Owl Prowls

Friends Creek Conservation Area
Join us to learn about these forest-dwelling nocturnal predators. We will discuss what makes them special, then take a hike to find some. Register online by noon on Friday, February 22.

Twilight Hike

Did you know that some animals are most active during the times between day and night? Tag along on a hike during the dusky hours of the day to search for crepuscular animals as they begin to move around. Register online by February 27.

Dog Hike

There is no better hiking companion than man’s best friend! Bring your dog to learn about hiking safely with your pet and share hiking tips with other dog owners. Register online by March 8.

Trip to Illinois’ Largest Tree

Join a naturalist and visit this state record tree on St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to wear green! We will visit the Jarrett Prairie Center in Byron, IL and walk on a dolomite hill prairie. There is a 15 minute hike to the tree. We will stop for a quick bite to eat along the way. $30/person covers transportation. Register online by March 15.

First Day of Spring Hike

Immerse yourself in this exploration of spring. We’ll look for birds, amphibians, buds, and more. Bring the kids after school. Free. Register online by March 19.

Van Trip to Millikin’s Requarth Observatory

Millikin University Observatory Building

Meet at Rock Springs Nature Center to learn about what’s visible in the night sky, then hop in our van as we attend a Public Observation Night at Millikin’s Requarth Observatory. Register online by March 20.

Ice Age Animals

Learn about mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. We’ll discover how predators hunted their prey and play some survival games. Great for the whole family. Free. Register online by March 22.

Canoe the Sangamon

Paddle a canoe down one of our local waterways, the Sangamon River. All equipment provided. Register online by March 29.

Frog Music Hike

bright green frog on a red-brown wooden wall

What kind of sounds do frogs make? Listen to native frog and toad songs, learn about their lives, and meet real amphibians. Register online by March 29.

Oglesby Mansion Open House

Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $2/person. Members are free.

Spring Forest Hike

group of people hiking down a forest path, view from behind

Bring the family to Friends Creek Conservation Area to hike through the forest and experience early spring in all its glory. Register online by March 29.

Wildflower Hike

Venture into the forests and prairies with volunteer Jerry Sievers. We will search for as many species of these beautiful spring delights as we can, including Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, and more. Register online by April 5.

Van Trip to Millikin’s Requarth Observatory

Meet at Rock Springs Nature Center to learn about what’s visible in the night sky, then hop in our van as we attend a Public Observation Night at Millikin’s Requarth Observatory. Register online by April 24.

Sangamon River Cleanup

Help make the river a safer and more beautiful place for both wildlife and people as you clear trash from the banks of the Sangamon River.

Festival of Spring 2019

Celebrate Earth Day and welcome spring with an afternoon of outdoor family activities. Enjoy wagon rides, canoeing, crafts, pony rides, and learn what other organizations are doing in our community to protect water and wildlife.

Oglesby Mansion Open House

Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $2/person. Members are free.

Van Trip to Springfield’s Historic Homes

Explore three different historic Springfield residences and learn the history behind them. We will stop at the Governor’s Mansion, the Dana-Thomas House, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Register online by April 29.

Trip to City Museum

Let us drive you down to St. Louis to tour this unique museum. See amazing art, architectural gems, and explore artificial caves. Register online by May 3.

Bethel School Open House

See what going to school was like in the early 20th century at this historic one-room schoolhouse located at Friends Creek Conservation Area.

Canoe the Sangamon

Paddle a canoe down one of our local waterways, the Sangamon River. All equipment provided. Register online by May 10.

Rock Springs Ground Squirrels vs. McLean County Prairie Chickens

Join us for the national pastime: base ball! Cheer for your home team, the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels, in a game of vintage base ball played with authentic 1858 rules. Away game in Bloomington, IL.

Wildflower Hike

Venture into the forests and prairies with volunteer Jerry Sievers. We will search for as many species of these beautiful spring delights as we can, including Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, and more. Register online by May 10.

Frog Music Hike

Test your frog-finding abilities by searching for as many species of frogs as you can discover! Bring your flashlights as we scope out water habitats for eye shine. Register online by May 17.

Trip to the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon and Lincoln Memorial Garden

Join us as we visit one of the world’s largest and finest bell towers and woodland and prairie garden in our state’s capital city. Register online by May 17.

Rock Springs Ground Squirrels vs. St. Louis Unions and Lafayette Square Cyclones

Join us for the national pastime: base ball! Cheer for your home team, the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels, in a game of vintage base ball played with authentic 1858 rules.

Memorial Day Weekend Night Hike

Explore Friends Creek Conservation Area in the dark and use your senses to find the way through the woods. Discover what makes your eyes, ears, and nose work at night. Register online by May 24.

Oglesby Mansion Open House

Tour the restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby. Encounter the lives of its family members and explore their late 1800s lifestyle. $2/person. Members are free.

Walleye Fishing Trip to Lake Erie

Join staff on a trip to the Great Lakes to fish for walleye on a charter boat. Price includes two day charter, fishing equipment, transportation, and lodging. For all ages. Register online by June 14.