News & Announcements

Sand Creek Trail Work

The trail leading to Paw Paw Ford at Sand Creek Conservation Area will be intermittently closed for trail work through the month of October.

Trail Conditions: Bike Trail Closed

The Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail is closed for construction work through winter.  For current trail conditions and availability, call the Conservation District Hotline at (217) 421-7493.

Upcoming Events


Tuesday, Oct 1, 2019 - Tuesday, Dec 31, 2019
Free Field Trip Transportation from Decatur Audubon

The Decatur Audubon Society will cover transportation costs for 20 school buses to take field trips to Rock Springs Nature Center or any of the five Macon County Conservation Areas, from now until the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

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Saturday, Oct 19, 2019
Dulcimer Club

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. Free and open to the public.

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Saturday, Oct 19, 2019
Canoe the Sangamon

All equipment is provided for this leisurely exploration of the Sangamon River. Pre-registration required.

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Saturday, Oct 19, 2019
Homestead Prairie Farm Open House

Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. Located at Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL. Free.

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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 3,300 acres of nature, 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 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.