Prescribed Fire Program and Exhibit Showcase
2025-12-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
What are the benefits of managing land with fire, and how do staff know when conditions are right? Join a naturalist to learn all about prescribed fire, then enjoy our quarterly exhibit on the same topic.
Event requirements
Free. Register online by December 12.
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Nature’s Holiday Day Camp
2025-12-22 09:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Let Nature Center staff keep the kids busy and entertained while you spend time doing last-minute shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking, or simply taking some time for yourself! During this one-day camp, children will make a take-home craft and ornament, learn about what animals do in the winter, make s’mores, and spend time exploring outside. Snacks will be provided in the morning and afternoon. Please pack a sack lunch. For children currently attending kindergarten through 8th grade.
Event requirements
$40/child. Register online by December 18.
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A Moon by Many Names
2026-01-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Learn about the different names for the full moon and how they came to be, then look at the moon through our telescope and roast a marshmallow over the fire.
Event requirements
$5 per person. Register online by January 2.
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Majestic Eagles Mini Camp
2026-01-06 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-01-08 09:30 - 10:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Children ages 1 through 5 will explore nature with an adult companion through crafts, activities, songs, and stories.
In this hour long camp, children will learn to analyze their surroundings and begin their love of exploration of the outside world through crafts, activities, songs, stories and hikes. These camps are a great stepping stone for little ones to spend time with other children and have the comfort of a loved one nearby.
In Majestic Eagles, children will learn about our national bird and why they’re so much easier to find in the winter.
$8/child. Online registration required.
Dress for short outdoor excursions. A snack and bottle of water will be available for each child. Location for these programs will be in the East Conference Classroom.
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Homeschool Program: Geology of Illinois
2026-01-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Homeschool children ages 5-15 can join a naturalist and explore nature and history topics through discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, and games. Homeschool students will spend time indoors and outdoors, investigating concepts and engaging with nature.
In Geology of Illinois, discover the unique geological history of Illinois, from its early days as a shallow, inland sea all the way to present day. We will look at rocks and fossils, and go outside to find evidence of this millions-of-years-old story.
Event requirements
Register online by January 12.
$15/child.
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Van Trip to Keokuk for Bald Eagle Appreciation Day
2026-01-17 08:00 - 19:00 | IL
Event details
Journey to Keokuk, Iowa for their 42nd annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Day! Enjoy a live raptor show from the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, check out nature displays and historical artifacts, and browse through the vendor booths. Food is available for purchase at the event.
Event requirements
$30/person. Register online by January 16.
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Birds, Beans, and Basil
2026-01-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Join a naturalist for some coffee or hot chocolate around the campfire, and meet our educational ambassador Basil the rabbit. Then take a leisurely walk along the trail to learn about winter birds and how animals adapt to cold temperatures.
Event requirements
$5 per person. Register online by January 23.
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Van Trip to Peoria Area for Eagle Viewing
2026-01-31 09:00 - 18:00 | IL
Event details
Hop in our passenger van and join us for a trip to the Peoria area to search for overwintering bald eagles. We will visit three or four locations in search of America’s national symbol, with a stop for lunch along the way.
Event requirements
Lunch is not included in the cost. Register online by January 30.
$30/person.
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Dinosaur Stomp Mini Camp
2026-02-03 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-05 09:30 - 10:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Children ages 1 through 5 will explore nature with an adult companion through crafts, activities, songs, and stories.
In this hour long camp, children will learn to analyze their surroundings and begin their love of exploration of the outside world through crafts, activities, songs, stories and hikes. These camps are a great stepping stone for little ones to spend time with other children and have the comfort of a loved one nearby.
In Dinosaur Stomp, children will explore what makes dinosaurs so cool by viewing replica fossils, artifacts, and models.
$8/child. Online registration required.
Dress for short outdoor excursions. A snack and bottle of water will be available for each child. Location for these programs will be in the East Conference Classroom.
Register Online for this Event

Van Trip to Peoria Area for Eagle Viewing
2026-02-07 09:00 - 18:00 | IL
Event details
Hop in our passenger van and join us for a trip to the Peoria area to search for overwintering bald eagles. We will visit three or four locations in search of America’s national symbol, with a stop for lunch along the way.
Event requirements
Lunch is not included in the cost. Register online by February 6.
$30/person.
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Van Trip to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
2026-02-10 08:00 - 18:00 | IL
Event details
Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum has something for everyone! As the largest children’s museum in the world, visitors can explore exhibits about dinosaurs, trains, space, history, and much more.
Event requirements
$30/person. Admission and lunch are on your own. Register online by February 9.
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Homeschool Program: Owls of Illinois
2026-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Homeschool children ages 5-15 can join a naturalist and explore nature and history topics through discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, and games. Homeschool students will spend time indoors and outdoors, investigating concepts and engaging with nature.
In Owls of Illinois, learn about Illinois’ eight species of owls and dissect an owl pellet.
Event requirements
Register online by February 9.
$15/child.
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