A wonderful group of folks dedicated to protecting the environment and sharing environmental education experiences with others. You really feel like a part of the family. Peaceful sanctuary with hiking trails, benches, three lakes, prairie; and a wide assortment of birds, wildlife, wildflowers and trees. So many different kinds of programs from grandparents/grandkids adventures, to sustainable living, to winter camping, to the arts, to water quality, to stopping invasives, to dragonflies and buterflies.
Fourteen years ago, I was asked to help with the search for an executive director of Hunt Hill. Every day since that time, I have help with many other volunteers in the development of this environmental
education center serving to educating youth and adults on being great Stewart's of this planet. Many area public schools use this outdoor environmental labatory for their students for hands on experiences. It is truly an experience to observe and be part of this center.
Four of our grandchildren went to summer camp last summer and had such a fun learning experience that they are excited to pick the dates and return to Hunt Hill again this summer.
Hunt Hill is an amazing place that is open to all! Hunt Hill offers so many opportunities for people to enjoy. I first discovered Hunt Hill by simply looking for a place to hike. There are several beautiful trails available to the public at no cost. The property contains lakes, prairies, forests, wildlife, wild flowers and just about anything else a nature lover could hope for. Shortly after my first hike, I learned about all of the educational programming that is available. All of their programs are very affordable, many in the $5 range. The people that work at Hunt Hill are great and very accommodating. I teach at local school and they have allowed me to bring my kids out for a variety of service projects. Hunt Hill also offers a summer full of opportunities for kids, adults and families. I would highly recommend Hunt Hill for anyone who enjoys the outdoors!
In my 25 years of teaching at Hunt Hill I've seen over 1000 central city young people change their attitudes and feelings about the environmental aspects of air, water, land and stewardship. The dedicated staff guided them through a week of hands-on instruction that resulted in attitude changes that last through high school and into young adult life. By week's end, these participants have learned to survive without technology, make friendships with diverse cultures and appreciate the world around them. The testimonials by these participants indicates they have been deeply affected by their Hunt Hill experiences of canoing, outdoor learning classes and personal interactions. I believe Sigurd Olson and Aldo Leopold would be proud of this program.
My mother, my daughter and I went to Swedish Camp at Hunt Hill several years ago. My mother knew about Hunt Hill having been there for a Peace Corp reunion. She really wanted to go to Swedish camp and at 88 could not get there on her own. The three of us had a marvelous time together at this beautiful place. We all enjoyed the language classes and experiencing Swedish food, but the highlight for my daughter and myself was definitely the bog walk. We live in Virginia and wish we could find some place like Hunt Hill closer to home. It is a very special place.
Last year I volunteered at Hunt Hill after moving into the area. It is such a magical place, whether you enjoy the 10 miles of hiking trails, take the wonderful classes offered or join in the immersion camps. I was able to witness the joy and excitement in the children that attended day camps and young adults experiencing nature for the first time. It is there for everyone to enjoy...you can feel the magic when you drive in. I was hired as the Office Manager last fall....and every morning I leave home and when I get to Hunt Hill...I come home. I encourage people to come and join and be part of untouched nature at it's best.
Our family LOVES Hunt Hill! Nikki and all the volunteers and helpers at the day camps and overnight camps are absolutely wonderful! Our 10 year old son cannot wait until summer so he can attend the day camps. Thank you to Nikki and all the excellent people who help out at Hunt HIll!
Hunt Hill Audubon is a beautiful nature sanctuary that does an exceptional job educating thousands of children every year in outdoor activities. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and work hard on their role as educators and to maintain the land around their two lakes.
In August, 2012, I attended a week long Spanish immeresion class at Hunt Hill. It far exceeded my expectations, especially the stay at the camp. The staff without exception are all knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. The place offered a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere for our class, making it all the more productive and enjoyable. For off hours, there are wooded hiking trails, a wealth of information about animals and plants, a swimming beach and boating and canoeing. Accomodations are rustic (so don't expect a 5 star motel!) but clean and convenient. All in all it was a very good experience.
I recently spent a relaxing staff training day at Hunt Hill. The air was a little crisp but the wood-burning stove kept us warm and smelled great! Storm led us on a short but informative hike and Nikki led our staff through several fun yet challenging team building activities. Highly recommend Hunt Hill for meetings and reunions!
I've enjoyed numerous experiences at Hunt Hill over the years - hikes, nature programs, night canoe rides with grandchildren, pancake breakfasts, making snowshoes, barn dances. Their programs appeal to a wide ranch of interests and ages. They were my salvation as I was overcoming depression a few years ago and found there new joy in life and nature and made new friends.
