Through October
GO CAMPING!
Summer is a great time for camping out! Friends Creek Conservation Area is a peaceful place to camp. Call (217) 423-7708 to reserve a campsite.
Through July 17, 2009
Lincoln, The Surveyor
Did you know that Lincoln worked as a deputy land surveyor in Illinois from 1833 to 1836? Enjoy two exhibits at Rock Springs Nature Center. “Lincoln, The Surveyor,” details Lincoln’s years as a deputy land surveyor in Illinois in the 1830s. Tools of his trade and prints of his surveys will be displayed in this exhibit by Bob Church, Executive Director of the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association. Also, don’t miss “From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of Charting America’s Coasts,” a colorful exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution.
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, July, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
Visit the Homestead Prairie Farm and learn about life in the 1860s.
Wednesdays & Saturdays, July, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun., July 26, 2 p.m. – 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. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
Fri., July 3, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Offices Closed
Nature Center Open
Sat., July 4, 10 a.m.
Preschool Peepers - Goodness Snakes Alive
Children 3 to 5 years of age will slither into the world of snakes through activities, a story, hike and craft. Fee- $1. Reservations required.
Sat., July 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bethel School Open House
Venture to Friends Creek Conservation Area and experience the atmosphere of an historic oneroom school. Bethel School is open
the first Saturday afternoon of each month, May through October.
Sun., July 5, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Time Chores: Knots for Kids
Join us at the Homestead Prairie Farm and learn how to make some common rope knots a young apprentice or hired hand in the
1800s would need to know.
July 8 and July 9 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Peoples of Illinois
Teachers & educators can earn 12 Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) in this teachers’ workshop. Native Americans, French Colonials and American Settlers – This two-day workshop is an overview of early human habitation of Illinois. The second day includes a tour of Macon County historic sites. Fee $40. Earn 12 CPDUs.
Sat., July 11 & 25, 10 a.m.
Dulcimer Club
Sit a spell and listen to old-time dulcimer tunes or bring your instrument and join in.
Sat., July 11, 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.
Sun., July 12, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Time Music Jam
Enjoy the Nature Center exhibits and listen to bluegrass music played by area musicians.
Sun., July 12, 1 p.m.
Vintage Baseball
The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels will compete against the Vermilion Voles on their home turf at BeautifulTrobaughField.
Wed., July 15, 7 p.m.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Open to all.
Sat., July 18, 1 p.m.
Vintage Base Ball
The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels face the St. Louis Cyclones at Rock Springs BeautifulTrobaughField.
Sat., July 18, 7 p.m.
Bats in the Barn
Discover the truth about these mysterious creatures at Rock Springs Nature Center, then carpool to Sand Creek Conservation Area to observe some of our local bats.
Sun., July 19, 2 p.m.
Going "In Seining"
Take the family seining at the pond with the naturalist. We’ll collect samples to examine under the microscope. Bring a change of
clothes in case you get wet.
Sun., July 19, 2 p.m.
The History of Natural Springs in Illinois
Join author and geologist Philip C. Reed for a program about the many natural water springs in Illinois and their history. A book signing will follow the presentation. The program will be at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 19th at the Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur. Admission is free. Call 423-7708 for more information.
Sat., July 25 through Fri., Sept. 18
Native Peoples of Illinois
This traveling exhibit, created by the staff of the Schingoethe Center at Aurora University, outlines the people and events that shaped the region from Marquette and Joliet’s exploration of the Illinois country in 1673 until the Indian tribes were forced out of Illinois by the pressure of white settlement and the efforts of the Federal government in the 1830s.
Sat., July 25, 10 a.m.
Morning Meander
Hit the trails with the naturalist and keep your eyes peeled for wild turkeys, deer, and so much more.
Sat., July 25, 2 p.m.
Ice Cream Social
Join us for an ice cream social in celebration of Governor Oglesby’s 185th birthday. Fee- $5/person. Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St., Decatur.
Sun., July 26, 1 p.m.
Vintage Base Ball
The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels will compete in Peoria, Illinois against the Fort Clarke Vintage Base Ball Club.
