Conservation Areas During the Winter
Macon County Conservation District will turn off and drain water from all unheated facilities and drinking fountains in November. Use of the facilities will be limited through the winter months. Rock Springs Conservation Area has year round restrooms and drinking fountains at the Nature Center and Information Shelter. Friends Creek Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area and Griswold Conservation Area will have pit toilets but no running water. Sand Creek Conservation Area has a pit toilet and a hand pump well open year round.
Sand Creek Conservation Area is a 755-acres open space site, located just south of the City of Decatur off South Franklin Street [get directions]. Sand Creek's GPS Coordinates are 39.786696 N, 88.954273 W.
Sand Creek is primarily known for its hiking and horse trail that winds through forest, open prairie and floodplain. In addition to wildlife and natural habitat, part of the Paris – Springfield Road can be found passing through the grounds.
The Paris - Springfield Road
The historic Paris - Springfield
Road , established in 1824, ran through part of what is now Sand
Creek Conservation Area. Among the many people moving west in
the early nineteenth century, Abraham Lincoln and his family
traveled this section of the historic road when coming to Decatur
from Indiana in March of 1830. The road continued in use by westward
travelers to California and Oregon in the 1840s and 1850s. There
are trail signs along the old roadbed for those who wish to walk
in “Mr. Lincoln's footsteps.”
Horseback Riding
Trails
The 7.6-mile
horse trail winds its way through the varied habitats of the
site, with six fords crossing parts of Sand Creek. The equestiran
trail is ten feet wide and ten feet high. Eighteen limestone
parking pads, measuring 10 feet by 40 feet, are located at the
park entrance. Each pad includes a picnic table, grill and a
hitching rack.
Equestrian
Fees
Daily equestrian permits are available
on site for $2.00 for non-residents of Macon County . Macon County
residents may ride free of charge.
Annual bridal tags are available
at the Macon County Conservation District headquarters at Rock
Springs Conservation Area. These tags are $15.00 for non-residents
of Macon County . Macon County residents are not required to
purchase tags.
Programs
In February,
volunteers are needed to help tap the Sugar Maple trees for sap.
Natural and cultural history programs may be scheduled at the
Sand Creek Conservation Area. Call 217-423-7708 for further information. |
Macon County Conservation District