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 mccd@maconccd.org 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.
Explore the Universe with the Macon County Conservation District’s New StarLab Planetarium Experience
We here at the Macon County Conservation District are thrilled to announce the new presentation structure for our brand-new StarLab Planetarium – a fully digital, portable dome that brings the wonders of space and astronomy up close directly to your school or organization. It’s thanks to the generous support from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and additional funding from the Macon County Conservation Foundation that we are able to deliver immersive, unforgettable learning experiences to our community and beyond. A Portable Planetarium That Brings The Wonders of Space to YOU The StarLab Planetarium accommodates 30-40 participants and can...
Weathering the Cold, Part One: Brumation
Illinois is home to over 54,000 different species of wildlife, and the majority are species of insects. Often, the time of year dictates when we can see some of our more familiar species. As fall and winter begin to make their way into Illinois, the animals we see moving around begin to change.
Living on the Edge: Part 3
Part 3—Learn about the importance of the boundary zones where two distinct habitats meet in this three part article series.
Exploring Nature with Your Senses
Sometimes the best way to connect with nature isn’t through facts and field guides—it’s by slowing down and tuning in. Whether you’re walking a wooded trail, sitting beside a prairie, or pausing near a wetland, nature has a way of speaking to all five senses.
Living on the Edge: Part 2
Part 2—Learn about the importance of the boundary zones where two distinct habitats meet in this three part article series.
9th Annual Summer Concert Series
This outdoor concert series sponsored by Stifel Investment Services is held every other Sunday in the summer, and features a variety of bands and performers that play Americana, bluegrass, folk, old-time, and more. Bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Check out our programs and events for this week! You can find the full list with details and registration at www.maconccd.org/
Rock Springs Nature Center will be closing at noon today, November 29, due to the weather. The trails at all District sites remain open. Enjoy the snow!
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Prairie Islander Newsletter Winter 2025—See What's Happening!
www.maconccd.org/wp-content/uploads/1556-PI-Winter-25-web_lores.pdf
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It's with heavy hearts we have to announce that Gayle, our American bullfrog ambassador animal at the Rock Springs Nature Center has passed away. She was one of our long-term animal residents that had a special and goofy personality that we will greatly miss.
"I have never met a frog with such a strong personality. Gayle - and all her quirks - will be sorely missed." Alysia Callison
"She was a frog who didn't know how to be a frog, and I loved her dearly for it." Taylor Buley
"She really was my favorite little weirdo. She was such a goofy little frog and I will miss seeing her on her favorite spot on top of her waterfall." Ashton Dukeman
R.I.P. Gayle the Bullfrog. Our little weirdo will be missed dearly. 🐸💚
If you ever stopped into the Nature Center and took a picture of her, we would love to see them in the comments below!
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🚀 Big News! Our brand-new StarLab Planetarium program is ready to blast off into classrooms and community spaces across Macon County!
This fully digital, portable planetarium brings the wonders of the night sky straight to your group—planets, stars, constellations, and more. 🌟
We’ve put together all the details (including setup requirements and how to book) in a new article on our website.
Check out the article by clicking the link below 👇🏼
We can’t wait to help your group explore the night sky—one constellation at a time.🌌
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