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.
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
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Project Updates: Learn What’s Going on at the Macon County Conservation District
By Ashton Dukeman As we reach the halfway point of the Macon County Conservation District's 60th anniversary year, we wanted to share updates on a couple of projects previously reported in the Winter 2024 edition of the Prairie Islander. With the Indoor-Outdoor Classroom now completed, our focus turns to other large ongoing projects: Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Woodbine Farm, and the Scovill Bike Trail Connection. The Scovill Bike Trail Connection aims to enhance trail connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians by bridging the gap between the Rock Springs-Fairview Park BikeTrail and the Decatur Park District's upgraded trail system at Scovill...
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.
Good news! The Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail has reopened. Be sure to pack plenty of water and know your limits if you're planning to visit this week; this heat is no joke!
Did you know July 1 is National Patio Day? Neither did we! But we have the PERFECT place for you to celebrate it. Hidden Hollow at Rock Springs Nature Center is one of the most relaxing and comfortable places in Decatur to kick back and just breathe it all in. Literally! Come on out and enjoy some of that fresh, nature air! 🌳
Need a place to eat on your lunch break? We're only an 8 minute drive from South Shores, and 13 minutes from Downtown Decatur. Grab a bite to eat from your favorite local restaurant or bring your lunchbox, and trust us — your coworkers will be wondering what your secret to being so relaxed is. 😏
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UPDATE: Saturday's Base Ball Open Play event has been cancelled as the playing field is too wet. Please message the team on their page to get involved; they are always looking for new players!
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THIS SUNDAY - Join us for the third performance of this year's Rock Springs Summer Concert Series! This weekend, WisenHeart joins us on the stage. These FREE concerts are held at Rock Springs every other Sunday at 7pm. See you there!
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Join us THIS SATURDAY, June 27, to celebrate Independence Day - 1860s style! Tour Homestead Prairie Farm, see the heirloom garden, play vintage toys and games, and enjoy a performance by the Rock Springs Dulcimer Club. You are invited to bring lawn chairs or lawn blankets and snacks. In the event of rain, the Dulcimer Club performance will move inside the Nature Center.
We hope to see you there!
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