IVCC Winter Retreat at Nell's Woodland

Contact the IVCC Continuing Education Center
(815) 224-0427 or continuingeducation@ivcc.edu
CTC-219, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL

Want to stay up-to-date on upcoming IVCC events at Nell's Woodland?
Join our email list: kim_koehler@ivcc.edu

The Nell's Woodland Winter/Spring 2025 Catalog will be available after January 6 The IVCC Spring 2025 Catalog will be available after January 6 Print a Registration Form Find out more about Nell's Woodland Browse IVCC Lifelong Learning Classes Teach a Class

Illinois Valley Community College is cultivating connections with Nell’s Woodland working together to facilitate meaningful and connected relationships to nature through programs that support stewardship in the areas of ecology, health, wellness and the arts.

Illinois Valley Community College will offer a Winter Lifelong Learning Retreat with experiences for youth and adults; including intergenerational programs at Nell’s Woodland located at 2000 Alexis Avenue, Ottawa, Illinois.

Upcoming classes

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

February 6: Restorative Yoga [8 Sessions}
February 8: Watercolor Landscape Painting
February 18: T'ai Chi [8 Sessions]
February 28: Intro to Sound Healing
March 8: Petal Power: Color Pencil Drawing Workshop
March 28: Crystal Basics 101: Intro to Healing Stones
April 3: Flow & Harmony: Flow Yoga with Sound Healing Experience
April 5: Mindful Steps: A Nature Meditation
April 10: Restorative Yoga [7 Sessions]
April 14: Breathing for Life [4 Sessions]
April 17: Unlocking the Power of Numbers
April 25: Intergenerational Drum Circle [ages: 6+]
May 30: Poetry Workshop

YOUTH PROGRAMS

April 25: Intergenerational Drum Circle (ages: 6 +)
Interested in taking an art or painting class with your young student? Call our office at (815) 224-0427 to inquire about taking a class together.

Additional classes to be announced. Please check back for updates on added classes including summer and youth programs.

View and register for classes at Nell's Woodland Browse professional development classes, career training and community programs

Features classes offered at IVCC Main Campus, Nell's Woodland, IVCC Ottawa Center, Online Classes, Career Training Programs, Professional Development, Bus Trips and Personal Enrichment Offerings.

Check back soon! IVCC's Spring 2025 Lifelong Learning Catalog will be available in January.

Features classes offered at Nell's Woodland, 2000 Alexis Avenue, Ottawa. Topics include chair yoga, restorative yoga, t'ai chi, painting, drum circle and other programs focusing on mind, body, spirit and nature.

Check back soon! The Winter/Spring Catalog will be available in January.

About Nell's Woodland

The Nell’s Foundation has been made possible through the inspiration and generous support of former Ottawan Mr. James Downey. Located at 2000 Alexis Avenue on 58 acres of beautiful oak woodland preserve, his contributions have allowed the creation of an engaging and evolutionary place. The mission of the Nell’s Woodland Foundation is to provide people with a connection to nature, programs, and educational opportunities that support stewardship in the areas of Ecology, Wellness, and the Arts.

Offerings will feature a partnership with Illinois Valley Community College, providing a variety of continuing education opportunities aligned with the Nell’s Woodland spheres of influence.

Additional plans are underway for a variety of other opportunities and programs to be announced via the Nell's Woodland website and future press releases.

Interested in making a Park Visit? If you are interested in a park visit during a time when you are not registered for a class or program, visit Nell's Woodland Visitor Registration to request a time. Public access hours to the park are Thursdays-Mondays from 8 AM-5 PM. Registration for a park visit is required.

The Nell’s Woodland community aspires to enhance and nurture the natural landscape of the 58-acre property. To date they have developed a walking pathway system that traverses 6,800 feet traveling across three distinct ridges allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the serenity of the preserve. For visitors and friends, they have developed facilities to support and enhance activities. With the belief that nature has the capacity to inspire, promote curiosity and generate creative ways of thinking and expression through the arts Nell’s Woodland is open to all ages, backgrounds and demographics.

Yoga at Nells Woodland

"Nature provides the inherent capacity to inspire, promote curiosity, and generate creative ways of thinking and expression through the arts."

Nell's Woodland Foundation