Macon County Conservation Special Events

Applications Available for Archery Deer Herd Management Program

Applications are now available for the 2010 Archery Deer Herd Management Program at the Macon County Conservation District. This is a limited bow hunting program to assist with management of the deer herd. Areas included in the lottery drawing are Rock Springs, Sand Creek, Friends Creek and Fort Daniel Conservation Areas. The program dates are October 30 – December 26 except November 19, 20, 21, November 25, December 2, 3, 4, 5, and December 25. Permits will be available after the lottery drawing.

Applications may be picked up at the Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur Il., Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Applications must be returned by August 31, 2010. Late applications will not be accepted. A lottery drawing of all applicants will be held at the Rock Springs Nature Center at 3:00 p.m.on September 3, 2010 to determine program participants.

For further information, contact Mike Bricker at (217) 795-4421.

Go camping! Spend the night at Macon County’s only public campground at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Sleep under the stars, cook over a campfire, hike the trails or fish in the creek. This will be a family adventure to remember long after summer vacation is over.

The campground at Friends Creek Conservation Area is now open! Visit the Friends Creek page to learn about our campground and how to plan your camping getaway today!

Spinning and Knitting for Kids

Children can learn how to spin yarn without a spinning wheel and knit without knitting needles at Homestead Prairie Farm on Sunday, August 1st. The program will start at 2:00pm. Homestead Prairie Farm, a circa 1860 living history house museum and farm, is located at the Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur. Admission is free.

Although spinning and knitting are old skills, during this program children will be able to try these hands-on pioneer activities to learn about the past and have fun too. Long before the invention of the spinning wheel a drop spindle was used to spin raw wool into yarn. Also, knitting doesn’t always need needles as two other methods of knitting will be demonstrated. These free, fun and challenging activities would be perfect for children to try along with their parents or grandparents.

Summer Camps at Macon County Conservation District

Summer time is camp time! Don't forget to register your favorite children for a summer camp adventure. There are still a few openings in the camps being offered this summer.

Children ages 1 - 12 will have a great summer attending camps at Macon County Conservation District! Choose from Earth Adventures, Mini Camps, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Junior Pioneer Adventure Camp, Pioneer Adventure Camp, X-treme Camps, and our new Art Camps! This year, we are offering new Family Camps and Adult Camps! Learn more about these camps and more on our Camps page!

Birthday Adventures at Rock Springs Nature Center

Let us help you provide a "naturally" fun adventure for your child's next birthday!

Included with each party; Naturalist led activity with many themes from which to choose, cupcakes, drinks and gift bag for each child, reserved room for refreshments and gift time, and time to explore the ecocenter exhibits. Call (217) 423-7708 for more information or to schedule your child's party. Learn more about our Birthday Party packages here.