February Volunteer Opportunities |
 Wednesday, January 10, 2010 at 1:30pm: Sugar Shack/Maple Syrup Time training
Learn how to boil maple syrup from sap in our Sugar Shack! Then, find out how you can get involved with our coordinating school program: Maple Syrup Time! Each training session will last approximate 1 hour. Sign up for one or both sessions! See more Volunteer Opportunities!
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February Events
Saturdays & Sundays, 4 p.m.
Cross-Country Ski Workshop
Learn the basics of cross-country skiing. Fee $12, includes skis, boots, poles and one hour of instruction ($4 with your own skis). Snow and reservations required.
Sat. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Romantic Night Hike
After you take your sweetheart out for a romantic dinner, join a naturalist for a guided hike through the woods and to a fire where you can warm up with s’mores and hot chocolate. $2/ person.
Sun. Feb. 14, 1 - 4 p.m.
Music Jam
Warm up with your honey in the Nature Center while listening to bluegrass music played by area musicians.
Sun. Feb. 14, 2 p.m., ages 1 & 2
Pecking Around Mini Camp
Children and their adult companions will fly into the world of woodpeckers through a craft, activities, stories and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required. Visit our Camps page for more information!
Mon., Feb. 15
Offices Closed
Nature Center Open
Wed., Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Open to all.
Thurs., Feb. 18, 9 a.m., ages 1 & 2
Thurs., Feb. 18, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4
Pecking Around Mini Camp
Children and their adult companions will fly into the world of woodpeckers through a craft, activities, stories and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required. Visit our Camps page for more information!
Sun., Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m.
Family Fun - Ice Age Animals
Investigate the world of mammoths, mastodons, giant beavers and giant ground sloths during this amazing adventure through the ice ages.
Sun., Feb. 21, 2 p.m.
Audubon Meeting
Open to all.
Sat., Feb. 27, 11 a.m.
Dino-Mite
Did you know that dinosaur fossils have never been found in Illinois? Learn about the dinosaurs that roamed central North America as we look at fossils and replicas.
Sun., Feb. 28, 2 p.m.
Recycled Bird House
Bring along a hammer and an old license plate or a large juice can to build a house for your feathered friends. Children under 12 must have an adult companion. Fee $10. Reservations required.
March Events
Civil War Exhibit
Continuing through Mon., Mar. 22
Explore this traveling exhibit about the Civil War hosted in the north wing exhibit hall of Rock Springs Nature Center. This exhibit will reveal some fascinating information about the Civil War and Macon County’s involvement in this life changing struggle of the 1860s. See our Special Events page for more information!
Splish Splash Mini Camp
Tues., Mar. 2, 9 a.m., ages 1 & 2 /
Tues., Mar. 2, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4
Children and their adult companions will plunge into the amazing world of water animals through stories, activities, a craft and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Pancake Breakfast
Sat., Mar. 6, 7 a.m. - noon
Don’t miss pancakes, sausage and REAL maple syrup. After breakfast, visit the Sugar Shack to see how maple syrup is made. Fee $5/adults, $3/children 12 and under.
Sugar Shack Open House
Sat., Mar. 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. /
Sun., Mar. 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see how real maple syrup is made.
Preschool Peepers- River Otters
Sat., Mar. 6, 10 a.m.
Youth ages 3 through 5 can dive into the world of river otters as we create a craft and investigate our trails. Fee $1. Reservations required.
Dulcimer Club
Sat., Mar. 6 & 20, 10 a.m.
Sit a spell and listen to old-time dulcimer tunes, or bring your instrument and join in.
Nature Walkabout
Sun., Mar. 7, 2 p.m.
Adventure is waiting for your family on the Woodland Trail. Join the naturalist as we explore the creek, look under rotten logs, and scan the skies for our feathered friends.
Nature Lapsit
Sat., Mar. 13, 10 a.m.
Children 0-3 years of age will learn about nature through stories, play and a craft. Co-sponsored by BabyTALK.
Cloud Detectives
Sat. Mar. 13, 2 p.m.
Bring your blanket, lay back and relax as we examine and learn about the clouds. We will use our imaginations and discover some simple science on this afternoon adventure.
Music Jam
Sun., Mar. 14, 1-4 p.m.
Come out and enjoy old-time bluegrass tunes played by area musicians.
Shamrocks & Rainbows
Sun., Mar. 14, 2 p.m., ages 3 & 4
Wed., Mar. 17, 9 a.m., ages 1 & 2
Wed., Mar. 17, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4
Children and their adult companions will investigate the nature of St. Patrick’s Day through stories, activities, a craft and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Wed., Mar. 17, 7 p.m.
Open to all.
