Festival of Spring
2026-04-25 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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 >

Sunday Storytime
2026-04-26 14:00, 2026-05-03 14:00, 2026-05-10 14:00, 2026-05-17 14:00, 2026-05-24 14:00, 2026-05-31 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.

Oglesby Mansion Open House
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00, 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

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.

Saturday Stroll
2026-05-02 10:00, 2026-05-09 10:00, 2026-05-16 10:00, 2026-05-23 10:00, 2026-05-30 10:00, 2026-06-06 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.

Canoe Rodeo
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Hop in a canoe and try your luck on a mini obstacle course in the Bike Trail Pond! All equipment provided. A naturalist will be on-hand to give a paddling lesson and provide instructions. May the best boat win!
Event requirements
$15/boat. Register online by May 1.
Register Online for this Event

Nature Picture Frames
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL, 62521, United States
Event details
Make your own nature picture frame to give to someone special or keep for yourself. We will first go outside to collect natural materials to decorate our frame, then go inside to construct it.
Event requirements
$5/person. Register online by May 1.
Register Online for this Event

Dulcimer Club
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-23 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
2026-05-10 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.

Homeschool Program: Scattered Seeds
2026-05-13 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 Scattered Seeds, learn why plants create seeds, what’s inside of them, and where to find them.
Event requirements
Register online by May 11.
$15/child.
Register Online for Scattered Seeds

Wilderness Walk
2026-05-14 16:00 - 17:00 | 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

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.

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.

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.

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.
