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@MaconCountyConservation.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.
Lichen and Fungi… Oh My!
By Hope Moore The kingdom Fungi have been very misunderstood for many years, only being classified as a kingdom since 1969. They had been considered plants prior to this year, meaning scientists have only had a small portion of time to truly study and understand them as their own kingdom. Not all fungi are created equal considering the many different ways they can appear. Some can be microscopic, others can form visible fruiting bodies (e.g. a mushroom), and they can come in many colors and sizes. With this, it can be really difficult to classify what each fungus is and...
The Prairie Islander is Going Digital!
By Ashton Dukeman Since its launch in 1976, the Prairie Islander has been a valuable source of District information and updates, documenting the evolution of the District with each printed edition. As we embark on a new chapter, transitioning from ink and paper to a digital platform, we reflect on the history that has shaped this long - running newsletter. Join us as we explore its journey through the decades, celebrating its legacy while embracing the future of sustainable communication. When the newsletter began, it didn’t go by the familiar name of Prairie Islander that we now know. It started...
Homeschool Programs Returning for Fall at Macon County Conservation District
As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air, it's the perfect time for homeschool children to delve into nature and history with Macon County Conservation District’s fall homeschool programs. Designed for ages 5-15, these programs offer an engaging blend of discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, and games led by our knowledgeable naturalists. Students will have the opportunity to explore both indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Each session costs $15 per child, and registration is available online by the specified dates. The Power of Pollinators Date: Wednesday, September 11, 10am-12pm...
A Summer Intern’s Involvement
By DCLI Intern, Sam R. Being an intern with the MCCD (Macon County Conservation District) this summer has been absolutely amazing, to say the least. All sorts of different opportunities and tasks came my way that exposed me to things I hadn’t necessarily done before, let alone in a work environment! These new experiences not only allowed me to improve my photography skills but also have fun and meet new people while doing it! This article provides an in-depth look into my experience as an intern with the MCCD and also explores how it influenced my personal and professional growth....
Let Them Be Wild
By Ashton Dukeman We understand more than most that baby animals are downright adorable, but is it ever a good idea to take an animal from the wild to keep as a pet? The answer to that would be, no. No matter how cute a wild animal is, removing them from their home in the wild to bring in and attempt to keep them as a domestic animal is never advisable for many reasons. Wild animals can be dangerous. Wild animals are just that: wild. They have natural instincts that they have developed to protect themselves, and it is not...
A Solid Foundation
By Ashton Dukeman We here at the Macon County Conservation District wouldn’t be able to do what we do without several vital things that all play major roles in our daily operations, including our amazing volunteer base, our stellar and knowledgeable staff, and of course, the public that we serve. One other major piece of the puzzle that makes up the Macon County Conservation District is the Macon County Conservation Foundation. As the fundraising arm of the District, the Macon County Conservation Foundation actively works to restore and preserve local natural areas, and to ensure a good quality of...
🍷Sip, Savor, & Support the Macon County Conservation Foundation.
Join us on June 28 for an unforgettable evening at Wine in the Wild, featuring delicious drinks, food, games, an exciting auction, and a sneak peek at the future plans for Woodbine Farm and Fort Daniel Conservation Area. Whether you’re clinking glasses with us in person or cheering from afar, your support makes a real difference.
Even if you can’t attend, you can still help us preserve and restore these incredible natural and historical spaces for generations to come. You can donate on our auction and donation GiveButter page to get on the leader-board and help us reach our goal! If you can't make it to the event the night of, you'll still be able to follow along with our fundraising progress throughout the evening with the Live Display option!
givebutter.com/c/WineInTheWild
Sponsor. Donate. Be part of something wild.
🎟️For tickets and event sponsorship information, head to our event page here: www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/
🌾 We're Hiring an Operations Supervisor!
Love the outdoors and leading a team? We’re looking for a natural resources pro to help manage and restore the wild and wonderful spaces of Macon County.
You’ll lead efforts to protect habitats, improve air and water quality, and preserve the natural and cultural gems that make our area so special—for today and tomorrow.
📍 Join our management team and make a lasting impact.
🔗 www.maconccd.org/get-involved/job-opportunities/
#ConservationCareers #MaconConservation #HiringNow
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We’ve been keeping a little secret… 👀
Behind the scenes, we’ve been hard at work with Blue Heron Web Design crafting something shiny and new—and it’s finally LIVE! 🖥️✨
Our brand-new website is here, and it’s easier than ever to explore everything you love about the Conservation District:
🌿 Programs & events
📢 News & announcements
👩🏫 Education info
📅 Facility rentals
💼 Job opportunities (yep—we're hiring!)
So go ahead—click around, get inspired, and maybe even find your next adventure (or your next job).
👉 www.MaconCCD.org/
Let us know what you think, and happy exploring!
#NewWebsiteWhoDis #GoWildOnline #MaconCountyConservation
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Looking for some camp activities to fill some time this summer? Our X-Treme and History camps still have some space left!
Check out the complete line up for bother camps here 👉🏼 www.maconcountyconservation.org/nature-camps-for-kids/
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👀 Sneak peek from above! The new Indoor-Outdoor Classroom is coming to life—and it’s looking tree-mendous! 🌳✨
Check out these beautiful new benches, made from trees harvested, milled, and crafted right here on our own conservation sites. From forest to function, this space is a true celebration of our mission: to connect people with nature and give our natural resources a second life.
This is more than just a classroom—it’s where curiosity meets conservation, and where students of all ages will get inspired by the great outdoors, and where our community can gather to enjoy the outdoors. We can’t wait to welcome you in soon! 🐛📚🌿
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