Mission Moment

The Thornhill Nature Preserve has been part of Huntington University for over 50 years. The property was deeded to Huntington College on April 27, 1967, by Mabel Thorne. Mabel was a lifelong teacher and educator who held a passion for conservation and the protection of wildlife. Since its gifting to the University, Thornhill has been utilized as an extension of our campus by the agriculture, biology, education, and digital media arts departments. From crop planting to school field trips to filming, the property has promoted cooperative ventures and unique educational experiences. The property features a pond, the Reiff Nature Center, a pole barn, trails, wooded acreage, and farmland.

Mabel Thorne clearly had a mission mindset and vision for the future aligned with HU. She was a true friend to our institution who has provided a lasting legacy through a unique gift. By using her resources to provide the University and its students ways to experience and enjoy God’s creation, Mabel furthered our ability to fulfill our mission of serving Christ through Scholarship and Service.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” – Job 12:7-10

Posted By: Russ Degitz