March 24, 2025 – The Macon County Conservation District, co-sponsored by the Decatur Area Audubon Society, will be celebrating Earth Day with the 44th Annual Festival of Spring on April 26 from 12-4pm.
Admission to the Festival is free, with the exception of Kayaking, which is priced at $3 per person. Here’s a glimpse of what attendees can expect:
Bird Banding, 8-10am – Join Dr. Travis Wilcoxen of Millikin University as he catches and bands wild songbirds. Stop by the Information Pavilion at Rock Springs Conservation Area any time between 8am and 10am.
Spring Migration Walk, 8am – Join a knowledgeable Audubon guide for a walk on the trails in search of early spring migrants as well as birds who are in central Illinois year ’round.
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 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 9:30am.
Organized groups or clubs should call in advance, so we can accommodate the size of your group: 217-423-7708.
Walks – Meet at Rock Springs Conservation Area for one or more guided hikes. Wear sturdy shoes.
- Wildflower Wander at 1pm
- Earth Day Stroll at 2:30pm
Birds of Prey Show – See and learn about live birds of prey with the Illinois Raptor Center. Choose from one of three program times: 12pm, 1:30pm, or 3pm. Held inside Rock Springs Nature Center.
Kayaking, 1pm-4pm – Spend some time on the water in one of our kayak. A naturalist will go over the basics and answer your questions before you launch your kayak. Meet at the pond by the pavilions. All equipment is provided. $3 per person; at least one adult must be in each kayak.
Wagon Rides, 12pm-3:30pm – Tour some of the highlights of Rock Springs Conservation Area on a tractor-pulled wagon ride. Wagon departs near the flag poles outside of Rock Springs Nature Centerevery 15-20 minutes, and rides are first-come, first-served.
Tour the 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.
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.
Prize Passports – Children can collect signatures from booths they visit, then turn their passports in for a prize at the Prize Passport table.
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:
- Birth to Five
- Bright Start
- Children’s Museum of IL
- Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations
- Community Environmental Council
- Decatur Area Audubon Society
- Decatur Public School Ag Program
- Environmental Education Association of Illinois
- Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park & Memorial
- Garden Club of Decatur
- Glacier’s Edge Master Naturalists
- Heritage Behavioral Health Center
- Macon County Health Department
- Macon County Master Gardeners
- Macon County Soil & Water District
- Mercy Gardens
- Paw Print Ministries
- Sanitary District of Decatur
Concessions – Quench your thirst and grab a quick bite at the concession stand, operated by the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Every purchase benefits natural areas restoration and education.
121 Coffee Run will also be out with their mobile coffee shop serving refreshing drinks.
Additional Activities – Other activities include a scavenger hunt, the Web of Life Game, Restoration Station, a book exchange, live reptiles, pond exploration, and more.
