Saving Taft: The Fight to Preserve Laredo Taft Field Campus for Future Generations

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Julie Bassett, founder of Together for Taft, to discuss the future of the historic Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, Illinois.

Learn about the nonprofit's mission to preserve the 144-acre outdoor education campus, why the property has meant so much to generations of students, and what's happening now following the campus' closure in December 2024. Julie also shares how the community can get involved and support ongoing efforts to protect this unique natural and educational resource for future generations.

If you care about local history, outdoor education, conservation, or the future of one of northern Illinois' most treasured landmarks, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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🎤 Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Together for Taft

02:25 The Closure of the Taft Campus

02:57 The History of Laredo Taft

04:18 The Power of Experiential Learning

05:07 Taft’s Impact on Generations of Students

06:17 The Mission of Together for Taft

07:38 The Journey to Reopen Taft

08:16 The Current Status of the Campus

10:49 Why Community Support Matters

11:14 Bringing the Community Together

12:39 Seeing Possibilities Instead of Obstacles

14:06 How You Can Support Together for Taft

15:45 The Future of Laredo Taft

16:13 Closing

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