Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-7708
mccd@maconccd.org
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
North & South Galleries 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.
Join us for the national pastime: base ball! Cheer for your home team, the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels, at the Annual Douglas Cup Vintage Base Ball Tournament, played with authentic 1858 rules. Games will be held at BeautifulTrobaughField at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Douglas Cup Tournament Follow the team on Facebook for additional games and more information.
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
All equipment is provided for this leisurely exploration of a local waterway. At least one adult required per canoe. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet! Meet at Cannon Park on S. Baltimore Ave. $25 per canoe. Register online by September 25. Register Online for this Event
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Support local wildlife and natural areas by riding your bicycle in this annual fundraiser event for the Macon County Conservation Foundation.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
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
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
See what going to school was like in the early 20th century at this historic one-room schoolhouse located at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Bethel School is one of the best treasures in Macon County. Come and tour this one-room schoolhouse that served Macon County for over 50 years. Step back in history and tour Bethel School at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Admission is free and all ages are invited to attend. >> Read more about the Bethel School House
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
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 Shining Sun, children will learn about Earth’s closest star and all the incredible things it does for us. $12/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor excursions. ...
Hop in our van for a trip to two historic sites in the Bloomington area. We will start with a tour of the David Davis Mansion, a home built in 1872 for David Davis, a judge and close friend of Abraham Lincoln. After lunch, we will venture to the McLean County Museum of History to learn about the history of the Bloomington area. $30/person covers transportation; lunch and museum admission are not included. Both the mansion and museum have a $10 admission fee. Register online by October 6. Register Online for this Van Trip
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 Shining Sun, children will learn about Earth’s closest star and all the incredible things it does for us. $12/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor excursions. ...
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements 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.
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. Discover the diversity and importance of these six-legged animals. We will go on a hike and try to catch some insects for a closer look. Event requirements Register online by October 13. $15/child. Register Online for this Event
Explore Rock Springs after dark for a spooky stroll along the treat trail! Put on your costume and bring your treat bag to visit a series of treat stops along the bike trail and through the pine forest. Each stop will also have an interactive activity to take part in. When you’re through, stop inside the Nature Center for warm apple cider and cookies. $5 per treat-collector, $2 per accompanying guest. Register online by October 15. More Information & Sponsor Information > Register Online for this Event
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Explore Rock Springs after dark for a spooky stroll along the treat trail! Put on your costume and bring your treat bag to visit a series of treat stops along the bike trail and through the pine forest. Each stop will also have an interactive activity to take part in. When you’re through, stop inside the Nature Center for warm apple cider and cookies. $5 per treat-collector, $2 per accompanying guest. Register online by October 15. More Information & Sponsor Information > Register Online for this Event
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
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 Perfect Pumpkins, children will investigate Illinois’ favorite squash and how they grow, then explore the inside of a pumpkin! $12/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor ...
All meetings will be held the third Wednesday of the month at the Rock Springs Nature Center at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified or notified.
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 Perfect Pumpkins, children will investigate Illinois’ favorite squash and how they grow, then explore the inside of a pumpkin! $12/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor ...
Learn about our most famous cryptid and the history of local sightings and recorded sounds, then take a hike to try and find the "big guy" ourselves. We will also learn about the other nocturnal creatures of the forest and then wrap it all up with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows around the fire. $5/person. Register online by October 22. Register Online for Bigfoot Hike
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Learn about our most famous cryptid and the history of local sightings and recorded sounds, then take a hike to try and find the "big guy" ourselves. We will also learn about the other nocturnal creatures of the forest and then wrap it all up with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows around the fire. $5/person. Register online by October 22. Register Online for Bigfoot Hike
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
Discover some of the ‘spooky’ critters that call Illinois home in this interactive program! We will learn about animals like bats and spiders, do a craft, and go on a hike to see what we can find. $3/person. Register online by October 23. Register Online for Creepy Critter Crawl
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
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.
North & South Galleries Discover works in watercolor, pastels, oil, and mixed media depicting subjects from nature to portraits by talented artists in our community.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
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 Clever Crows, children will discover some cool facts about one of our largest and smartest resident birds. $12/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor excursions. A ...
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 Clever Crows, children will discover some cool facts about one of our largest and smartest resident birds. $12/child. Online registration required. Dress for short outdoor excursions. A ...
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents.
Stop by the new Indoor-Outdoor Classroom to help us celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Macon County Conservation District! Enjoy live music, refreshments, and a walk down memory lane. Free. No registration required.
Event details Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
Learn how early hunters used atlatls – prehistoric spear-throwers – to hunt for food, then try your hand at throwing one! We will also have composite bows to practice hitting inanimate, 3D targets. We will meet at the Information Shelter, located at the north end of the park lot. Instructions provided for beginners, experienced archers are welcome. $5/person. Register online by November 6. 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.
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. Learn about some of the unique life cycles in the animal world, from dragonflies to salamanders. Event requirements Register online by November 9. $15/child. Register Online for this Event
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open for its regular hours. The business offices will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday.
Event details Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to join a naturalist on a stroll along a trail. Come once or come every Saturday – nature is sure to show us something new each week! Event requirements Dress for the weather. Free. No registration required.
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 Stop by the Children’s Room at Rock Springs Nature Center for stories, songs, and fun! We will read some nature stories, move our bodies, and spark some curiosity about the world around us. Event requirements Free. No registration required.
Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-7708
mccd@maconccd.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.