Event Categories
Music
Bluegrass Music Jams and Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents. Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers.
Dulcimer Club (held in East Conference Room)
Saturday, February 4 & 18 - 10 a.m.
Saturday, March 3, 17, & 31 - 10 a.m.
Saturday, April 14 & 28 - 10 a.m.
Saturday, May 12 & 26 - 10 a.m.
Bluegrass Music Jams
Sunday, February 12, 1-4 p.m.
Sunday, March 11, 1-4 p.m.
Sunday, May 13, 1-4 p.m.
Meetings
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting at Rock Springs Nature Center
See past Board Meeting Minutes & Agendas here.
Wednesday, February 15, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 21, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 16, 7 p.m.
Decatur Audubon Society Meetings
Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 19, 8 a.m.
Prairie Heritage Volunteer Meeting
Rock Springs Nature Center, East Conference Room
Thursday, February 9, 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m.
Art
Many artists are influenced by nature. Exhibits and displays at Rock Springs Nature Center provide a unique perspective of the natural world as presented by local artists.
Decatur Camera Club
North Wing Gallery
February
Enjoy the beauty of flowers, animals and scenic views of central Illinois with this beautiful photography display by the Decatur Camera Club.
We are providing a variety of traveling exhibits in our north wing exhibit hall throughout the year.
The current exhibit for February is entitled “Earth From Space”. This Smithsonian Exhibit is combined with “Diversity Endangered”, another Smithsonian exhibit. Tour the exhibit hall and you will learn about our fragile planet, the life it supports and what you can do to help preserve our only
place to survive.
The World We Overlook
Exhibit Hall
March through May
Nature can reveal beauty and surprises if you take time to notice them. This exhibit will feature plants, animals, rocks, minerals, bones, mushrooms, insects and archaeology specimens.
Lance Merry Photography Show
North Wing Gallery
March & April
This display of photography will feature the intricate details of orchids, native fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Alan Perry Photography Show
North Wing Gallery
May & June
Alan has photographed beautiful nature scenes throughout Illinois and enlarged them into framed artwork that unveils the beauty in your
own backyard.
Holidays & Closings
Offices Closed
Monday, February 20
Friday, April 6
Monday, May 28
Nature Center Closed
Sunday, April 8
Volunteer
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator by calling 217-423-7708 or by sending an email to mccd@maconcountyconservation.org. Please visit our Volunteer Page for more volunteering information.
Prairie Heritage Volunteer Meeting
Rock Springs Nature Center, East Conference Room
Thursday, February 9, 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m.
Introduction to Facebook
Wednesday, February 15, 1 - 2 p.m.
Rock Springs Nature Center, East Conference Room
Did you know that the Macon County Conservation District, Macon County Conservation Foundation, Oglesby Mansion, and the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels are on Facebook? If you are curious about Facebook, interested in joining Facebook, or would like to learn some Facebook basics please join us for this interactive volunteer training. Please RSVP by February 14th.
Illinois Mammals Informational Training
Tuesday, March 13, 1 - 2 p.m.
Rock Springs Nature Center
Did you know that bobcats, gray fox, and river otters live in Illinois? Volunteers are invited to learn facts about the life histories of Illinois mammals through examination of pelts, skulls, tracks, and scat. Please RSVP by March 12th.
School Program Assistance
We have a variety of school programs that we offer during the winter and spring months. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer naturalist and would like to assist our staff with a school program or lead a school hike, let us know and we will provide you with training and a few dates to observe someone else in action. Please contact Jenny Garver at jgarver@maconcountyconservation.org or 217-423-7708 for more information.
Clean-Out Bluebird Houses
We are gearing up for bluebird monitoring season, but before bluebirds arrive we need to ready the houses. We are looking for volunteers to clean houses at Rock Springs Conservation Area, Sand Creek Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, and Friends Creek Conservation Area during February and early March. Please contact Melody Arnold at marnold@maconcountyconservation.org or 217-423-7708.
Build Bluebird Houses
Pull out your trusty tools and help a bluebird! Volunteers are needed during February and March to help build new bluebird houses to replace houses that are in need of retirement. The conservation
district will provide the supplies. Please contact Melody Arnold at marnold@maconcountyconservation.org or 217-423-7708 for more information.
