Soaring Eagles Mini Camp

bald eagle sitting on post against blue sky

Children ages 1-5 will learn about the National Bird that soars nearby and observe an eagle skull and egg. Register online by noon the day before camp.

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.

River Animals Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 learn about the otters and herons that call the Sangamon River their home through touch, sound, and sight. Register online by noon the day before camp.

River Animals Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 learn about the otters and herons that call the Sangamon River their home through touch, sound, and sight. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Girl Scout Journey: Between Earth and Sky

On this Journey, Girl Scouts will learn how to protect the environment and why it’s important, tour the EcoCenter, and work together on a conservation-themed project. Register online by March 13.

Preschool Peepers: Discovering Dinos

How many dinosaur fossils have been found in Illinois? Learn the answer to that question and many more as you discover prehistoric creatures, do a dinosaur craft, and see how you size up to some of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth. Register online by March 15.

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.

Living with Wildlife: How to Help and Coexist

Spring is the time of year when animals are emerging from hibernation and returning from migration, babies are being born, and critters are exploring our properties. In this informative program, a naturalist will discuss how to help injured and ‘abandoned’ wildlife, how to handle nuisance wildlife, and how to share your space peacefully with the natural world. Register online by March 22.

Scouts Badge: Forestry

On this badge, scouts will learn about forest management techniques, learn about watersheds, and make a field notebook. Register online by March 22.

Puffy Clouds Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 will drift into the science behind clouds and discover how to make their own cloud. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Puffy Clouds Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 will drift into the science behind clouds and discover how to make their own cloud. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Scouts Badge: Indian Lore

To earn this badge, scouts will learn the history of a Native American tribe, make a breech cloth, and discover Native American leaders. Register online by March 26.

Scouts Badge: Reptile and Amphibian Study

For this badge, scouts will learn about several local species, why they are important, and how to care for them. Register online by March 27.

Hunter Safety Class

Rock Springs Nature Center will host a free 10 hour Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Class. This class covers wildlife identification, equipment, and safety. Must attend both class days and pass a written test in order to receive your certificate. No age restrictions. Free. Must pre-register online by noon on March 28. Min/Max: 5/50.

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.

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.

Spring Flowers Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 will pop-up to see the Earth welcome spring and create a flower collage to take home. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Spring Flowers Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 will pop-up to see the Earth welcome spring and create a flower collage to take home. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Preschool Peepers: Unlovables

Discover the truth behind animals that are often misunderstood or not considered particularly “cute” or “cuddly”, and the important roles they play in the ecosystem. Register online by April 5.

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.

Buzzing Bees Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 will discover why busy bees are nature’s helpers through hands-on-activities and fragrant smells. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Boater Safety Class

This free 8-hour Illinois Department of Natural Resources class covers boating laws, boating terms, and safety requirements. Must attend both class days and pass a written test in order to receive your certificate. Register online by April 15.

Buzzing Bees Mini Camp

Children ages 1-5 will discover why busy bees are nature’s helpers through hands-on-activities and fragrant smells. Register online by noon the day before camp.

Boater Safety Class (Day 2)

Day 2 of free Boater Safety Class. Must attend both days to receive your certificate. Register online by April 15.

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.

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.

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.

Junior Girl Scout Journey: Get Moving!

This Journey is all about energy! Juniors will learn about different types of energy in nature and at home, take a hike, and create a poster challenging others to conserve energy. Register online by May 8.

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.

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.