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
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...
🎃Get ready to explore Rock Springs after dark for a spooky stroll along the Treat Trail! Put on your costume and bring your treat bag to visit a series of treat stops along the bike trail and through the pine forest for a spook-tacular Halloween event.
Want to be a part of the magic behind one of Macon County's favorite fall traditions? Whether you're a business looking to sponsor or an individual ready to volunteer, now's the time to jump in — message us, email, or comment below to get started! 👻
www.maconccd.org/annual-events-mccd/treat-trail/
🍂 It's only mid-August, but we're already gearing up for one of our most popular events of the year — the Treat Trail! 🎃
This year, we're excited to announce we're holding this event over TWO nights! We know spots fill up fast and many were bummed to miss out last year, so staff came up with a plan to offer it over two nights this time around.
An event like this takes a lot of hands and generous help to pull off, so we are starting to look for sponsors for this year's Treat Trail, presented by Glenda Williamson Realty 🌟 You can find the list of benefits in the graphic below, or head to the link in the comments to see the full details on our website.
We're also looking for volunteers to help make this event a success! 🙌 Whether you can join us for one night or both, we'd love to have you on the team. Interested? Reach out to us directly and we'll get you all the details.
Want to be a part of the magic behind one of Macon County's favorite fall traditions? Whether you're a business looking to sponsor or an individual ready to volunteer, now's the time to jump in — message us, email, or comment below to get started! 👻
We hope you can join us in being a part of this spook-tacular event as we take a walk on the wild side after dark for a fun Halloween event full of treats, activities, and fun for the whole family. 🦇🕸️
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INVITATION TO BID
MCCD Rock Springs-Scovill Bike Trail Paving & Nature Center Parking Lot Paving 2026
For a complete list of the specifications and to download the bidding documents for this project, please visit our Invitation to Bid page. Link in the comments below.
All inquiries about this project can be directed to our Director of Operations, Philip Julius, at PJulius@MaconCCD.org
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🌧️It's a great day for a hike. While the pines tower overhead and raindrops patter through the branches, some of the coolest things in the forest are small enough to miss in a single step — so today, look down as much as you look up.
If you come out to play in the rain, be sure to stop by the gardens around Hidden Hollow to see some birds nest fungi in various stages!
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🌧Rainy days mean a chance to play in the Hidden Hollow creek at the Rock Springs Nature Center.
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