• • Southern Illinois University Carbondale is home to a unique center for outdoor, environmental, and experiential learning. Known as Touch of Nature Environmental Center, it has become well respected in North America for programs that emphasize both natural and human resources. Touch of Nature offers a wide variety of educational and service programs. It provides education and recreation for individuals with disabilities and abilities, and service to students, instructors, and researchers, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. Touch of Nature is located eight miles southeast of Carbondale and the main SIU campus in the rolling hills of southern Illinois. Little Grassy Lake, Giant City State Park, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Shawnee National Forest border its 3,100 acres. Touch of Nature has gained national recognition for pioneering experiential learning programs--camping, recreation for all populations, environmental education, and retreats--in which learning takes place through experiences in the outdoors. With its well-trained staff, its great natural setting, and its access to SIU faculty, Touch of Nature can provide stimulating recreational and educational experiences for individuals and groups.

On this tab: • Therapeutic Recreation Program - Touch of Nature Environmental Center Change Therapeutic Recreation to "Recreational Therapy."