July Events
Saturdays & Sundays, July, 1 - 4 p.m.
Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
Visit the Homestead Prairie Farm and learn about life in the 1860s.
Wednesdays and Saturdays, July, 1 – 4 p.m.
Oglesby Mansion Open House
The restored home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby is open for tours. Stop in and learn many interesting facts and hear about U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant’s visit to the house in 1880. Fee $2, members free. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
Sat., July 31, 2 p.m.
Mobile Homes
Do you have a shell on your back? We may not, but there are a lot of fascinating animals that do, such as turtles and snails. Meet our nature center turtles and snails and then wander the trails in search of these slow moving creatures.
August Events
Now through October
Go Camping!
June is a great time for a campout! Friends Creek Conservation Area is a peaceful place to experience nature. Call 217/423-7708 to reserve a campsite.
Now through October
Family Picnic
Plan a family picnic this month! Macon County’s Conservation Areas offer clean pavilions in beautiful settings. Call 217/423-7708 to reserve one!
Saturdays & Sundays, August, 1 - 4 p.m.
Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
Tour our 1860s farmhouse for a look at the past with our interpreters in clothing of the period.
Saturdays, August, 1 – 4 p.m.
Oglesby Mansion Open House
The restored home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby is open for tours. Stop by to explore life in the 1870s while strolling through this beautiful home. Fee $2, members free. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
Sun., Aug. 1, 2 p.m.
Historic Chores: Have You Any Wool?
Come to the Homestead Prairie Farm and learn how cloth was made a long time ago. Try your hand at spinning wool and two easy types of knitting.
Sat., Aug. 7, 10 a.m.
Preschool Peepers – Little Bugs on the Prairie
Children 3 to 5 years old will explore the world of grassland insects through stories, a hike and craft. Fee $1. Reservations required.
Sat., Aug. 7 & 21, 10 a.m.
Dulcimer Club
Enjoy tranquil dulcimer music played by our talented volunteers.
Sat., Aug. 7, 1 – 4 p.m.
Bethel School Open House
Travel back in time at Friends Creek Conservation Area and discover a one-room schoolhouse from the 1900s. Bethel School is open the first Saturday afternoon of each month May through October.
Sun., Aug. 8, 1 – 4 p.m.
Old Time Music Jam
Come on out and listen in on good old bluegrass music played by area musicians.
Sat., Aug. 14, 10 a.m.
Nature Lapsit
Children 0-3 years of age will learn about nature through stories, play and a craft. Co-sponsored by BabyTALK.
Sat., Aug. 14, 1:30 p.m.
Family Fun – Habitat Mania
What is a habitat? Join the naturalist to discover the three major types of habitats found along the Discovery Trail. Keep your eyes open as we compare and contrast the differences in plants and animals we find along the way.
Sun., Aug. 15, 1 p.m.
Vintage Base Ball
Watch the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels participate in a true gentleman’s game against the Springfield Long Nine during this home match at Rock Springs’ BeautifulTrobaughField.
Become a fan & follow the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels on Facebook.
Sun., Aug. 15, 2 p.m.
Chaplain to the Rebel Prisoners: The Life of Edmund Bostwick Tuttle
Explore the career of a Union Army chaplain who ministered to Confederate prisoners at Camp Douglas in Chicago, served at army posts in the Old West and became an author. Speaker and Decatur resident Jeannie Barnes is a descendant of Tuttle and has spent several years researching his life. This program will be held in the nature center auditorium.
Sun., Aug. 15, 4:30 p.m.
Decatur Audubon Society Meeting
Join the Decatur Audubon Society for potluck picnic at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Open to all.
Wed. Aug. 18, 7 p.m.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Open to all.
Sat., Aug. 21, 2 p.m.
Dances with Dragonflies
Take a hike to our prairie pond and observe many colorful dragonflies as they flit and zip around us while we learn about these magnificent flying insects.
Sun., Aug. 22, 2 p.m.
Toad House
Toads are great for the garden. They help to reduce the number of insects and grubs that may be eating your plants. Invite a toad to stay in your garden by painting and sealing a toad house. Fee $5. Reservations required.
Sat., Aug. 28, 10 a.m.
River Ramble
Head out on the River Trail with the naturalist and discover some amazing facts and historical sites that dot the landscape along this beautiful trail.
Sun., Aug. 29, 2 p.m.
Nature Art Workshop
You and your child will tap into your creative juices as we use charcoal to render the natural wonders around us. Dress in old clothes as we will have a lot of messy fun! Fee $5, all ages welcome.
Sun., Aug. 29, 2 – 4 p.m.
Wood Carving Demonstration
Many items were carved out of wood in the 19th century before mass production. Dick Torgerson will be at the Oglesby Mansion demonstrating the process of carving some of these items. Children might be especially interested in seeing how a piece of wood can be made into something special. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
Sun., Aug. 29, 2-4 p.m.
Shape Note Singers
Experienced singers from the Charleston-Mattoon Sacred Harp Singers will delight the public with their unique music. All are invited to participate.
All of these events and more can be found in our Newsletter,
The Prairie Islander.
Macon County Conservation District
Mini Camps & Day Camps for Kids 
Themed Nature Hike or Activity Involving a Hike
All events are one hour in duration unless otherwise noted
Vintage Base Ball game with the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels!
Events held at the 