February
Mini Camps
Night Time Animals
Wednesday, February 1, 6:30 p.m., ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Whooooo! Whooooo! What was that? Turn your little one into a nature detective as we uncover and shine light on the secrets of night time animals. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Dinosaurs
Tuesday, February 7, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4 with adult buddy
Wednesday, February 8, 9 a.m., ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Did you know that dinosaur bones have yet to be discovered in Illinois? We will have a roaring time as we discover these pre-historic creatures with hands-on activities and our imaginations. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Footprints
Wednesday, February 22, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4 with adult buddy
Thursday, February 23, 9 a.m., ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Footprints tell a story of how an animal moves, where it is going, and clues to what the animal may be. Join us as we put on our detective hats to solve the mystery behind these interesting clues. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Hands-On Nature
Cross Country Ski Workshops
Saturdays & Sundays in February, 4 p.m.
Cross country skiing for one hour can burn between 400-800 calories! This activity is a great way to observe wildlife and explore the outdoors. Sign up for this workshop to learn the basics of cross-country skiing. Fee $12, includes skis, boots, poles and one hour of instruction ($4 with your own skis). At least 4 inches of snow and reservations required.
Super Bowl Shuffle
Sunday, February 5, 1 p.m.
Come out for a hearty nature hike to work off those chips and dips before the big game.
Owl Prowl
Sunday, February 19, 6:30 p.m.
Whoooo cooks for you? Whoooo cooks for you alllllll? We will have a hoot of a time looking and listening for owls, like Barred Owls, along the evening trails.
Birdhouse Building Workshop
Sunday, February 26, 2 p.m.
Bring a hammer and build a wren house for your feathered friends. Children under 12 must have an adult companion. Fee $10. Reservations required by February 21.
Family Adventures
Eagle Viewing Trip
Saturday, February 4, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
We will travel to the Alton area to view eagles. Our first stop will be at the new Riverlands Audubon Center. We will lunch at the Pere Marquette Lodge and visit the Nature Center at Pere Marquette. Then we will travel the Great River Road to view eagles. We will stop in Grafton to sample the shops if time permits.
Fee $65 includes lunch. Reservations required - call
(217) 423-7708
for availability.
Preschool Peepers- Groundhogs
Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m.
Will spring be early or late? Children ages 3 – 5 can use their senses to explore the world of groundhogs through natural artifacts, activities and a nature hike. Reservations required.
Wintry Day Storytime
Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m.
Head out to the nature center with the young one in your life to hear the story, Owl Moon, and make a sweetheart owl craft. Children, ages 3 to 8, are invited to bring along a drawing of their favorite feathered friend. Pink lemonade and cookies will be served. Fee $1/craft.
Family Fun - Animal Valentines
Saturday, February 18, 1:30 p.m.
Love is in the air! Families will learn how animals use different pickup lines -scent, sight, and sound- to pick up a mate.
Rainforest Romp - Snack & A Movie
Saturday, February 25, 2 p.m.
Suffering from cabin fever? Warm up inside the nature center with the movie, Planet Earth-Jungles. Snack provided. Fee $1.
March
Mini Camps
Going Eggie
Tuesday, March 6, 9 a.m., ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Wednesday, March 7, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4 with adult buddy
Tweet! Tweet! Spring is upon us and soon eggs will be hatching. Join us as we explore eggs and find out what animals may hide within the fragile shells. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Totally Turtle
Wednesday, March 21, 9 a.m., ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Thursday, March 22, 1 p.m., ages 3 & 4 with adult buddy
Would you like to carry your home on your back? That is just what turtles do! This fun camp will include a visit to see our resident box turtles in action. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Family Adventures
Preschool Peepers - Rock N Roll
Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m.
Rocks are so much fun! Children ages 3 – 5 will be intrigued by the shapes, colors, and textures of rocks. We will create rock coasters and become super sleuths as we investigate rocks in the nature center and along our trails. Fee $1. Reservations required.
Family Fun - What a Green Day!
Saturday, March 17, 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by learning how to be “green” in your home. Discover the importance of houseplants, recycling and repurposing items.
Governor Oglesby Mansion Open House
Sunday, March 25, 2-4 p.m.
