IVCC Summer 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.
- IVCC's Spring Brochure for Nell's Woodland (PDF)
- View IVCC's Spring 2026 Catalog Now (PDF)
- Print a Registration Form (PDF)
- Find out more about Nell's Woodland
- Browse IVCC Lifelong Learning Classes
- Teach a Class
Illinois Valley Community College has cultivated a partnership 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 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
Links for new Summer classes available soon! Please check back!
- May 7: Flow to Slow Yoga [Single Session Class]
- May 14: Yoga Nidra: Healing [Single Session Class]
- May 26: T'ai Chi [8 Sessions]
- May 28: Summer Herbal Refreshers [Single Session Class]
- May 29: Discover the Poet Within [Single Session Class]
- June 18: Walking Meditation: Ahimsa [Single Session Class]
- June 18: Fill Your Cup [Single Session Class]
- June 27: Light, Lens & Landscape [Single Session]
- July 9: Walking Meditation: Santosha [Single Session]
- July 16: Vocal Alchemy [Single Session]
- July 21: Light, Lens & Landscape [Single Session]
- July 30: Summer Groove: Yoga, Pilates & Barre [Single Session]
- August 13: Yoga Nidra [Single Session]
- August 20: Light, Lens & Landscape [Single Session]
- September 17: [Light, Lens & Landscape [Single Session]
Do you have an idea for a class you would like to see offered at Nell's Woodland, or would you like to teach a class? Contact us at Kim_Koehler@ivcc.edu! We are looking for instructors in the following topic areas: health, fitness, mental health, well-being, art, music, gardening, environmental topics/ecology, youth programs.
Youth Summer Camp Programs
- June 30: Sweet as Can Bee Painting (Age: 6+) [Single Session]
- June 30: Woodland Fawn Painting (Age: 6+) [Single Session]
- July 7: Animal Adventures (Ages: 6-9) [Single Session]
- July 14: 3 R's of Art: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Ages: 5-9) [Single Session]
- July 21: Sound & Soul Explorers (Ages: 10-13) [Single Session]
- July 28: Summer STEAM Adventure (Ages: 5-8) [Single Session]
- July 28: Summer STEAM Adventure (Ages: 9-12) [Single Session]
Interested in taking a photography, yoga, meditation, art class or drum circle with your younger 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
Spring & Summer 2026 IVCC Lifelong Learning Catalog
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.
Nell's Woodland Spring 2026 Catalog
Features classes offered at Nell's Woodland, 2000 Alexis Avenue, Ottawa. Topics include yoga, art, t'ai chi, mindfulness, drum circle, photography and other programs focusing on mind, body, spirit and nature.
View the Spring Catalog (PDF)
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.
"Nature provides the inherent capacity to inspire, promote curiosity, and generate creative ways of thinking and expression through the arts."
Nell's Woodland Foundation