Sun., July 26, 2 p.m.
Sea of Grass Hike
Explore a restored prairie with the naturalist and learn about the plants and animals that live in this sea of grass.
Sun., July 26, 2 – 4 p.m.
19th Century Coins
Visit the Governor Oglesby Mansion to view the 19th century coin collection of Bill Walters. Mr. Walters will be available for
questions. 421 W. William St., Decatur. Fee $2.
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Saturdays & Sundays, August, 1 p.m. – 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.
Wednesdays & Saturdays, August, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.& Sun., Aug. 30, 2 p.m. – 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. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
Sat., Aug. 1, 10 a.m.
Preschool Peepers - Sun Prints
Children 3 to 5 years in age learn about the sun through hands-on activities, a hike and a craft. Fee- $1. Reservations required.
Sat., Aug. 1, 1p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bethel School Open House
Visit the historic one-room Bethel School at Friends Creek Conservation Area. It’s open the first Saturday afternoon of each month
May through October.
Sun., Aug. 2, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Homestead Young'uns: Ten Riddles to Solve
Use clues to solve riddles about the farm at Homestead Prairie Farm.
Sat., Aug. 8 & 22, 10 a.m.
Dulcimer Club
Enjoy tranquil dulcimer music played by our talented volunteers.
Sat., Aug. 8, 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. 8, TBA
Vintage Base Ball
Follow the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels to Clinton, Illinois as they play a match against a local team.
Sun., Aug. 9, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Time Music Jam
Come on out and listen in on good old bluegrass music played by area musicians.
Sat., Aug. 15, 10 a.m.
Sound Off
Learn sounds of native animals and then join the naturalist on a hike to listen for and locate the sounds that we have learned.
Sun., Aug. 16, 2 p.m.
Family Fun - Monarch Mania
Learn more about our beautiful state insect through hands-on activities and a hike.
Sun., Aug. 16, 2 p.m.
How to Research Your Historic Home
Stephanie Ashe, Historic Preservation and Corridors Planner with the City of Decatur, will show you how to discover the hidden
history of your house. Learn how to use resources at the library, courthouse and other locations to find out the previous owners, year it was built and other facts. Join us in the Nature Center Auditorium.
Sun., Aug. 16, 4:30 p.m.
Decatur Audubon Society Meeting
Melody Arnold, Education Specialist, will present Native American history during this potluck picnic at Friends Creek
Conservation Area. Open to all.
Wed. Aug. 19, 7 p.m.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Open to all.
Sat., Aug. 22, 2 p.m.
Bird Feeder Building
Bring a hammer and build a bird feeder for your feathered friends. Children under 12 must have an adult companion. Fee $12. Reservations required.
Sat., Aug. 22, TBA
Vintage Base Ball
The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels will compete against other vintage teams in the Uncle Joe Cannon's Base Ball Jamboree at Danville Stadium in Danville, Illinois.
Sun., Aug. 23, 2 p.m.
Green Ice Cream
Join the naturalist and try a “green” way to make your own ice cream without electricity. Participants can then sample their product. Fee $2/person.
Sun., Aug. 23, 2 p.m. – 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 listen or participate.
Sat., Aug. 29, 10 a.m.
Life on a Little Known Planet
Search the trails for objects, such as moss and seeds, to look at under our microscopes.
Sat., Aug. 29,
Beginners – 10 a.m.
Intermediate – 1 p.m.
Mountain Dulcimer Workshop
Learn Mountain Dulcimer techniques with well known performer and teacher, Mike Anderson from Jacksonville, IL. Fee $20/one session; $35/both sessions. Reservations required.
Sun., Aug. 30, 2 p.m.
Scat Match Fever
Take a look at our scat replicas and then venture out on the trails with the naturalist to discover what animals have traveled by.
Sun., Aug. 30, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
19th Century Carpentry Tools
Dick Torgersonfety will be available to discuss and demonstrate his 19th century tool collection at the Governor Oglesby Mansion. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
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Macon County Conservation District