Without a doubt, Hunt Hill is one of my favorite places! I have been an Environmental Educator at Hunt Hill for the past three summers, and these summers have been life-changing. Hunt Hill provides a wide variety of programs for all ages-from toddlers to senior citizens. Hunt Hill's property features numerous habitats (including two bogs), 10 miles of hiking trails and 3 beautiful lakes-all open to the public. I have never met nicer people than I have while working at Hunt Hill. Hunt Hill's staff and volunteers are truly passionate about environmental education and making Hunt Hill the best it can be. Anyone who visits this wonderful non-profit sanctuary is quickly adopted into the Hunt Hill family. Please make the drive out to Hunt Hill and check it out-you will not be sorry!
I've attended Hunt Hill's Day Camps and Overnight Camps since I was a child, and I've absolutely fallen in love with the sanctuary. It's a great place to unplug and get in touch (or back in touch) with the natural world. There are over 10 miles of hiking trails open to the public. The staff is attentive and always willing to show you around. My favorite part is the Cakes on the the Lake program which happens monthly in the Summer. If you want to come check out Hunt Hill, come eat at the Cakes on the Lake pancake breakfast and stay for the informative environmental program!
Hunt Hill offers premium opportunities for youth and families. Our family has enjoyed and learned so much through their grandparents days, summer camps, and workshops. All of their educational programs have been top-notch, affordable, valuable and super fun. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable and patient- Not to mention, the actual landscape is breathtaking. Can't say enough about this wonderful organization!
Hunt Hill provides the most wonderful educational programs. I've learned so much with every program I have attended. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. I would strongly recommend the programs to folks of all all ages. The santuary is diamond in the woods. We are so lucky to have it in our community.
I have been fortunate to attend and volunteer and later work at Hunt Hill. The spectrum of experiences Hunt Hill has provided for all age groups over the many years I have known them has been exceptional. I believe one of the fundamental needs we have in facing the future is reconnecting people with the natural world that supports them. As I have experienced the Hunt Hill vision, I have observed that this is their mission, I have observed hundreds of people reaching out and touching a beautiful pristine natural environment that is Hunt Hill.
Hunt Hill is a warm, welcoming place to learn about and experience nature. Loved it so much we had our wedding there!
We always enjoy the educational sessions at Hunt Hill. We look forward to them every summer. It is so interesting to learn about things of nature, the wild animals, and birds in our area and in our state. Learning about nature, animals and birds helps us understand their habits and how to get along in the world we share. I hope the series of sessions continues. Interest is evident by the size of the crowds they draw.
I went to adult immersion Spanish camp at Hunt Hill in August 2011 and August 2012. It was a wonderful experience. I was able to commune with nature and with congenial people at the same time. I improved my grasp of Spanish, enjoyed outdoor activities, and made new friends. I'm impressed with the gorgeous setting, diversity of programs offered, and the superb Hunt Hill staff. I plan to go to Spanish camp again next year. (I live too far away to visit Hunt Hill more frequently.)
Hunt Hill is a beautiful place to spend time hiking, watching the wildlife, or just sitting and being peaceful by the water. We loved the Spring Fling because it had so much to offer. Not only was it fun to browse the local crafter's tables and eat good food, but the event included various educational and entertainment opportunities for all ages.
I started out as a visitor at Hunt Hill, then a volunteer and now a volunteer Board Member. To say I got "hooked" on Hunt Hill would be an understatement! :) From helping plan programs, Prairie Fling festival, cooking pancakes for Cakes at the Lake or teaching a group of kids, every minute I've spent at Hunt Hill over the past few years has been more satisfying than anything else I've done in the region. Love this place and am thrilled I get to be a part of sharing it with visitors of all ages.
I have attended language camps at Hunt Hill and found them to be well organized, worth every minute of my time and nicely priced. The Hunt Hill staff made us feel like family. They were most welcoming and informative on the history of Hunt Hill as well as it's present day value to the community. I learned as much about the nature during camp week as Spanish.
One of our highlights of this year was attending and participating in the "Prairie Fling!" hosted by Hunt Hill Sanctuary. What an inspiring nature immersion experience and gathering for youth and adults! All the staff at Hunt Hill are friendly, personable professionals changing the lives of many. ~Gigi Stafne, Wild Earth Eco Tours & Herbalists Without Borders