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...
NOTICE OF CLOSURES AND CANCELLATIONS FOR JUNE 18
Due to damage from last night's severe storms, we have the following announcements regarding closures and cancellations. Please check back for updates.
* The Rock Springs Nature Center building is closed. *Water is back on at the info shelter pavilion restrooms. The building will reopen at the usual time tomorrow Friday, June 19.
* The Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail remains closed due to flooding and will remain closed until it is safe to reopen. The water is very high and flowing fast. Once it receeds, dries, and we can clean off the trail, we will reopen it.
* Earth Adventures and Mini Camps are both cancelled. Extreme Camp will continue as planned. Parents and guardians are being contacted.
* We would advise not hiking on the trails at our sites as crews are out working diligently to remove the debris. If you do go out, please exercise extreme caution and give the crews plenty of space to work.
* All rentals for today will be cancelled and will be notified and refunded.
* Sand Creek Conservation Area trails are open, but we advise using caution and your best judgment. The creek is up, so please either wait to hike/ride or do so safely.
We will post any updates as we receive them.
Thank you for your understanding.
📢IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT📢
Due to incoming severe weather, we will be cancelling tonight's June District Board meeting that was set to start at 5:30pm.
The Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail and Wycles canoe launch are also closed due to the flooding of the Sangamon River.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!
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🥾Celebrate Father's Day with a free hike out at Rock Springs Conservation Area! We'll take a stroll down the Big Oak Trail and connect with other nature-minded people. You can read all the details and register at: www.maconccd.org/events/fathers-day-hike/
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Let's play ball!⚾
Our very own Rock Springs Ground Squirrels are having an open day of play on June 27th at 11am! They are hoping to get some new additions to the vintage base ball team and are inviting the community out to give it a try. Players must be at least 16 years of age, and there will be a potluck that you are welcome to attend as well. Other players from other teams are also invited, so you'll have a chance to learn all about this game from the players themselves!
Come out and see how this more than 160 year old game was played and discover why so many people love this sport!
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It's Nature Photography Day!📷 This is a day to encourage people of all skill levels to explore the outdoors and capture the beauty of nature. And we couldn't ask for better weather!
What will you discover when you get outside and Explore Your Outdoors?
If you get some photos, we would love to see them in the comments below!
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