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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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.
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🐴Here's some news for our equestrian riders out at Sand Creek Conservation Area! We have decided to do away with our bridle tag fees and switch to a donation box instead. You can put any donations either in the donation box at Sand Creek Conservation Area, or you can also mail them to us. Thank you for choosing our equestrian trails!🐎
Don't forget that we have sunset yoga in the pines with local instructor, Michelle Huttes, this evening! We couldn't have asked for nicer weather for it!
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This month, leading up to the late Leo and Anne Pondelick’s wedding anniversary we are celebrating the couple’s favorite charities.
Every year, the Macon County Conservation District Foundation receives a distribution from the couple’s endowed fund at the HICF.
Thank you, Leo and Anne, for sharing a love that keeps on giving to our community in perpetuity!
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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 . . .
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Sand Creek is one of the nicest riding trails around. It’s a huge asset. There’s always trailers there. I could ride out there all day.
I wish there was overnight horse camping. We have some amazing trails. It could really become something special if it was given the opportunity.
I LOVE riding at Sand Creek! Would absolutely be there more if I had a trailer 🫤 I really hope they never touch this, it's literally the only place horses are welcome!
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