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...
Quick PSA for tomorrow, Friday, August 21📢
The Rock Springs Nature Center will be closed tomorrow until 2pm for staff training and development. We thank you for your understanding!
Don't forget that tomorrow at noon is when the registration for the Creek Walk and the Beginner's Foraging Workshop: Wildflowers will close! We only have the following amount of spots available:
🌊Creek Walk: REGISTRATION FILLED
🌻Beginner's Foraging Workshop: 5 spots remaining
You can find the link to our events page in the comments below. Don't miss out on your chance to snag a spot before they fill up!The first week or two of school is officially in the books—which means everyone might be ready for a little break from schedules, classrooms, and early mornings.
Come get your hands (and feet!) dirty at our Creek Walk at Fort Daniel Conservation Area this weekend!
Slip on those water shoes and join us as we explore the creek, search for cool discoveries, and enjoy a little taste of summer while it lasts. Whether the water is high or low, there’s always something new to find!
Whether you’re bringing the kiddos, looking for a fun family adventure, or just want a break from the office to get outside and explore the creek yourself, there’s room for everyone!
💧 $5/person
👟 Close-toed shoes required
📅 Register online by August 21
🎟️ Only 16 spots left *𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 1 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭!*
Give those back-to-school brains a chance to unwind—or give yourself a break from the daily grind! Come splash, explore, get a little dirty, and enjoy some time outside while summer is still here.
This program is open to everyone! Kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone else who’s ready to get out, get their feet wet, and explore are welcome!
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We have just seven spots left in part one of our three part foraging workshop series: wildflowers. You can register at:
🔗https://www.maconccd.org/events/beginners-foraging-workshop-wildflowers/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The first week or two of school is officially in the books—which means everyone might be ready for a little break from schedules, classrooms, and early mornings.
Come get your hands (and feet!) dirty at our Creek Walk at Fort Daniel Conservation Area this weekend!
Slip on those water shoes and join us as we explore the creek, search for cool discoveries, and enjoy a little taste of summer while it lasts. Whether the water is high or low, there’s always something new to find!
Whether you’re bringing the kiddos, looking for a fun family adventure, or just want a break from the office to get outside and explore the creek yourself, there’s room for everyone!
💧 $5/person
👟 Close-toed shoes required
📅 Register online by August 21
🎟️ Only 16 spots left *𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 1 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭!*
Give those back-to-school brains a chance to unwind—or give yourself a break from the daily grind! Come splash, explore, get a little dirty, and enjoy some time outside while summer is still here.
This program is open to everyone! Kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone else who’s ready to get out, get their feet wet, and explore are welcome!
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Bike Trail at Rock Springs Conservation Area is currently closed due to flooding. We will update when it reopens. Thank you for your understanding.
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