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.
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.
Living on the Edge: Part 1
In the world of ecology, the "edge" refers to the boundary zone where two distinct habitats meet. These transition areas, known as ecotones, are crucial to the health and functionality of ecosystems.
A Spring Awakening
By Alysia Callison As the days get longer and the air warms, the natural world begins to buzz with signs of spring. One seasonal staple is the appearance of baby animals – new to the world, they often cause concern for well-meaning folks who find them in their yards, along roadsides, or in green spaces. So, what should you do if you find a baby animal? Leave it alone! Unless the animal is clearly injured or showing signs of distress, don’t touch it. Oftentimes, the parents know where the baby is and will return to check on it. Relocating the...
Shake Off Winter with a Dose of Nature
By Ashton Dukeman Celebrate the end of cabin fever because spring is here! Color and sunshine will finally be coming back into our lives as plants start to bud and bloom and the sun banishes those winter-gray skies. What better way to shake off the winter blues than by getting outdoors in less than four layers of thermal gear. During the winter months, when many of us are confined to our homes, screens become a go-to source of entertainment to pass the time. This habit can be hard to break once the weather starts to warm, often leading to less...
District Project Updates
By Jerry Culp With the busy summer and fall seasons behind us, we’re turning our focus to several exciting new projects that will benefit both our community and local ecosystems. Here’s a look into three of our biggest projects. Indoor-Outdoor Classroom A new Indoor-Outdoor Classroom is being constructed in the lower level of the Rock Springs Nature Center thanks to funding from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act, or PARC Grant, through the State of Illinois. It will feature: Adaptive Classroom Space: With a glass wall that will open to the outside and cohesive flooring that translates...
Takeaways from the 2024 ANCA Annual Summit
By Taylor Buley Working at a Nature Center and for a Conservation District allows for myriad opportunities. There are many conferences and summits out there for staff to explore and to help expand their professional network. One organization that we connect with here at Macon County Conservation District is the Association of Nature Center Administrators, or ANCA. ANCA is a non-profit professional organization that is dedicated to leaders in the nature and environmental learning profession. Their mission is to promote and support the best leadership and management practices, and ANCA serves more than 700 members across North America. They are...
🎉 The countdown is officially on—only 5 days until our first-ever Wine in the Wild! 🍷
And guess what? Tickets are SOLD OUT! 🙌 We knew this event would be something special, but seeing the overwhelming support from our community has been incredible. Thank you!
🙏 A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated or sponsored the event—your support means the world to us and plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our natural spaces.
If you didn’t snag a ticket but still want to support our fundraiser and help us continue our mission of conservation, you can still donate!
👉 Head to givebutter.com/c/WineInTheWild and click the Donate/Tickets button.
💡 Bonus: On the night of the event, you can use the same link to follow along and watch the Live Display to see how close we are to reaching our fundraising goal!
We can’t wait to see how this magical evening unfolds—and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s helping us make it happen.
Like and Follow our Foundation's Facebook page to keep up with and support all our fundraising efforts!
#WineInTheWild2025 #MaconCountyConservationFoundation #MaconItWild #MaconConservation🎉 The countdown is officially on—only 5 days until our first-ever Wine in the Wild! 🍷
And guess what? Tickets are SOLD OUT! 🙌 We knew this event would be something special, but seeing the overwhelming support from our community has been incredible. Thank you!
🙏 A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated or sponsored the event—your support means the world to us and plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our natural spaces.
If you didn’t snag a ticket but still want to support our fundraiser and help us continue our mission of conservation, you can still donate!
👉 Head to givebutter.com/c/WineInTheWild and click the Donate/Tickets button.
💡 Bonus: On the night of the event, you can use the same link to follow along and watch the Live Display to see how close we are to reaching our fundraising goal!
We can’t wait to see how this magical evening unfolds—and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s helping us make it happen.
#WineInTheWild2025 #MaconCountyConservationFoundation #MaconItWild #MaconConservation
We’ve been so excited to share this Indoor-Outdoor Classroom update—the frames for the big outer doors have arrived and installation has officially begun! 🚪🎉
Every step brings us closer to completing this incredible space, and we can’t wait to welcome the community in to enjoy it.
While watching the installation, we couldn’t resist testing out a few of the new glider chairs... and let’s just say, this place is shaping up to be the new go-to spot to relax, recharge, and connect with nature. 🌿💺
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Have you noticed fewer fireflies lighting up your summer nights? There's a reason for that.
Firefly—or lightning bug, depending on where you’re from—populations are on the decline. And once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. One of the biggest threats to these glowing icons is habitat loss, with light pollution and pesticide use adding to the problem.
But the good news? You can help!
✨ Turn off outdoor lights at night to reduce light pollution.
🐞 Avoid chemical pesticides on your property.
🌼 Plant native flowers and grasses—great for fireflies and all our local wildlife.
🗣️ Spread the word and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Let’s keep our summer nights glowing—for us, and for future generations. 💛
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Surprise science moment! 🐢
Our Mini Campers got to witness a red-eared slider laying eggs right after camp ended—what a cool experience!
Moments like this are what nature-based learning is all about. 🌿✨
Stay tuned for the accompanying reel!🎥
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Time for a Window on Wildlife Wednesday post! It's that time of year again for our raccoon babies to start making their appearance at the window! We love seeing these little friends eat, play, and nap all through the summer. 🦝
If you haven't had a chance to see them, there are there most days throughout the day! Come out and kick back on the couch for some relaxing nature time without the humidity and mosquitoes. 🦟
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