Macon County Conservation District Explore the Outdoors
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Macon County Conservation District Events & Program Calendar 2010
Decatur, Illinois

Child Program

Adult Program Family Program

Events held at Rock Springs Nature Center and Conservation Area
Mini Camps & Day Camps for Kids
Themed Nature Hike or Activity Involving a Hike
Teacher's Workshops at Rock Springs Nature Center
All events are one hour in duration unless otherwise noted
Vintage Base Ball game with the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels!

Events held at the Homestead Prairie Farm
Events held at the Governor Oglesby Mansion

Rock Springs Nature Center is located on the southwestern edge of Decatur. To get to Rock Springs Center from Decatur go south on Route 48 and turn right onto Rock Springs Road. Watch for signs. Plenty of parking is available.

Please note --- an alternate route to Rock Springs Nature Center via Wyckles Road from Decatur is closed due to bridge repairs over the Sangamon River.

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

Go Camping! Friends Creek CampgroundNow 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.

 


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Today's Sunrise Sunset in Decatur, IL:
    Sunrise is at: 5:52 AM
    Sunset is at: 8:11 PM


What can you do at the Nature Center?

Visit Our Conservation Areas

Rock Springs Conservation Area
Friends Creek Conservation Area
Sand Creek Conservation Area
Griswold Conservation Area
Fort Daniel Conservation Area

 
 

The Macon County Conservation District invites you to visit the many natural areas in Macon County, Illinois, including Rock Springs Nature Center, which offers nature programs, special activities, nature hikes, summer camps, music programs, conference rooms for all ages throughout the year in Decatur, Illinois.
Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-7708
mccd@maconcountyconservation.org

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The Prairie Islander

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