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
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Built by Nature, Crafted by Us. Here’s the Story Behind the New Timber Frame Pavilion at Friends Creek Conservation Area
For the past several months, there has been a project that we have kept quiet about while our staff worked hard to complete it. We sat down with Friends Creek Site Superintendent, Andy Murphy, to learn all the details about this newest structure at the Friends Creek Conservation Area group camp site. What is this structure we are standing by called? This is a King Post Pavilion. The top of the main bents are shaped to look like the king chess piece. You mentioned the term “bents”, care to talk a little bit more about those? Yeah, those are...
Decatur Area Audubon Society Bus Grants for 2024-25 School Year
Decatur Area Audubon Society is once again providing funding towards bus transportation for the 2024-25 school year to Rock Springs Nature Center or any of the five Macon County Conservation Areas, or towards in-classroom programs with Conservation District staff. This grant applies to any school in Macon County, or those serving students living in Macon County, as well as other area schools. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and can be used toward: • Bus transportation to Rock Springs Nature Center or any of the five Macon County Conservation Areas, • In-classroom programs presented by a District...
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...
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...
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...
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...
🎉 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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