Macon County Conservation District

Forgotten Agriculture: Growing Hemp in Early Illinois
2026-08-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Before the Civil War, hemp briefly took root on Illinois farms. Local historian Curtis Mann will share the attempts to grow it here. Discover a little-known episode of our state’s history and the unexpected ways it shaped our cultural landscape. The program is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and the Macon County Conservation District.
Event requirements
Free. No registration required.

Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
2026-08-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-22 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-30 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-06 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-12 13:00 - 16:00 and 5 more dates | Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there, located at Rock Springs Conservation Area.
>> Read more about Homestead Prairie Farm

Sunday Storytime
2026-08-16 14:00, 2026-08-23 14:00, 2026-08-30 14:00, 2026-09-06 14:00, 2026-09-13 14:00, 2026-09-20 14:00, 2026-09-27 14:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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.

Creek Walk
2026-08-22 10:00 | Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL, United States
Event details
Slip on your water shoes and dress to get dirty as we explore the creek at Fort Daniel! Whether the water is low or high, there’s always something new to discover.
Event requirements
$5/person. Close-toed shoes are required. Register online by August 21.
Register Online for Creek Walk

Saturday Stroll
2026-08-22 10:00, 2026-08-29 10:00, 2026-09-05 10:00, 2026-09-12 10:00, 2026-09-19 10:00, 2026-09-26 10:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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.

Beginner’s Foraging Workshop: Wildflowers
2026-08-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL, United States
Event details
From dandelions to wood sorrel, Macon County abounds with edible wildflowers. Join a naturalist on a guided walk through the woods to search for and learn how to identify edible wildflowers, then stop by our kitchen to sample some fresh wildflower syrup. Registrants will receive three recipe cards to take home. This program is part one of a three-part series; watch for parts two and three in September!
Event requirements
$10/person. Close-toed shoes are required. Register online by August 21.
Register Online for Beginner’s Foraging Workshop: Wildflowers

Dulcimer Club
2026-08-29 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.
