Decatur Audubon Society
Activities and Partnerships

Festival of Spring, Bird Count, Prairie Celebration,
Greenway Coalition and Other Activities


Festival of Spring

One of Decatur Audubon's most important events is the Festival of Spring held each April in cooperation with the Macon County Conservation District. This festival features activities for all ages, including a live-bird show, storytelling, make-it and take-it activities, displays, food, performances by school groups, and much more. The Festival of Spring is held at the Rock Springs Center southwest of Decatur.


Prairie Celebration, Christmas Bird Count and Spring Bird Count

In addition to the Festival of Spring, Decatur Audubon participates in other activities throughout the year including the Prairie Celebration held at Rock Springs Center in September and the Audubon Christmas Bird Count held in December.

The 2006 Christmas Bird Count (in our area) was held Saturday, December 16th. If you would like to help with the next Christmas Count or the Spring Bird Count, please call Ross Thompson at (217) 865-2981. Remember, you don't have to be an expert birder to help.


Greenway Project and River Cleanup

Decatur Audubon cooperates with the City of Decatur, the Decatur Park District, the Macon County Conservation District, the Decatur Sanitary District, the Macon County Solid Waste Department, Macon-Piatt County Soil and Water Conservation District, neighborhood groups, local scout troops, and other organizations and agencies in a Sangamon River Greenway project. This long-term project includes clean-up of the Sangamon River, sponsorship of Sangamon River canoe trips to showcase the potential of the Sangamon River for recreational activities, and expansion of Sangamon River Greenways and trails.

These groups are working to create an awareness of the river corridor as a community resource for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, jogging, and canoeing. Twice each year a riverbank cleanup day is held, in which Decatur Audubon members participate.


Bird Study Sessions and Bird Counts

During our indoor season (September through April) we hold a bird study session preceeding each regular monthly membership meeting except our December holiday party. We also have knowledgeable members who are willing to help beginners learn to identify the various species of birds. No matter what your level of expertise (or lack of it) you are welcome to join us for hikes, bird counts, and all other activities. Our members participate in the official Audubon Christmas Bird Count each year. Decatur Audubon also holds a spring bird count. Contact us if you'd like to participate. We'd love to have you join us!

For more information on any of our activities
contact us at info@decatur-audubon.org

or

Decatur Audubon Society
P.O. Box 591
Decatur, IL 62525