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.
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.
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.
🦌🏹We would like to congratulate our second youth hunter this season, 11 year old Titan B. on his VERY FIRST deer ever! We are thrilled that he was able to get his first deer in our program!
Great job Titan! We hope all your future hunts are this successful! For more information about this program, head to www.maconccd.org/conservation/deer-herd-management/. Our program is full this year, but you can learn all about it and be ready when application times comes around next year.
This pilot program offers local youth a meaningful way to take part in conservation through deer herd management. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of why controlling deer populations is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Too many deer in one area can lead to habitat degradation and negatively impact other wildlife. Through this opportunity, young hunters will begin to develop a sense of stewardship by learning responsible, ethical hunting practices and how they contribute to broader conservation efforts. It’s a hands-on way to connect with nature, support healthy habitats, and learn how thoughtful management can protect the natural spaces we all enjoy.
As promised, here is the second segment of our ciLiving.tv interviews yesterday! Marketing Specialist Ashton Dukeman talks about the upcoming programs we have in store for you in December, and how you can learn more and get registered for these programs!
Which ones sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Let us know in the comments!
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Yesterday, two of our staff members went out to ciLiving.tv to talk about our latest project and our upcoming programs (stay tuned for that link later!)
First up, our Executive Director - Jerry Culp - talks about the latest project we're working on, the pothole prairie restoration for our Fort Daniel Conservation Area and Woodbine Farm properties.
Is this a project you'd like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments!
#ciliving #maconconservation #MaconItWild
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Check out our programs and events for this week! You can find the full list with details and registration at www.maconccd.org/
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We are so grateful for the grant from Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Decatur Earthmover Credit Union that made this new opportunity possible!
We're excited to be one of the few places that has a StarLab Planetarium that we can travel with and introduce so many people to the wonders of our universe! 🌌
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