Mountain Dulcimer Workshops
Sat., Mar. 20, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Learn mountain dulcimer techniques in this informative and entertaining workshop with well known performer and teacher, Mike Anderson from Jacksonville, Illinois. Two sessions are offered: Beginners at 10 a.m. and Intermediate at 1 p.m. at Rock Springs Nature Center. Fee is $20/session; $35/both sessions. Reservations required by March 15.
Nature Play in the Pine Forest
Sat., Mar. 20, 2 p.m.
We will head out to the pine forest to build forts, teepees and an eagle nest. As we play we will learn about this non-native habitat.
Family Fun - Down to Earth
Sun., Mar. 21, 1:30 p.m.
What lives beneath our feet? The naturalist will help to unearth the creatures that live in the soil and leaf litter along our trails. We will bring some leaf litter back to examine under the microscope.
Audubon Society
Sun., Mar. 21, 2 p.m.
Open to all.
Summer Camp Registration Begins
Sat., Mar. 27, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Register your children, ages 1 through 12, for our super summer camps. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you register early to get into the camps and days you prefer. Camp choices include Earth Adventures Camp, Mini Camps, Outdoor Adventure Camp at Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Junior Pioneer Adventure Camp, Pioneer Adventure Camp, and X-treme Camps. Fees range from $10 to $70. See our Camps Page for more detailed camp information. Early bird savings available from March 27th through April 24th.
Moon Shadow Hike
Sat., Mar. 27, 7:30 p.m.
The landscape under a full moon takes on an eerie, but interesting glow. Enjoy moonlit scenes along woodland trails as we listen for coyotes, owls, and other creatures of the night.
Early Bloomer Hike
Sun., Mar. 28, 2 p.m.
With the warm weather of March, some early woodland wildflowers should be poking their heads out of the cool earth. We will look for spring beauties, bloodroot, hepatica and other early bloomers. Dress for the 
weather.
Oglesby Mansion Open House
Sun., Mar. 28, 2 – 4 p.m.
The restored home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby is open for tours. Stop in and learn many interesting facts about early Decatur and Oglesby’s friendship with Abraham Lincoln. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
April Events
Offices Closed
Fri., Apr. 2, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nature Center Open
Dulcimer Club
Sat., Apr. 3 & 17, 10 a.m.
Enjoy tranquil dulcimer music played by our talented volunteers.
Preschool Peepers- Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
Sat., Apr. 3, 10 a.m.
Children 3 to 5 years of age and their adult companions will go on a clue-filled scavenger hunt in search of the Easter Bunny’s candy goodies. Fee $1. Reservations required.
Offices Closed
Sun., Apr. 4
Nature Center Closed,
Trails Open
Sunny Skies & Rainy Days Mini Camp
Thurs., Apr. 8, 9 a.m., ages 1 & 2
Thurs., Apr. 8, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4
Children and their adult companions will discover weather through stories, activities, a craft and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Nature Lapsit
Sat., Apr. 10, 10 a.m.
Children 0-3 years of age will learn about nature through stories, play and a craft. Co-sponsored by BabyTALK.
Rock Springs Wildflower Hike
Sat., Apr. 10, 2 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely hike to look for the delicate blossoms of beautiful native flowers of early spring at Rock Springs Conservation Area.
Sunny Skies & Rainy Days Mini Camp
Sun., Apr. 11, 2 p.m., ages 1 & 2
Children and their adult companions will discover weather through stories, activities, a craft and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Music Jam
Sun., Apr. 11, 1 – 4 p.m.
Listen to some toe-tapping tunes from local bluegrass musicians. Join in if you like!
Friends Creek Wildflower Hike
Sun., Apr. 11, 2 p.m.
Get out and celebrate the beauty of spring with a walk in the woods at Friends Creek Conservation Area. We should see lots of wildflowers.
Wetland Bird Hike
Sat., Apr. 17, 11 a.m.
Bring those binoculars and turn your eyes to the sky as we look for spring migrants heading north. Visit the Rodney T. Miller Wetland at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Binoculars are provided.
Fort Daniel Wildflower Hike
Sun., Apr. 17, 2 p.m.
Spring wildflowers are a delight after the rigors of winter, but they last such a short time. Join us as we enjoy these treasures of spring at Fort Daniel Conservation Area.
Family Fun - Sensory Stroll
Sun., Apr. 18, 1:30 p.m.
Did you hear that? Does the rock feel warm or cold? Answer these questions and more as we see, listen, touch and smell our way along the Discovery Trail.
Audubon Meeting
Sun., Apr. 18, 2 p.m.
Open to all.
Sand Creek Wildflower Hike
Sun., Apr. 18, 2 p.m.
Join the naturalist for a hike to view spring wildflowers at beautiful Sand Creek Conservation Area.
