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.
60 Years of Conservation, Community, and Connection
All good stories start with an idea, and the story of the Macon County Conservation District is no different. The story of MCCD is one of commitment, drive, and belief. So, where did the idea come from? To find that answer, we must go all the way back to 1935 – 31 years before the District was formed.
Creature Feature – Northern Bobwhite
The Northern Bobwhite Taylor Buley As of July 2024, there are a total of 459 species of birds living in Illinois. One of these species is the Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), also known as the Virginia quail or bobwhite quail. They share the order Galliformes with three other bird species in Illinois: wild turkey, greater prairie-chicken, and the ring-checked pheasant. Galliformes is the order containing grouse, quail, and turkey families. The Northern Bobwhite is unique because they are the only quail species native to the Eastern United States. They are in the family Odontophoridae or New World Quail, in comparison...
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.
🚚We had a very special delivery today. The trees have arrived for the Rooted in Community: 1,000 Tree Planting Event! Due to a couple very generous donations, we are now 64% into our goal! We only have 370 trees left to fund before the whole project has been fully funded!
Want to help us reach that goal and be a part of something lasting? Head to givebutter.com/1000TreesEvent where you can purchase the trees for $20, and there are options for additional donations as well.
We also need all the help we can get planting this many trees, no donation necessary! The trees are all the size you see pictured, the holes will be pre-dug by staff, and we will have staff and others on hand to teach you how to plant them. This is perfect opportunity for our area high school students needing volunteer hours as well. Email Ashton Dukeman at ADukeman@MaconCCD.org to be added to the list of volunteers.
Thank you for celebrating this special milestone year with us. Strong communities start with deep roots, and the future of Macon County is stronger because of you!🌳
*UPDATE*
The power has been restored and the Conservation Area is back open!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
There is a downed power line on Brozio Lane and power is out to all facilities at the Rock Springs Conservation Area. Access to the Conservation Area it's is also closed. We will post when we are able to reopen. Thank you for your understanding.
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Want to make an impact and get your hands dirty? Don't like digging but love planting? Come volunteer with us on April 18th at our Rooted in Community Event where we will plant 1000 trees! Holes are pre-dug by our staff. You'll be in charge of placing your tree in the hole and covering it with soil (the most satisfactory part of planting)
Don't want to get dirty or can't make it? No problem! You can donate $20 to purchase a tree to be planted (we'll do the dirty work for you).
You can also fundraise for the trees or check out our sponsorship opportunities that are available. For a team or individual fundraiser, contact Ashton Dukeman at ADukeman@MaconCCD.org.
We are half way to our goal thanks to our wonderful community! There are only 471 trees left, and we know with the help and support of our generous community, we will hit our goal of funding all 1,000 trees. You're role is vital and we appreciate your support! Share this with friends/family for a group activity to get together and make a difference.
Together we are improving habitats and combating the human footprint, one tree at a time!
givebutter.com/1000TreesEvent
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The April 4 Saturday Stroll will be canceled for our Egg Hunt program. You can join us next Saturday, April 11!
Thank you for your understanding!
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🌬️ Safety First: High Wind Advisory for Hikers and Bikers! 🌬️
We know everyone is itching to get outside and enjoy the warm temperatures! However, with extremely high winds today, we strongly recommend avoiding wooded trails due to the increased risk of falling branches and trees. If you're looking forward to seeing the spring flowers blooming, here are a couple pictures of some spring beauties and bloodroot to hold you over until the winds die down!
If you're needing to stretch your legs, our prairie trails are open and provide a safer option to enjoy the fresh air!
If you must hike near trees, please take extra precautions:
👂 Keep headphones out—stay alert to creaking trees and falling branches.
👀 Be aware of your surroundings—watch for shifting debris.
🌬️ Consider postponing your hike until the winds die down.
Your safety is our priority! We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe while still enjoying nature responsibly. Stay safe and happy trails! 🌳💨
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