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
Subscribe to the Prairie Islander, our free, quarterly newsletter. You may also read the current issue online or subscribe to our mailing list to have the Prairie Islander emailed to you each quarter. Scroll to the bottom of any page on our website to sign up!
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries about stories or photo requests, call 217-423-7708. If you wish to receive our news releases and photo opportunities via email, send a message to [email protected] or call 217-423-7708.
Social Media
Receive trail condition updates, see the work we’re doing, and share pictures of your visits to the conservation areas by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
📢Cross-Country Skiing UPDATE📢
Conditions are NO longer favorable for cross-country ski and snowshoe rental. We have to have 4 inches of snow at the minimum, and with the recent increase in temperature, we no longer have the snow amounts on the trails required to rent out equipment. We want to thank everyone who came out and took advantage of this opportunity while it lasted! We were lucky this year to have gotten enough snow, and for it to stay cold enough to stick around for multiple days!
We are excited to announce that our Foundation now has its own Facebook page! The Macon County Conservation Foundation puts on some of the events you've come to know and love like the Prairie Pedal and the Rock Springs Ramble.
A couple facts about our Foundation:
🌿 It was formed on June 18, 1981 and originally called, The Natural Heritage and Wildlife Foundation of Macon County.
🌿 They are a non-profit organization that supports the Macon County Conservation District.
🌿 The events they host are not just for fun, but for fundraising too! The proceeds from events like the Prairie Pedal and Rock Springs Ramble go toward supporting the District's restoration and education projects.
We would love if you would like and follow our Foundation's page to show them some support! You will be able to keep in the loop of existing and future Foundation events (we have some fun plans in the works 👀).
You can also learn more about our Foundation by visiting their website at: www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/
We appreciate your support! 🌿💚
www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org
Macon County Conservation Foundation The Macon County Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the natural and cultural resources of Macon County, Illinois. We supp...1 CommentComment on Facebook
We try to not utilize the @followers function, but we feel this instance is a worthy use of it!
🌱We have so many amazing Master Gardener volunteers that come out to Rock Springs Conservation Area to help us. If you're a gardener or someone who is interested in gardening, you should check this out!🪴Make the decision to become a Master Gardener in 2025 and register today for the hybrid training options happening in Macon and Piatt County.
Decatur Public Library | 9 a.m. to noon | Tuesdays | February 4-April 15
Piatt County Extension Office | 9 a.m. to noon | Tuesdays | February 4-April 15
🔗Register at go.illinois.edu/mgtrainingdmp by January 27.
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District Project Updates
With the busy summer and fall seasons behind us, we’re turning our focus to several exciting new projects that will benefit both our community and local ecosystems. Here’s a look into three of our biggest projects.
Takeaways from the 2024 ANCA Annual Summit
Working at a Nature Center and for a Conservation District allows for myriad opportunities. There are many conferences and summits out there for staff to explore and to help expand their professional network.
Built by Nature, Crafted by Us. Here’s the Story Behind the New Timber Frame Pavilion at Friends Creek Conservation Area
For the past several months, there has been a project that we have kept quiet about while our staff worked hard to complete it. We sat down with Friends Creek Site Superintendent, Andy Murphy, to learn all the details about this newest structure at the Friends Creek Conservation Area group camp site. What is this structure we are standing by called? This is a King Post Pavilion. The top of the main bents are shaped to look like the king chess piece. You mentioned the term “bents”, care to talk a little bit more about those? Yeah, those are [...]
Lichen and Fungi… Oh My!
The kingdom Fungi have been very misunderstood for many years, only being classified as a kingdom since 1969. They had been considered plants prior to this year, meaning scientists have only had a small portion of time to truly study and understand them as their own kingdom.
The Prairie Islander is Going Digital!
Since its launch in 1976, the Prairie Islander has been a valuable source of District information and updates, documenting the evolution of the District with each printed edition. As we embark on a new chapter, transitioning from ink and paper to a digital platform, we reflect on the history that has shaped this long - running newsletter. Join us as we explore its journey through the decades, celebrating its legacy while embracing the future of sustainable communication. When the newsletter began, it didn’t go by the familiar name of Prairie Islander that we now know. It started as The [...]
Homeschool Programs Returning for Fall at Macon County Conservation District
As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air, it's the perfect time for homeschool children to delve into nature and history with Macon County Conservation District’s fall homeschool programs. Designed for ages 5-15, these programs offer an engaging blend of discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, and games led by our knowledgeable naturalists. Students will have the opportunity to explore both indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Each session costs $15 per child, and registration is available online by the specified dates. The Power of Pollinators Date: Wednesday, September 11, 10am-12pm Registration [...]
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