Wilderness Walk
2025-12-18 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Dulcimer Club Meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center offer a perfect opportunity to rediscover musical interests and talents. Bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents of our volunteers.
Event requirements
None
Free
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.

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.
Register Online for this Event

Offices & Nature Center Closed for Christmas
2025-12-24 - 2025-12-25 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
The Rock Springs Nature Center and the Conservation District business offices will be closed for Christmas Eve and Day. However the trails at all five conservation areas remain open for you to enjoy.

Offices & Nature Center Closed for New Year's Day
2026-01-01 | IL
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.

Brock Rowland Photography Exhibit
2026-01-02 - 2026-02-28 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
South Gallery
View photographs of plants and animals that our Program Specialist and gallery coordinator Brock Rowland has spotted on his outdoor adventures.

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.
Register Online for this Event

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.
Register Online for this Event

Wilderness Walk
2026-01-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL, United States

Acoustic Music Jam
2025-05-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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.

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.
Register Online for this Event

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.
The city of Keokuk, Iowa offers many activities for their 42nd Annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Day!

Some of the highlights include:

Lee County Conservation Eagles Nest and Nature Displays
Native American Displays and Artifacts by the Illiniwek Village
Beautiful Items to buy from the many vendors
Food served by the FCC Disciple Women
Eagle Photo Contest displays and voting in the Amateur and Professional divisions
Live raptor shows from the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Eagle Dancer Rudy Vallejo and drum with storytelling, dancing, singing, and music at 11:45am, 1:45pm, and 2:45pm

Visit the event’s website for a complete list of activities: https://keokukiowatourism.org/events/keokuk-iowa-bald-eagle-days/
Event requirements
$30/person. Register online by January 16.
Register Online for this Event

Nature Center Open, Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Day
2026-01-19 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open Monday, January 19. Conservation District business offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Day.

Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
2024-01-17 17:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting at Rock Springs Nature Center
See past Board Meeting Minutes & Agendas here.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Rock Springs Nature Center is an accessible facility.

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.
Register Online for this Event

Wilderness Walk
2026-01-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Griswold Conservation Area, 2435 County Road 2100 E, Blue Mound, IL, 62513, United States

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.
We will stop to look for eagles at several spots in the Peoria area. Certain spots may be weather and condition-dependent, but planned spots include:

Cooper Park in East Peoria
Spring Bay for a visible eagle nest
Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area
Lacon Marina

We will stop for lunch in Lacon at the Midway Duck Inn. Visit their website to see a menu: https://www.midwayduckinn.com/
Additional spots we may visit include Chillicothe Eagle Landing and/or Detwieller Park.
Bring your sense of adventure and we’ll see what we can find!
Event requirements
Lunch is not included in the cost. Register online by January 30.
$30/person.
Register Online for this Event

Dinosaur Stomp Mini Camp
2026-02-03 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 Washburn Classroom.
Register Online for this Event

Dinosaur Stomp Mini Camp
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.
We will stop to look for eagles at several spots in the Peoria area. Certain spots may be weather and condition-dependent, but planned spots include:

Cooper Park in East Peoria
Spring Bay for a visible eagle nest
Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area
Lacon Marina

We will stop for lunch in Lacon at the Midway Duck Inn. Visit their website to see a menu: https://www.midwayduckinn.com/
Additional spots we may visit include Chillicothe Eagle Landing and/or Detwieller Park.
Bring your sense of adventure and we’ll see what we can find!
Event requirements
Lunch is not included in the cost. Register online by February 6.
$30/person.
Register Online for this Event

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.
Register Online for this Event

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.
Register Online for this Event

Succulents and Sweethearts: Terrarium Workshop
2026-02-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Bring a friend or loved one to design a small, valentine-themed terrarium at Rock Springs! Supplies and cookies will be provided.
Event requirements
$15/person. Register by February 12.
Register Online for this Event

Nature Center Open, Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day
2026-02-16 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open Monday, February 16. Conservation District business offices will be closed for Presidents’ Day.