Did you know Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby was good friends with Abraham Lincoln and is credited with coining the term “The Rail Splitter” for the presidential campaign? Visit Oglesby’s beautiful, fully restored home to learn more about his life in the 1870s. Located at 421 West William Street. Fee $2, Members free.
Hands-On Nature
Nature Play The Pine Forest Way
Sunday, March 18, 1:30 p.m.
Take learning to a new level with hands-on exploration of the pine forest. Explore with your senses and learn about this interesting ecosystem.
How Do You Do?
Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m.
We will have a howling time as we dig into the lives of coyotes and wolves exploring their differences and similarities.
Picnic In The Pines
Saturday, March 31, noon
Bring your “green” lunch and join the naturalist in the pine forest while learning about its history and how pine trees are used today.
Hikes & Walks
Migration Discovery Hike
Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m.
Join us at the Rodney T. Miller Wetland at Rock Springs Conservation Area to look for spring waterfowl heading north. Binoculars provided.
Evening Star Walk
Saturday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.
Join a naturalist for a walk under the stars as we observe constellations, learn their names and tell Native American legends.
Spring Forward Hike
Sunday, March 11, 2 p.m.
Jump ahead one hour with the naturalist while discovering what sights and sounds are springing up along the trails.
Early Bloomer Hike
Sunday, March 25, 2 p.m.
Join us on the search for early bloomers such as hepatica and blood root along the Big Oak Trail.
April
Special Events
Summer Camp Registration Kick-Off
Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Register your children, ages 1-16, for our interactive summer camps. Summer camps will help children explore the outdoors, make new friends, and learn something new.
Camps include: Art Camp, Buddy Camp, Earth Adventures, Mini Camp, Nature Discovery Camp, Nature Explorers, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Pioneer Adventure Camp, X-treme Camp
Fees range from $10 to $70. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early bird savings is available from April 14th through April 30th. Visit our Camps page for more information. |
Festival of Spring
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of activities for the whole family, including music, birds of prey shows, wagon rides, canoe rodeo, food, hikes and more. Visit our Festival of Spring page for more information.
Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, April 21, 8 – 10 a.m.
Dr. Travis Wilcoxen of Millikin University will present a bird banding demonstration at Rock Springs Nature Center. The program will feature wild birds at close range and will describe capture techniques and a health assessment of individual birds.
Mini Camps
Blooming Trees
Tuesday, April 3, 1 p.m. - ages 3 & 4 with adult buddy
Wednesday, April 4, 9 a.m. - ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Did you know that trees have flowers? Some have beautiful showy flowers, while others have flowers that blend in to their surroundings. We will discover the secrets of trees in the spring and meet a few local trees. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Caterpillar Crawl
Wednesday, April 18, 1 p.m. - ages 3 & 4 with adult buddy
Thursday, April 19, 9 a.m. - ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle! Caterpillars are amazing insects that change into butterflies and moths. Come explore the life of little caterpillars through movement, activities and more. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Evening Insects
Friday, April 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. - ages 1-4 with adult buddy
Crickets, and Mosquitoes, and Fireflies! Oh, my! Delve into the delightful evening world of insects, armed with magnifying glasses while strengthening the love of nature with your little one. Fee $10. Reservations required.
Family Adventures
Wildflower Photo Safari Workshop
Sunday, April 15, 1 p.m.
Go on a wildflower photo safari with volunteer and photographer Jerry Sievers. Participants need to bring along their cameras. Reservations required by April 9th.
Rock Springs Ground Squirrels vs St. Louis Brown Stockings
Saturday, April 21, 1 p.m.
Decatur, IL - BeautifulTrobaughField at Rock Springs Conservation Area
Would you play base ball without a glove? Even though that sounds crazy it is just another game of vintage vase ball for the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels who compete with authentic 1858 rules. Come out the “huzzah” for your club nine and be prepared for lots of audience engagement.
Governor Oglesby Mansion Open House
Sunday, April 29, 2-4 p.m.
Did you know Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby was good friends with Abraham Lincoln and is credited with coining the term “The Rail Splitter” for the presidential campaign? Visit Oglesby’s beautiful, fully restored home to learn more about his life in the 1870s. Located at 421 West William Street. Fee $2, Members free.
