Wilderness Walk
2026-04-02 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. Hike will take place at Rock Springs Conservation Area.
Event requirements
Free. Register online by noon the day prior.
Register Online for this Event

Nature Center Open, Offices Closed for Good Friday
2026-04-03 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Rock Springs Nature Center will be open Friday, April 3. Conservation District business offices will be closed for Good Friday.

Saturday Stroll
2026-04-04 10:00, 2026-04-11 10:00, 2026-04-18 10:00, 2026-04-25 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.

Egg Hunt
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
From tiny, bright blue eggs to expertly camouflaged speckled eggs, birds lay a variety of different types of eggs. Learn about some of our local birds and the eggs they lay, then go on a walk to hunt for hidden eggs! There will be a special prize for the person who finds the Golden Egg. Don’t forget to bring your basket!
Event requirements
Register online by April 2.
Free
Register Online for this Event

Sunday Storytime
2026-04-05 14:00, 2026-04-12 14:00, 2026-04-19 14:00, 2026-04-26 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.

Offices & Nature Center Closed for Easter
2026-04-06 | IL
The Rock Springs Nature Center and business offices are closed for Easter. However the trails at all five conservation areas remain open for you to enjoy.

Homeschool Program: Microscopic Life
2026-04-08 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 Microscopic Life, get out your magnifying glasses and get ready to inspect some tiny critters! We’ll take a look at a variety of things through our microscope and go outside to see what we can find.
Event requirements
Register online by April 6.
$15/child.
Register Online for Microscopic Life

Dulcimer Club
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-25 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.

Acoustic Music Jam
2026-04-12 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.

Van Trip to Havana, IL
2026-04-14 09:00 - 18:00 | IL
Join us on a trip to the Havana area to visit two interesting sites! First, we will stop at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery to tour this hatchery operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Then, we will visit Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge to explore and do some bird watching. Be prepared to walk and spend time outdoors. We will stop for lunch along the way (lunch is not included).
$45/person. Register online by April 10.
Register Online for this Event

Vibrant Rainbows Mini Camp
2026-04-14 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-16 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 Vibrant Rainbows, children will explore the colors of the rainbow and find out why we seem to only see them before or after rain.
$8/child. Online registration required.
Dress for short outdoor excursions. A snack and bottle of water will be available for each child. Register online by noon the day before camp. Location for these programs will be downstairs in the Monarch Classroom in the new area in the lower level.
Register Online for Vibrant Rainbows

Macon County Conservation District Board Meeting
2026-04-15 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.

1,000 Tree Planting Event
2026-04-18 09:00 | Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL, United States
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Macon County Conservation District, the 45th anniversary of the Macon County Conservation Foundation, Arbor Day, and Earth Day, we’re planting 1,000 trees that will grow into an oak savanna at our Fort Daniel Conservation Area, benefiting our community for generations.
We invite Macon County residents and surrounding communities to roll up their sleeves and be part of something truly lasting. This hands-on fundraiser is your chance to plant a tree, leave your mark, and someday return with family and friends to say, “I helped build this.” Whether you come as an individual, family, group, club, business, or organization, your efforts will take root in the future of Macon County—one tree at a time.
Pre-Planting (optional): Join us before the planting to start your day relaxed and grounded with a 1-hour beginner friendly yoga flow session the morning of the event hosted by certified yoga instructor, Shaylee Owen. No registration is required, but letting us know if you plan to attend would be appreciated for a head count. Contact information for yoga instructor can be found on the Givebutter event page. Blocks and mats are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Ready to dig in? Find full event details, pricing, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to get involved at: https://givebutter.com/1000TreesEvent

Gallery of Hope Open House
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to view artwork created by local children and thoughtfully presented by Heritage Behavioral Health Center. The pieces of art support conversations around mental health. While there, decorate a cupcake, create your own artwork, and engage in other family-friendly activities.
Free. No registration required.

New Moon Night Hike
2026-04-18 21:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Put your night vision to the test on a guided walk down the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail. With no lights or moonlight to guide us, how will our senses adapt? Register to find out!
$5/person. Register online by April 17.
Register Online for this Event

Wildflower Hike
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL, United States
Event details
Spring is the best time of year to spot early woodland flowers, and Fort Daniel Conservation Area is full of them! Meet at the Fort Daniel pavilion. If the bluebells are blooming, we’ll be in for a real treat.
Event requirements
Register online by April 17.
Free.
Register Online for this Event

Wilderness Walk
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Decatur, IL, 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 Fort Daniel Conservation Area.
Event requirements
Free. Register online by noon the day prior.
Register Online for this Event

Sangamon River Cleanup
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Help clear trash from the banks of the Sangamon River to make it a safer and more beautiful place for wildlife and people. Dress to get dirty and bring your own gloves. Bags will be provided. Come by yourself or bring the whole family.
Organized groups should call 217-423-7708 in advance.
Register and meet at the Rock Springs Information Shelter.

Festival of Spring
2026-04-25 12:00 - 16:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Celebrate Earth Day and welcome spring with a day of outdoor family activities.
In the morning, observe bird banding, go on a naturalist-led hike, or pitch in at the Sangamon River Cleanup. Then, in the afternoon enjoy wagon rides, canoeing, a live bird show from the Illinois Raptor Center, tours of Homestead Prairie Farm, and much more. Visit tables staffed by local community organizations to learn what they are doing to protect water and wildlife.
Co-sponsored by the Decatur Area Audubon Society.
Canoeing $3/person.
All other activities are free. No registration required.
More Information >

Oglesby Mansion Open House
2026-04-26 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

Danny Pratt Photography Exhibit
2026-05-01 - 2026-06-30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
North Gallery
Enjoy photography of wildlife and landscapes from local photographer Danny Pratt.

Melody Arnold Photography Exhibit
2026-05-01 - 2026-06-30 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
South Gallery
Experience the beauty of nature with local photographer and outdoor education specialist Melody Arnold.
