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.
🚴♀️🌻 The Ride of the Year is Just 16 Days Away! 🌳🌾
Get ready to pedal through prairies, wetlands, and forests—Prairie Pedal is only 16 days away! 🌿 Whether you're in for the 20, 40, or 62-mile route, it's bound to be an unforgettable adventure. And don’t forget, your ride supports conservation efforts right here in Macon County! 💚
Sign up today and join us for the ride of a lifetime! 🚴♂️
📲 www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/prairie-pedal/
🚴♂️🌾 Only 18 Days Until 2024 Prairie Pedal! 🌳🚴♀️
The countdown is on! We're just 18 days away from hitting the roads for the Prairie Pedal! Whether you're gearing up for the 20, 40, or 62-mile route, it's going to be an unforgettable day of cycling through the beautiful Macon County countryside. 🌿
Haven't registered yet? There’s still time to join in the fun, support local conservation efforts, and enjoy a day full of fresh air, scenic views, and post-ride chili! 🍲💚
Don’t miss out—register today and pedal with a purpose! 🌻
📲 www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/prairie-pedal/
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Is there any where to download the routes?
🏃Just a heads up that Sand Creek Conservation Area will be closed all day for the 2024 Sand Creek Trail Run this Saturday, September 14, and the park will reopen on Sunday, September 15.
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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 [...]
A Summer Intern’s Involvement
Written by DCLI intern, Sam R. Being an intern with the MCCD (Macon County Conservation District) this summer has been absolutely amazing, to say the least. All sorts of different opportunities and tasks came my way that exposed me to things I hadn’t necessarily done before, let alone in a work environment! These new experiences not only allowed me to improve my photography skills but also have fun and meet new people while doing it! This article provides an in-depth look into my experience as an intern with the MCCD and also explores how it influenced my personal and [...]
2024’s Summer Soundtrack
The rhythmic chirping of crickets, the drone of bees buzzing between flowers – these are the sounds people associate with summer. But get ready for a…loud twist this year, because in certain parts of the United States, a far more amplified chorus is about to emerge from the ground.
Trading Tractors for Tadpoles
During the summer of 2023, we took on the task of constructing three wetlands at two District locations. Fort Daniel Conservation Area, located east of Mt. Zion, is where one of the wetlands was constructed, and the other two at Friends Creek Conservation Area, located in the northern portion of Macon County near Cisco. This is one of the largest earthmoving projects the District has done in-house; every member of the Operations staff had a role in this construction project.
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