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.
Festival of Spring 2021
Celebrate Earth Day and welcome spring with a day of in-person and virtual activities! Families and adults can enjoy naturalist-led hikes at Rock Springs, and children can collect take home activities from local organizations that work to protect water and wildlife.
Watch bird banding and a Birds of Prey show by the Illinois Raptor Center Live on our Facebook page or register for an in-person presentation.
Wildflower Hike
Venture into the forests and prairies with a naturalist. We will search for as many species of these beautiful spring delights as we can, including Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, and more. Register online.
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.
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.
Rock Springs Ground Squirrels vs. McLean County Prairie Chickens
Home game against McLean County Prairie Chickens at BeautifulTroubaughField, Rock Springs Conservation Area.
Pollinator Power
Discover the amazing world of pollination as we discuss those native to our area, including bumblebees and mason bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even wasps. Register online.
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.
Canoe the Sangamon
Paddle a canoe down one of our local waterways, the Sangamon River. All equipment provided. Register online by May 7.
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.
Bird Banding Open House
Join the Decatur Audubon Society and Millikin University professor Dr. Travis Wilcoxen for a look at bird banding: the practice of catching wild birds to collect data and place a metal band for identification on their leg.
Preschool Peepers: Bluebirds
What’s so special about Eastern bluebirds? Young children are invited to find out by visiting a bluebird nest box, doing a craft, and learning about their natural history. Register online.
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.
Night Hike
Explore Griswold Conservation Area in the dark and use your senses to find the way through the woods. Register online by May 21.
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.
Nighttime Frog Quest
Test your frog-finding abilities by searching for as many species of frogs as you can discover! Register online.
Wildflower Hike
Venture into the forests and prairies with a naturalist. We will search for as many species of these beautiful spring delights as we can, including Virginia bluebells, spring beauties, and more. Register online.
Dapple Deer Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will get a close up look at fur and antlers as we learn about the family relationships of Illinois’ largest plant eater. Register online by June 7.
Dapple Deer Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will get a close up look at fur and antlers as we learn about the family relationships of Illinois’ largest plant eater. Register online by June 9.
Walleye Fishing Trip to Lake Erie – CANCELLED
The 2021 Walleye Fishing Trip is cancelled.
Marching Ants Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will learn about the world of ants through observation and a fun craft. Register online by June 14.
Marching Ants Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will learn about the world of ants through observation and a fun craft. Register online by June 16.
Colorful Wildflowers Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will explore flowers through feel and smell, then make a handprint flower with paint. Register online by June 21.
Colorful Wildflowers Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will explore flowers through feel and smell, then make a handprint flower with paint. Register online by June 23.
Independence Day 1860
Enjoy an Independence Day celebration 1860s style. Tour Homestead Prairie Farm, watch a vintage rules base ball game, and enjoy a period music concert.
Wiggle Worms Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will meet and hold live wiggly worms as we dig into what lives beneath our feet. Register online by June 28.
Wiggle Worms Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will meet and hold live wiggly worms as we dig into what lives beneath our feet. Register online by June 30.
Splashing Fish Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will dive into the life of a fish and discover a nearby pond. Register online by July 5.
Splashing Fish Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will dive into the life of a fish and discover a nearby pond. Register online by July 7.
What’s the Buzz Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will discover why busy bees and wasps are nature’s helpers through hands-on-activities and a fun game. Register online by July 12.
What’s the Buzz Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will discover why busy bees and wasps are nature’s helpers through hands-on-activities and a fun game. Register online by July 14.
Honk & Quack Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will investigate the watery world of ducks and geese through role-play, stories, and outdoor exploration. Register online by July 19.
Honk & Quack Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will investigate the watery world of ducks and geese through role-play, stories, and outdoor exploration. Register online by July 21.
Spinning Spiders Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will check out what it would be like to be a spider for a day as we weave a web and catch our prey. Register online by July 26.
Spinning Spiders Mini Camp
Children (ages 1-5 with an adult buddy) will check out what it would be like to be a spider for a day as we weave a web and catch our prey. Register online by July 28.