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 the programs and events this week at the Macon County Conservation District! You can find the full list of events with registration details at www.maconccd.org/events/
Happy Illinois Day to all the Illinoisans out there in the Prairie State! 🌾
From restored prairies to rich local history, Illinois has a story worth exploring — and we’re honored to help protect part of it!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
As we head into the weekend, we want to give a quick update on our cross-country ski rentals. 🎿
Trail conditions are no longer suitable for cross-country skiing. However, snowshoe rentals are still available. Equipment is limited, and rentals will be first-come, first-served.
We hope whether you're walking, running, or snowshoeing, you are enjoying your time outdoors this weekend! ❄️
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Word is spreading about our #homeschool programs, and spots are disappearing quickly!
Join us each month for engaging nature and history activities—crafts, games, discussions, and outdoor exploration included.
Next program: December 10
Registration closes: December 8 at noon
Don’t wait—register today!
Check out these programs and all the other educational programming we have to offer at www.maconccd.org/events/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Got a passion for plants? Swooning over salamanders? Feel personally offended when someone misidentifies a sycamore?
Sounds like you might be destined to become a Master Naturalist. 🌳
If you’re ready to dig deeper, learn more, and give back to nature and local organizations (like us!), check out the post below from University of Illinois Extension DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties to learn about their upcoming Master Naturalist trainings and see how to get involved!If you have thought about becoming a Master Naturalist, it's time to register for the upcoming training. Share your passion for the natural world with the community!
Sessions will be on Tuesday evenings:
• 6 to 9 p.m.
• Jan. 13 through March 31
•Macon County Extension Office
•$150 fee, but waivers available
Find more information and register at go.illinois.edu/NaturalistTraining by Jan. 4.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
View more comments