News & Media
There’s always something happening at the Macon County Conservation District! Staff and volunteers work all year round to provide you with educational programs, restore natural areas, and preserve historic sites. To know what’s going on:
Prairie Islander
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The annual Astronomy Jamboree returns this Saturday! Join us at Friends Creek Conservation Area beginning at 8pm for free music until 8:45 by The Red Wheelbarrows! Make a craft, enter a giveaway, and marvel at the beautiful night sky. We will have our telescope available, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one. We will also be roasting hotdogs and making s'mores, so be sure to RSVP by August 19: www.maconcountyconservation.org/events/astronomy-jamboree-2022/
Kalyn Thiele Holdener
The recent heat has had animals 'splooting' lately, most notably, squirrels. We had a good laugh the other day when this hot raccoon stopped by the Window on Wildlife at Rock Springs Nature Center to 'sploot' in the bird bath 😂
What is splooting? It's the position where an animal lays on its belly and sticks a leg (or all four) out to relax. Learn more about the recent splooting squirrels here: bit.ly/3Qrl2FN
Have you ever seen an animal make this pose? Share your photos below!
My dog Emma randomly sploots when we are taking our walk 😁
I've seen it but never knew there was a term for it!
Classic sploot
Balancing sploot
Explore some local history this Sunday!
The Homestead Prairie Farm at Rock Springs Conservation Area will be open from 1-4pm for tours, and the Governor Oglesby Mansion will be open from 2-4pm for tours. The Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William Street in Decatur.
I remember working at that drawing horse. Good times!
Decatur Audubon Society Funding Bus Transportation and Programs at Macon County Conservation District
The Decatur Audubon Society is covering field trip transportation costs for students to visit Rock Springs Nature Center or any other Conservation Area. Funds may also pay for in-class or virtual Zoom programs with Conservation District staff, at a cost of up to $10,000. Learn More
Conservation District Receives $180K Grant for Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail Renovations
The Macon County Conservation District was awarded a grant of $180,800 to renovate the bridges on the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail.
1880s-Style Harvest Fun Comes to Rock Springs
Mary Morrow was on a roll with pumpkin rolling Sunday afternoon at the Rock Springs Conservation Area's Fall Harvest Festival. Competing against several other kids on a downhill slope outside the Nature Center building, Mary stood out before the race got going because she was dressed in period 1880s clothing . . .
Healthy Burn for Prairie
Prairie used to cover most of Illinois. Fires occurred routinely and naturally, which rejuvenated the prairie grasses and maintained their health, said Richie Wolf, Rock Springs Nature Center manager. The Macon County Conservation District has used prescribed burns since 1978 to restore conservation areas for several reasons . . .
