Our Crowdfunding Groups
About us
Southern Illinois University’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center encompasses 3,100 acres of new-growth, hardwood forest in the midst of the most biodiverse region of the U.S. For over 60 years, the land and the people of Touch of Nature have provided experiences that test comfort zones and inspire appreciation for the outdoors and the natural environment.
Our project
The International Mountain Bicycling Association has designed just under 30 miles of trails at Touch of Nature. The trail system is envisioned as a new offering of beginner through expert level traditional and mountain bike optimized trails. An interconnected system of trails will allow riders to work on their technique with slope-style features, a technical skills course, and steep and rocky downhill trails. Then, as they get their skills down, they can venture on to explore sandstone outcroppings and experience beautiful views of Indian Creek and its surroundings in a whole new way.
The Multi-use Mountain Bike Trail Project strives to fulfill these goals:
Provide new recreational opportunities for southern Illinois locals and visitors to explore our unique natural landscape.
Provide Southern Illinois University students with an asset not many other universities can match.
Educate users on the local environment and help them recognize the importance of conservation.
Recognize volunteerism is a high emphasis of SIU and the surrounding community, and there is a strong commitment to this project and the maintenance necessary to maintain the trails.
* In order to claim your cup please add your name to the Donor Wall on this site, and bring your donation receipt to Longbranch. Please wait until April 21st to redeem your coffee!
A donation of $20 will get you one cup of press pot coffee from The Longbranch Cafe in downtown Carbondale! *FMV $3
For a donation of $50 you will get a Touch of Nature membership along with a Touch of Nature T-shirt and Longbranch coffee. *FMV $23
With a donation of 76.54 you will be helping us out tremendously and you are amazing! (And you get Longbranch coffee and the membership) *FMV $23
A donation of $100 will allow us to purchase new tools (and you get Longbranch coffee and the membership). *FMV $23
With a donation of $200, you can receive one full day of golf for 4 people, including a golf cart, at Keller's Crossing Golf Resort in Makanda, Illinois. *FMV $180
A donation of $300 will earn you 1 zipline tour by Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour!(and you get a cup of Longbranch coffee and Touch of Nature membership) *FMV $131
A donation of $500 will receive a Stay and Play package for 4 at Keller's Crossing Golf Resort in Makanda, Il. *FMV $460
With a donation of $1000 you will earn a three hour paddling program on Little Grassy Lake for you and 9 of your closest friends! (And you get a cup of Longbranch coffee and a membership) *FMV $251
With a donation of $3000 you will earn a free three-hour rock wall program for you and 14 of your friends! (And you get the coffee and the membership) *FMV $546
