One of the pristine delights of Southern Illinois University is the majestic natural woods and wildlife…that are literally surround you!

Literally, squirrels, almost eat out of your hand and deer contemplate their human neighbors with curious and benign neglect.

‘I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by an epaulet I could have worn.’   Henry David Thoreau

‘ I saw a muskrat come out of a hole in the ice…While I am looking at him, I am thinking what he is thinking of me.  He is a different sort of man, thats all.’   Henry David Thoreau

‘I saw deep in the eyes of the animals the human soul look out upon me.  I saw where it was born deep down under feathers and fur, or condemned for a while to roam four-footed among the brambles, I caught the clinging mute glance of the prisoner and swore that I would be faithful.’   Henry David Thoreau

What an intricately weaved Laboratory of Nature and Life…to receive a first class University education!