Grants and Workshops for Teachers and Educators

Audubon Grants

The Decatur Audubon Society offers grants to teachers for environmental projects. If you have a project in mind that you would like to tell the Audubon Society about, please call 217-423-7708 for more information. All teachers, in Macon County and beyond, are encouraged to apply for grants.

Teacher Workshops

Teacher's Workshops for Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) are offered throughout the year.

Workshops

Illinois Mammals
February 23, 4 – 8 p.m. Rock Springs Nature Center
Teachers can earn four Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDU’s) at the Macon County Conservation District Teacher’s Workshop on February 23rd, from 4-8pm at the Rock Springs nature Center. Participants will learn about mammal adaptations, distribution and habitat in Illinois and the effects of human activities on mammal populations. Workshop will include hands-on activities for the classroom, curriculum materials, resources, field trip ideas and a light supper. Fee is $15.00. Reservations required by February 21. Call 217-423-7708 or email mccd@maconcountyconservation.org for more information or to make reservations.

The Civil War In Illinois
March 20, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This workshop will take a deeper look into the many ways people in Illinois were affected by the Civil War. Information will also be provided on researching a Civil War Soldier. Resources, field trip ideas and a light supper will be included. The fee is $15.00. Teachers can earn four Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDU’s). Reservations required by February 21. Call 217-423-7708 or email mccd@maconcountyconservation.org for more information or to make reservations.

Workshops will continue to be scheduled throughout the year. They are held at Rock Springs Nature Center unless otherwise noted.

In-Service Workshops

Our staff is available to come to your school to work with the faculty during in-service days Teachers can earn CPDUs.
Some topics which might be of interest are:

Everything Green - help your school and your students join the “green movement”
No Child Left Inside - learn about new evidence that “nature play” is important to a child’s physical, mental and spiritual development. This initiative complements the goals of better health through more physical activity.
Local History - People are more connected to their community when they know a little of the history. Help your students feel that “sense of place”.
Local Flora & Fauna - People care more about plants and animals if they know the names of them. Help your students learn some of the common ones in your community.
Local Geology - Illinois has a very interesting geologic past. Knowing what to look for makes our state a more interesting place to live.