Spring Has Sprung Mini Camp
Tues., Apr. 20, 9 a.m., ages 1 & 2
Tues., Apr. 20, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4
Children and their adult companions will examine spring wild flowers through stories, activities, a craft and snack. Older youth will go on a short hike, dress for the weather. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Wed., Apr. 21, 7 p.m.
Open to all.
Festival of Spring
Sat., Apr. 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of activities for the whole family including music, food, a tropical bird show, wagon rides, canoe rodeo, hikes and more. Call for a complete brochure (217) 423-7708. Visit the Festival of Spring page for more information!
Gardening & Nature: Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Sat., Apr. 24, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Discover how to design a simple garden to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Seeds and plants will be provided. This class is co-sponsored by the Macon County Conservation District and the U of I Extension Office. Reservations required by April 19, call (217) 423-7708. Fee $10.
Nature Art Workshop
Sun., Apr. 25, 2 p.m.
Leia Nelson, naturalist and artist, will teach budding artists ages 8 and older to draw objects from nature. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Oglesby Mansion Open House
Sun., Apr. 25, 2 – 4 p.m.
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. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
May Events
Dulcimer Club
Sat., May 1, 15 & 29, 10 a.m.
Come out and listen to sweet dulcimer music or bring your instrument and join in.
Preschool Peepers - “May Day Celebration”
Sat., May 1, 10 a.m.
Children 3 to 5 years of age will twirl into the May Day holiday through a Maypole craft, activities and hike. Fee $1. Reservations required.
Bethel School Open House
Sat., May 1, 1 – 4 p.m.
Bethel School is open for tours the first Saturday afternoon of each month May through October. Enjoy a trip down memory lane in this one room school at Friends Creek Conservation Area.
Build a Bee Nest
Sun., May 2, 2 p.m.
Did you know that bees are very important to the pollination of many vegetables and fruits? Learn about native solitary bees and how to attract them to your garden as we build a simple bee nest. Fee $5. Reservations required.
Audubon Society Breakfast
Sat., May 8, 8 a.m.
Open to all at Rock Springs Nature Center.
Nature Lapsit
Sat., May 8, 10 a.m.
Children 0-3 years of age will learn about nature through stories, play and a craft. Co-sponsored by BabyTALK.
Music Jam
Sun., May 9, 1 - 4 p.m.
Bring a friend to the Nature Center and listen to bluegrass music played by area musicians.
Gardening & Nature: Vegetables
Sat., May 15, 2 p.m.
Learn how to design and manage a vegetable garden including organic pest and weed control. This class is co-sponsored by the Macon County Conservation District and the U of I Extension Office. Reservations required by May 17, call (217) 423-7708. Fee $10.
New Moon Hike
Sat., May 15, 7 p.m.
The moon will not compete against our spring stargazing adventure which the naturalist will bring to life with legends and stories about constellations.
Family Fun- Slithering Snakes are Fun
Sun., May 16, 1:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why a snake sticks its tongue out? Have you ever seen a snake shed? Explore the world of snakes by meeting some of our nature center residents and then we will venture outside and look for our slithering friends.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
Wed., May 19, 7 p.m.
Open to all.
Woodland Wildflower Hike
Sat., May 22, 2 p.m.
Discover the hidden beauties of a woodland forest. Interesting names and curious shapes will help you who’s who.
Let’s Go Camping
Sat. – Sun. May 22, 1 p.m. to May 23, noon
Join us for an overnight campout at Friends Creek Conservation Area and learn some camping basics. Nature hikes, an owl prowl and star gazing are all part of the fun; plus, learn some outdoor cooking techniques, safety tips, and plant and animal identification. Bring your own sleeping bags and personal items. Tents, food and leadership provided. $15/person or $50/family of four. Reservations required by May 14.
Build a Bat House
Sun., May 23, 2 p.m.
Bring along a hammer and build a summer house for our mosquito eating friends. Youth younger than 12 years old will need parental assistance. Fee $10/ bat house. Reservations required.
Fascinating Frogs
Sat., May 29, 11 a.m.
A frog can sing a piercing song, catch flies with its tongue and provide food for your table. Discover some frogs that live in the wetlands of Macon County and hike to a pond to see who’s hopping around. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars or you can borrow ours.
Let’s Talk to a Tree
Sun., May 30, 2 p.m.
Yes, trees do speak…a special language. Compare shapes and sizes of leaves, feel the bark and learn a tree’s personality. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Shape Note Singers
Sun., May 30, 2 -4 p.m.
Experienced singers from the Charleston-Mattoon Sacred Harp Singers will delight the public with their unique music. You are invited to participate or enjoy listening.
Oglesby Mansion Open House
Sun., May 30, 2 – 4 p.m.
The restored home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby is open for tours. Stop by to explore what life was like in the 1870s while strolling through this beautiful historic home. 421 W. William St., Decatur.
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 in the event description
Look for the next Vintage Base Ball game with the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels!