April 5, 2026 – The Festival of Spring will return Saturday, April 25, at Rock Springs Conservation Area, offering a full day of outdoor activities in celebration of Earth Day.
The annual event, now in its 45th year, is co-sponsored by the Decatur Area Audubon Society and will feature activities from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Morning programming includes bird banding, a guided spring migration walk, and a Sangamon River cleanup effort. Afternoon activities, running from noon to 4 p.m., will include wagon rides, canoeing, guided hikes, and live raptor presentations from the Illinois Raptor Center.
Visitors can also tour Homestead Prairie Farm, explore heirloom gardens, and visit educational booths hosted by local organizations focused on conservation and environmental stewardship.
Additional activities include live music, animal encounters, children’s activities, and a vendor fair featuring local artisans. Food and beverages will also be available on-site.
Most activities are free and open to the public, with canoeing available for a small fee. No registration is required.
Organizers say the event is designed to encourage community engagement with nature and raise awareness about protecting local water and wildlife resources.
