Macon County Conservation District

Wilderness Walk
2026-05-14 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Griswold Conservation Area, 2435 County Road 2100 E, Blue Mound, IL, 62513, 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. Dress for the weather. Hike will take place at Griswold Conservation Area.
Event requirements
Free. Register online by noon the day prior.
Register Online for this Event

Saturday Stroll
2026-05-16 10:00, 2026-05-23 10:00, 2026-05-30 10:00, 2026-06-06 10:00, 2026-06-13 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.

A History of Bicycling in Illinois
2026-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
From fun to fitness and even women’s rights, bicycles had a big impact on daily life in Illinois. Author and guest speaker Christopher Sweet’s new book rediscovers the people, companies, and events that made our state synonymous with the bicycle. Professor Sweet is a librarian at Illinois Wesleyan University. Co-hosted by the Decatur Bicycle Club.
After attending the “History of Bicycling in Illinois” program, join local cyclists for a casual group ride north along the bike trail from Rock Springs to Fairview Park and back.
The ride may not leave exactly at 3 pm, depending on how long the presentation goes.
This ride is open to all ages and skill levels. Helmets are encouraged.
Event requirements
Free. No registration required.

Sunday Storytime
2026-05-17 14:00, 2026-05-24 14:00, 2026-05-31 14:00, 2026-06-07 14:00, 2026-06-14 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.

Spring Awakening Hike
2026-05-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
See what’s blooming and changing now that the temps are warmer and the sun is hanging around longer. We will hope to see a variety of spring wildflowers, including spring beauties, trillium, bluebells, and more.
Event requirements
$3/person. Register online by May 15.
Register Online for Spring Awakening Hike

Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
2026-05-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
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.

Dulcimer Club
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-06 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.

Survival Skills Workshop
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Road, Argenta, IL, 62501, United States
Event details
Go head-to-head and see if you have what it takes to survive in the outdoors. Teams will try their hand at building a shelter, following a map, starting a fire, and more.
Event requirements
$10/person. Register online by May 22.
Register Online for Survival Skills Workshop

Nature Center Open, Offices Closed for Memorial Day
2026-05-25 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open Monday, May 25. Conservation District business offices will be closed for Memorial Day.

Oglesby Mansion Open House
2026-05-31 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

Summer Concert Series: Dusty James and Abalone Pearl
2026-05-31 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! Our annual Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Stifel Investment Services, returns on May 31.
Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic blanket, and join us every other Sunday for a relaxed evening of live entertainment.
This year’s series kicks off on May 31 with Dusty James and Abalone Pearl. This folk duo from St. Louis, MO performs with a variety of instruments including banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, and autoharp, and are sure to entertain.
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.

Bethel School Open House
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Road, Argenta, IL, 62501, United States
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

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 | 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

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

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.
