Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-7708
mccd@maconccd.org
North Gallery Photographer Curt Knapp captures the essence of nature with portraits and landscapes featuring majestic eagles, stealthy mountain lions, and noble wolves, among other captivating subjects.
South Gallery Explore breathtaking views through the lens of photographer Ed Shaw, whose work highlights the beauty and solitude of wilderness areas and sweeping natural landscapes.
North Gallery Discover works in watercolor, pastels, oil, and mixed media depicting subjects from nature to portraits by talented artists in our community.
South Gallery Explore animals, nature scenes, and landscapes through the lens of photographer Dave Castor.
Join our naturalists for a celebration of all things space! Be some of the first guests to step into our brand new StarLab Planetarium, look at the sky through a telescope, make a space craft, and roast some s’mores over the fire. $5/person. Register online by October 31. Register Online for this Event
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 Colorful Leaves, children will explore the lives of nature’s only flying mammal and learn what it means to be nocturnal. $8/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor ...
Join a naturalist at Rock Springs Nature Center, then hop in our van as we visit some of the other District sites throughout the county. $10/person. Register online by November 3. Register Online for this Event
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 Colorful Leaves, children will explore the lives of nature’s only flying mammal and learn what it means to be nocturnal. $8/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor ...
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
Electricity and modern conveniences were not always at our fingertips. Glimpse what an evening in the 1860s was like at Homestead Prairie Farm, lit by candlelight and lamplight, as guides in period clothing walk you through the home. Free. No registration required.
Event details Enjoy live bluegrass tunes at the monthly Acoustic Music Jam. Bring your instrument, learn a new tune, or simply enjoy the talents of these volunteer musicians. Event requirements None Free This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open for its regular hours. The business offices will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday.
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 Wild Weather, discover some of the many weather types we encounter in Illinois and learn about the effects of climate change. Participants will explore weather and climate through activities and outdoor exploration Event requirements Register online by noon November 10. $15/child. Register Online for this Event
In 1700s Illinois, the French colonial empire allied with some Native Americans while it fought others including the Meskwaki people (once commonly known as the Fox tribe). In the summer of 1730, the Meskwaki fled French forces, but were encircled near the headwaters of the Sangamon River. Guest speaker Bill Kemp, Librarian of the McLean County History Museum, will explore the little-known story of the 20-day siege and its tragic outcome. Free. No registration required.
Learn about our misunderstood spider friends through a story, craft, and outdoor exploration. $2/child. Register online by November 14. Register Online for this Event
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 Funky Turkeys, children will learn about wild turkeys and the curious lives they lead. $8/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor excursions. A snack and bottle of ...
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting at Rock Springs Nature Center
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 Funky Turkeys, children will learn about wild turkeys and the curious lives they lead. $8/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor excursions. A snack and bottle of ...
Learn about the bird that almost became our national symbol. We will discuss the natural history of turkeys, their conservation saga in the state of Illinois, and what makes them unique. Free. Register online by November 21. Register Online for this Event
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
The Rock Springs Nature Center and business offices are closed for Thanksgiving Day. However the trails at all five conservation areas remain open for you to enjoy.
The business offices will be closed the day after Thanksgiving. Trails at all five conservation areas and Rock Springs Nature Center will be open.
Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $5/adult and $2/child. The Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William St. in Decatur, IL. >> Learn more about the Oglesby Mansion
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 Pajama Party, children will discover what animals do in the cold months. Join in the fun by wearing your favorite pajamas, which keep us warm just like an ...
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 Pajama Party, children will discover what animals do in the cold months. Join in the fun by wearing your favorite pajamas, which keep us warm just like an ...
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
Event details Stop by the Governor Oglesby Mansion to enjoy a traditional Christmas afternoon tea. Experience this historic Victorian home beautifully decorated by the Decatur Garden Club. Also, this year the Macon County Association for Home and Community Education will be serving up Emma Oglesby’s orange marmalade and shortbread cookies. A limited number of jars of marmalade will be available for purchase. Event requirements No reservations necessary. Suggested donation of $5/adult and $2/child to attend. Located at 421 W. William Street in Decatur, IL.
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 Keepers of the Forest, learn some of the many techniques that natural resources workers use to care for our forests and beyond, and help us spread some seeds. Event requirements Register online by December 8. $15/child. Register Online for this Event
Event details Join us at the Friends Creek Conservation Area Group Campsite to view the strongest meteor shower of the year. These meteors originate near the constellation Gemini and are usually bright and colorful. We will have hot chocolate available in our brand new, timber-framed pavilion. Wear warm clothing and bring a lawn chair and blanket if you like. Event requirements Register online by December 12. $3/person. Register Online for this Event Please dress for the weather. Meet at the big pavilion at Friend Creek Conservation Area. Lawn where chairs and/or blankets can be set up may be ...
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. Register Online for this Event
Event details Enjoy live bluegrass tunes at the monthly Acoustic Music Jam. Bring your instrument, learn a new tune, or simply enjoy the talents of these volunteer musicians. Event requirements None Free This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting at Rock Springs Nature Center
Event details Join a naturalist on a leisurely walk along a District trail to explore and learn a little something along the way. Event requirements Free. Register online by noon the day prior. Register Online for this Event
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
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. Register Online for this Event
The Rock Springs Nature Center and the Conservation District business offices will be closed for Christmas Eve and Day.
The Rock Springs Nature Center and business offices are closed for New Year's Day. However the trails at all five conservation areas remain open for you to enjoy.
South Gallery View photographs of plants and animals that our Program Specialist and gallery coordinator Brock Rowland has spotted on his outdoor adventures.
Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-7708
mccd@MaconCountyConservation.org
All programs and facilities of the Macon County Conservation District are offered on a non-discriminatory basis. MCCD does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, country of origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or military status.
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The mission of the Macon County Conservation District is to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring areas of natural and cultural significance within Macon County, and to protect and preserve those spaces for the education, recreation, and enjoyment of all its citizens in perpetuity.