Macon County Conservation District

The Meskwaki Siege of 1730 in Central Illinois
2025-11-15 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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.

Preschool Peepers: Silly Spiders
2025-11-16 14:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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

Funky Turkeys Mini Camp
2025-11-18 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-20 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 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 water will be available for each child. Location for these programs will be in the East Conference Classroom.
Register Online for this Event

Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
2025-11-19 17:30, 2025-12-17 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.

Talking Turkey
2025-11-22 10:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-03 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.

Offices & Nature Center Closed for Thanksgiving Day
2025-11-27 | IL
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.

Offices Closed for Thanksgiving
2025-11-28 | IL
The business offices will be closed the day after Thanksgiving. Trails at all five conservation areas and Rock Springs Nature Center will be open.

Oglesby Mansion Open House
2025-11-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
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

Pajama Party Mini Camp
2025-12-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-12-04 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 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 animal’s fur!
$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

Christmas Tea at the Oglesby Mansion
2025-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
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.

Homeschool Program: Keepers of the Forest
2025-12-10 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 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

Geminid Meteor Shower
2025-12-13 21:00 - 23:00 | Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Road, Argenta, IL, 62501, United States
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 uneven in places. Regular restrooms are located at the comfort station at the campground, and a pit toilet is available near the pavilion.

Prescribed Fire Program and Exhibit Showcase
2025-12-14 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.
Register Online for this Event

Acoustic Music Jam
2025-12-14 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.

Wilderness Walk
2025-12-18 16:00 - 17:00 | 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

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
