April 10, 2023 – Celebrate Earth Day and welcome spring with a day of fun outdoor activities at Rock Springs.
The Decatur Audubon Society and the Macon County Conservation District are holding their annual Festival of Spring and River Cleanup on Saturday, April 22. No registration is required. Canoeing will be $3 per person, and all other events are free.
All activities are from 12-4pm unless stated otherwise. Below is a list of the events
Bird Banding, 8-10am:
The day will begin with a bird banding demonstration from Dr. Travis Wilcoxen of Millikin University. Stop by the Information Pavilion at Rock Springs Conservation Area from 8-10 am to watch him catch and band wild songbirds up close and in person.
Hikes:
Enjoy the fresh air of spring with one or more of our guided hikes. Wear sturdy shoes.
· Bird Hike at 8am
· Wildflower Hike at 1pm
· Earth Day Celebration Hike at 2:30 pm
Sangamon River Cleanup, 10am-12pm
Help clear trash from the banks of the Sangamon River to make it a safer and more beautiful place for both wildlife and people. Dress to get dirty and bring your own gloves. Bags will be provided. Meet at the Information Pavilion at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Staff will shuttle participants to cleanup sites. Registration begins at 9:30 am. Organized groups or clubs should call 217-423-7708 in advance so we can accommodate the size of your group.
Birds of Prey Show:
See real birds of prey in person and learn about them with the Illinois Raptor Center. Choose from one of three program times: 12pm, 1:30 pm, or 3pm. Held inside Rock Springs Nature Center.
Canoeing:
Spend some time on the water in one of our canoes. A naturalist will go over the basics and answer your questions before you launch your canoe. Meet at the pond by the pavilions. All equipment is provided. $3 per person; at least one adult must be in each canoe.
Heirloom Garden Tours:
Tour the heirloom vegetable and herb gardens at Homestead Prairie Farm. Learn how plants were historically grown and used, and perhaps get inspiration for your own garden at home. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of expert Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension.
Trobaugh-Good House:
Tour an 1860s farm house at Homestead Prairie Farm and learn what life was like over 160 years ago. Interpreters in period clothing will be on site to answer your questions. Due to the small size of the interior rooms, roughly 6 people will be allowed inside at a time.
Community Organizations:
Browse information about local organizations that work to benefit water and wildlife. Many organizations will have take-home activity packets for children. Available first-come, first-served. Organizations participating include:
· Decatur Audubon Society
· Glacier’s Edge Master Naturalists
· Macon County Master Gardeners
· Community Environmental Council
· Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park & Memorial
· Mercy Gardens
· Bright Start
· Boy Scouts of America
· Garden Club of Decatur
· Illinois Department of Natural Resources
· Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Association
Concessions:
Purchase food and drinks at the concession stand operated by the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Every purchase benefits restoration and education of natural areas.
Additional Activities:
Other activities include a scavenger hunt, the Web of Life Game, Restoration Station, a book exchange, live reptiles, pond exploration, and more.
Learn more on MaconCountyConservation.org.
