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.
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.
A Spring Awakening
By Alysia Callison As the days get longer and the air warms, the natural world begins to buzz with signs of spring. One seasonal staple is the appearance of baby animals – new to the world, they often cause concern for well-meaning folks who find them in their yards, along roadsides, or in green spaces. So, what should you do if you find a baby animal? Leave it alone! Unless the animal is clearly injured or showing signs of distress, don’t touch it. Oftentimes, the parents know where the baby is and will return to check on it. Relocating the...
Shake Off Winter with a Dose of Nature
By Ashton Dukeman Celebrate the end of cabin fever because spring is here! Color and sunshine will finally be coming back into our lives as plants start to bud and bloom and the sun banishes those winter-gray skies. What better way to shake off the winter blues than by getting outdoors in less than four layers of thermal gear. During the winter months, when many of us are confined to our homes, screens become a go-to source of entertainment to pass the time. This habit can be hard to break once the weather starts to warm, often leading to less...
Only 24 more days until the Macon County Conservation Foundation's Wine in the Wild! Check out this interview with the District's Executive Director Jerry Culp and the Foundation's President Robin Caceres that has all the information about the evening.
Tickets are limited, so lasso yours up today! 🤠
With all the rain we've had recently, the dry creek play area off of the new Hidden Hollow patio isn't so dry right now! If you're looking for a rainy day outdoor play opportunity, we would suggest hurrying down to the creek before it dries up again! 🌧️
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There are only 26 days left until the Macon County Conservation Foundation's new hit fundraiser, Wine in the Wild! Ticket sales are starting to pick up, and there are only 125 tickets for this event!
This year marks the Foundation's 45th anniversary, so we're saying Cheers to 45 Years! Grab your tickets before they sell out and join us for another night of fun down on the farm. 🍷
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Today is Endangered Special Day, let's take a moment to learn a little about Illinois' threatened and endangered species list.
Every five years, the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board reviews and revises the Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species list. The animals pictured here are only four of the 513 species of plants and animals that are endangered or threatened in Illinois.
How can you help?
🌿Support the planting of native plants in your yard or garden. They will thrive in their natural habitat and support our native pollinators and wildlife.
🌿Support your local natural resources agencies (that's us!). You can donate to the Macon County Conservation Foundation which helps fund natural area preservation and restoration. You can also volunteer to help us restore our natural spaces!
🌿The most important thing you can do is just to learn about our native species! The more we understand about our critters and plants, the better we can understand what they need to thrive!
Want to read the list and learn more about the species of plants and animals that need our help? In the comments below you'll find the most recent version of the Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species list that was completed updated in 2025!
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Check out these drone shots of the area at Fort Daniel Conservation Area where the 1,000 trees were planted! It's a neat sight to see when standing on the back porch of the Woodbine Farm house and looking out over the field at all the restoration work that's happening.🌳
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