Hands-On Nature
Preschool Peepers- Bunny Trail
Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m.
Children ages 3-5 will put a spring into their step as we hop into the lives of bunnies through a story, activity and nature hike.
Family Fun - Mother Earth
Sunday, April 22, 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day at the nature center! We will find out about the history of Earth Day and learn how to be green in our homes, community, and workplaces.
Picnic At The Cattail Ponds
Saturday, April 28, noon
Sit back and relax at pavilion #2 with your “green” lunch. After lunch explore the plants and animals of the Cattail Ponds with the naturalist.
Feed The Animals
Sunday, April 29, 1 p.m.
What’s on the menu? Help the naturalist figure out what the nature center’s fish, turtles and frogs eat as we feed the animals.
Hikes & Walks
Nature’s Foolers Hike
Sunday, April 1, 2 p.m.
Discover how plants and animals fool their enemies as we venture along the trails with the naturalist.
Conservation Areas’ Spring Wildflower Hikes
Saturday, April 14, 2 p.m. at Rock Springs
Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m. at Fort Daniel
Sunday, April 22, 2 p.m. at Sand Creek
Saturday, April 28, 2 p.m. at Friends Creek
May
Special Events
Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 19, 8 – 10 a.m.
Dr. Travis Wilcoxen of Millikin University will present a bird banding demonstration at Rock Springs Nature Center. The program will feature wild birds at close range and will describe capture techniques and a health assessment of individual birds.
Family Adventures
Preschool Peepers - Wiggly Worms
Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.
Children ages 3 – 5 can use their senses to explore the world of earthworms through observation, activities and a nature hike. Reservations required.
Bethel School House
Saturday, May 5, 1- 4 p.m.
Could you imagine attending school in a one-room schoolhouse? Take your family on an historic adventure into the past when you step through the doors of Bethel School at Friends Creek Conservation Area.
Basket Workshop
Sunday, May 6 1-4 p.m.
Make a jelly jar basket with experienced basket maker Trish Handel during this hands-on workshop for ages 13 and up. Fee $15/ basket. Reservations required by April 27th.
Family Fun - Let’s Go Fly A Kite
Saturday, May 19, 1:30 p.m.
Join us at the baseball field, just east of Brozio Lane, for some kite flying fun. Don’t forget to bring your kite along!
Rock Springs Ground Squirrels vs Springfield Long Nines
Sunday, May 27, 12pm
Decatur, IL - BeautifulTrobaughField at Rock Springs Conservation Area
Would you play base ball without a glove? Even though that sounds crazy it is just another game of vintage vase ball for the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels who compete with authentic 1858 rules. Come out the “huzzah” for your club nine and be prepared for lots of audience engagement.
Shape Note Singers
Sunday, May 27, 2 -4 p.m.
Experienced singers from the Charleston- Mattoon Scared Harp Singers will delight the public with their unique music. Shape note singing is a traditional style of unaccompanied group singing using solfa notation in which the shape of the note indicates its pitch. All are invited to participate.
Governor Oglesby Mansion Open House
Sunday, May 27, 2-4 p.m.
Did you know Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby was good friends with Abraham Lincoln and is credited with coining the term “The Rail Splitter” for the presidential campaign? Visit Oglesby’s beautiful, fully restored home to learn more about his life in the 1870s. Located at 421 West William Street. Fee $2, Members free.
Hands-On Nature
Canoeing 101
Saturday, May 12, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Canoeing is an exciting way to explore nature around you. Fee $2/person. Reservation required by May 7th. Meet at Rock Springs Nature Center.
Picnic at the Wetland
Saturday, May 26, noon
It’s Memorial Day weekend! Meet up with the naturalist at the Rodney T Miller Wetland at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Bring your “green” lunch, learn about the wetland, and enjoy the great outdoors!
Hikes & Walks
We Love The Sun Hike
Sunday, May 20, 2 p.m.
Did you know that the sun is the brightest star in the sky? The sun gives us light, warmth, and provides energy for plants to grow. Celebrate the sun with a naturalist as your guide.
Woodland Wildflower Hike
Sunday, May 27, 2 p.m.
We will take a look at late-blooming spring wildflowers on this invigorating hike through the woodland trails at Rock Springs Conservation Area.
Macon County Conservation District
