Macon County Conservation District

Homestead Prairie Farm Open House
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-20 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-28 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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
2026-06-07 14:00, 2026-06-14 14:00, 2026-06-21 14:00, 2026-06-28 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.

Reptiles of Macon County
2026-06-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Learn about some of the unique, scaly critters that call Macon County home. We will meet some live reptiles up-close, then go outside to search for wild ones.
Event requirements
$3/person. Register online by June 5.
Register Online for Reptiles of Macon County

What Flies at Night: Discovering Moths with Kevin Wiener
2026-06-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Join us for an evening with guest speaker Kevin Wiener – arthropod educator, professional photographer, and creator of the hugely popular website and Facebook group “All Bugs Go to Kevin”. Kevin brings his expertise and light setups to reveal the stunning beauty of the insects that rule the dark. Bring a flashlight and prepare for an interactive, educational, and glowing experience for all ages. Come see what’s buzzing after dark! This program is part of our 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Event requirements
$5/person. Register online by June 11.
Register Online for Discovering Moths

Saturday Stroll
2026-06-13 10:00, 2026-06-20 10:00, 2026-06-27 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.

Wine in the Wild
2026-06-13 17:30 - 21:00 | Woodbine Farm, 7206 Sefton Road, Dalton City, IL, 61925, United States
Join us for the second annual Wine in the Wild on Saturday, June 13, 2026—an evening of celebration, connection, and conservation at the stunning Woodbine Farm.
Cheers to 45 Years! Sip, savor, and support the Macon County Conservation Foundation as we honor nearly half a century of protecting the wild spaces and species that make Macon County so special. Our goal this year is to raise $45,000 in celebration of the Macon County Conservation Foundation’s 45 year anniversary!
Enjoy a savory meal, delicious beverages, and fun outdoor games—all in a relaxed, scenic setting surrounded by prairie skies and good company, all while supporting the Macon County Conservation Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and there are many ways for you to participate in this new fundraising event.
Dress Code: Boots & Buckles
This is a 21+ Event. Cash bar.
This event will be held outdoors.
Buy your tickets for Wine in the Wild

Firefly Hike
2026-06-13 20:00 - 21:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Take a walk on the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail as we learn about fireflies and then try to find some. Meet outside the entrance to Rock Springs Nature Center.
Event requirements
$3/person. Register online by June 12.
Register Online for Firefly Hike

Acoustic Music Jam
2026-06-14 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.

Summer Concert Series: Tim Crosby
2026-06-14 19:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Mark your calendars for another season of incredible music in the great outdoors!
This outdoor concert series sponsored by Stifel Investment Services is held every other Sunday in the summer, and features a variety of bands and performers that play Americana, bluegrass, folk, old-time, and more. Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic blanket, and join us every other Sunday for a relaxed evening of live entertainment.
On June 14, Tim Crosby returns to the stage. Crosby is a songwriter and performer of Americana and roots music, and was a fan favorite after his performance in 2024’s Summer Concert Series.
The performance begins at 7pm and will be held near the pavilions at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Snacks will be available for purchase. All concerts are free, and in the event of rain, we will move indoors.

Van Trip to Brookfield Zoo
2026-06-16 09:30 - 21:00 | IL
Event details
Explore Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, the largest zoo in the Chicago metropolitan area. From gorillas to pangolins to snow leopards, this zoo has an impressive variety of animals to visit.
Event requirements
$45/person. Meet at Rock Springs Nature Center. Admission and lunch are on your own. Register online by noon June 15.
Register Online for Van Trip to Brookfield Zoo

Offices Closed, Nature Center Open for Juneteenth
2026-06-19 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
The Macon County Conservation District Offices will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. The Rock Springs Nature Center will remain open.

Dulcimer Club
2026-06-20 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.

Father’s Day Hike
2026-06-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Celebrate Father’s Day at Rock Springs Conservation Area on a hike along the Big Oak Trail. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather as we spend some time connecting with nature and each other.
Event requirements
Free. Register online by June 19.
Register Online for Father’s Day Hike

Independence Day 1860
2026-06-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Enjoy an Independence Day celebration 1860s style! Tour Homestead Prairie Farm, see the heirloom vegetable and herb gardens, play with vintage toys and games, and at 6:30pm, enjoy a performance from the Rock Springs Dulcimer Club. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. In case of rain, the concert will be moved inside Rock Springs Nature Center. Free. No registration required.

Summer Concert Series: WisenHeart
2026-06-28 19:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Mark your calendars for another season of incredible music in the great outdoors!
This outdoor concert series sponsored by Stifel Investment Services is held every other Sunday in the summer, and features a variety of bands and performers that play Americana, bluegrass, folk, old-time, and more. Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic blanket, and join us every other Sunday for a relaxed evening of live entertainment.
WisenHeart will perform on June 28. This mother-daughter duo performs Americana songs, with a unique sound and tight harmonies.
The performance begins at 7pm and will be held near the pavilions at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Snacks will be available for purchase. All concerts are free, and in the event of rain, we will move indoors.

Summer Camp Art
2026-07-01 - 2026-08-30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
North & South Gallery
Our Summer Camp is in full swing, and we’re bringing our adventures indoors through a display of caper artwork. Featuring 3D elements and nature-inspired designs, these pieces reflect the creativity of our campers.

Offices Closed, Nature Center Open for Independence Day (observed)
2026-07-03 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
The Macon County Conservation District Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd for Independence Day (observed). The Rock Springs Nature Center will remain open.

Offices and Nature Center Closed for Independence Day
2026-07-04 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Macon County Conservation District Offices and Nature Center will be closed for Independence Day.
