the type of location that it is. If you would like more information on any project or location, please feel free to contact volunteer@dhnature.org. Below is a quick breakdown of each location and just a few of the opportunities offered there.

About The Douglas-Hart Nature Center

The Douglas-Hart Nature Center is 70 acres of reclaimed farmland. Our trails go through three native Illinois habitats, Wetland, Woodland, and Prairie. Current projects volunteers are helping with at this location (including but not limited to):
  • Removing invasive species and planting native plants
  • Helping our educators run camps for kids K-5th
  • Helping run our Earth Day celebration
  • Helping create educational tools for the public
  • Keeping the Nature Center accessible on the weekends
  • ​Taking photography of the trails weekly

About Friendship Garden

Nestled in the middle of Mattoon, IL, the Friendship Garden was based off of The English Tea Gardens our founder, Helen Douglas-Hart, loved so much. With picnic tables, a gazebo, a waterfall, and beautiful plants to enjoy, this spot is great for weddings, photography, or a family picnic. Current projects that volunteers can help with at this location (including but not limited to):
  • Taking care of the garden beds
  • Picking up litter and changing trashcans
  • Watering

About The Whiteside Garden

Created by Dr. Westly Whiteside, this property was acquired by our foundation in late 2018. With five acres of botanical beauty, this location is newly open to the public. Current projects that volunteers are doing in this location ​(including but not limited to):
  • Taking care of garden beds
  • Leading tours through the gardens
  • Running the Welcome Center
  • Various horticultural tasks