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.
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...
District Project Updates
By Jerry Culp With the busy summer and fall seasons behind us, we’re turning our focus to several exciting new projects that will benefit both our community and local ecosystems. Here’s a look into three of our biggest projects. Indoor-Outdoor Classroom A new Indoor-Outdoor Classroom is being constructed in the lower level of the Rock Springs Nature Center thanks to funding from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act, or PARC Grant, through the State of Illinois. It will feature: Adaptive Classroom Space: With a glass wall that will open to the outside and cohesive flooring that translates...
☀️Who's ready for laid back summer Sundays with some good music?
We're excited to announce our lineup for the 2026 Summer Concert Series at Rock Springs Conservation Area! These free one-hour long concerts are the perfect way to end a long week. Bring a chair or picnic blanket and relax on the lawn while the talented musicians play the night away.🎶
We can't wait to see you there!
🦃Check out this handsome fellow! Staff were able to hurry downstairs to catch some shots of this wild tom turkey trying to impress the ladies.
*Side note, they were not impressed. Sorry Tom, better luck next time.
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Was your Wedding Ceremony at one of the Macon County Conservation District locations? Did you tie the knot in the Pine Forest? