News & Announcements

COVID-19 Announcements

Rock Springs Nature Center is open for its regular hours (face masks required). All Conservation Areas and trails are open. Please continue social distancing. Check out our events for in-person and virtual programs.

Trail Conditions

At Sand Creek, there may be short segments of trail closed for work, but these will not affect the entire trail system. All other Conservation District trails are open. For Sand Creek trail availability, you may also call the Sand Creek Trail Conditions Hotline at (217) 421-7493.

Conservation Area Hours

Conservation Areas are open 7am to sunset, every day of the year. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times.

Upcoming Events


Sunday, May 9, 2021
Bluegrass Music Jam - CANCELLED

This Music Jam is CANCELLED due to rain in the forecast.

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Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Naturalist Chats

West Lawn of Rock Springs Nature Center
Learn about the natural world around you during free, weekly Naturalist Chats on the West Lawn of Rock Springs Nature Center.

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Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Public Sand Creek Trail Meeting

Staff will be holding a public meeting for Sand Creek Conservation Area trail users on Wednesday, May 12, at 6pm. All are invited to attend. We will discuss trail repairs and volunteer opportunities.

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Friday, May 14, 2021
Spring Volunteer Hike

Conservation District Volunteers will learn a bit more about the different Conservation Areas while looking for flora and fauna. Call or email to register.

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Online RegistrationPrairie IslanderVolunteer QuarterlyEducator's GuideMacon County Conservation Foundation

Conservation Areas

Enjoy all of the Macon County Conservation Areas throughout the year.

Friends Creek Conservation Area
Friend’s Creek is located at 13734 Friends Creek Park Road Cisco, IL 61830 [get directions].
Friend’s Creek GPS Coordinates are 40.029688 N, 88.783892 W.
Learn more about

Fort Daniel Conservation Area
Located near Mt. Zion in southeastern Macon County, Illinois, Fort Daniel Conservation Area is a 200-acre site rich in history and recreational opportunity [get directions].
Fort Daniel’s GPS Coordinates are 39.781681 N, 88.828326 W.
Learn more about Fort Daniel Conservation Area

Griswold Conservation Area
Griswold Conservation Area is located 1.5 miles northwest of Blue Mound, Illinois in southwest Macon County [get directions].
Griswold Conservation Area’s GPS Coordinates are 39.703954 N, 89.139914 W.
Learn more about Griswold Conservation Area

Rock Springs Conservation Area
Rock Springs Conservation Area and Nature Center are located at 3939 Nearing Lane in Decatur, IL [get directions].
Rock Springs GPS Coordinates are: 39.817713 N, 89.00932 W
Learn more about Rock Springs Conservation Area

Sand Creek Conservation Area
Sand Creek Conservation Area is a 755-acre open space site, located just south of Decatur, off South Franklin Street [get directions].
Sand Creek’s GPS Coordinates are 39.786696 N, 88.954273 W.
Learn more about Sand Creek Conservation Area

Macon County Conservation District in Macon County, Illinois

The Macon County Conservation District invites you to visit the many natural areas in Macon County, Illinois, including Rock Springs Nature Center, which offers nature programs, special activities, nature hikes, summer camps, music programs, conference rooms for all ages throughout the year in Decatur, Illinois.

Macon County Conservation District is your entryway to more than 3,600 acres of nature, historic sites, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Hiking and bird watching are just some of the activities you can enjoy at Macon County conservation areas.  Visit Rock Springs Nature Center to experience exhibits, live animals, or nature center events offered year-round.

Browse all Programs & Events to find out what’s happening throughout your Macon County Conservation District.

Our Mission

To promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring natural areas and cultural sites so as to leave them unimpaired for future generations.