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, by emailing us your name and mailing address at [email protected]. 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.
Don't forget to sign up for our new Phenology program series this weekend! Phenology is a great way to learn about your local environment and to connect with nature.
We can't wait to see you there!
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
Hey teachers! Are you looking for those end-of-the-year field trips for your class? Dates are filling up fast for spring field trips! Call soon to reserve a spot for your class to visit one of our sites for your end-of-year field trip. Transportation grants from the Decatur Audubon Society are still available.
Call 217.423.7708 and ask to speak with Alysia Callison, or email her at [email protected] to book your field trip.
New summer internship opportunity with us!
See full job description and information at: www.maconcountyconservation.org/get-involved/internship-opportunities/
April is Citizen Science Month
April is Citizen Science Month, and is celebrated by renewing the effort to involve the public in scientific research projects. But why should we care?
Restoration in Progress
If you have visited Griswold or Fort Daniel Conservation Areas recently, you may have noticed some changes. The Conservation District is currently working on major restorations at each site. While these restoration projects may look unsightly in the beginning, over time they will develop into beautiful prairies, savannas, and wetlands.
A Natural Partnership
For over a decade, Dr. David Horn’s biology classes at Millikin University have assisted the Macon County Conservation District with various natural resources projects, totaling well over 1,000 volunteer hours. This partnership with Millikin has been important for both the students and MCCD.
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
An Oak in Time
As a wildlife professional for a number of years, I have come to appreciate the enormity and the greatness of big oaks that can be found in the forests and savannas throughout Illinois. Many of these giants have been standing silently witnessing the changes in seasons, crop rotations, and man’s technology...
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.
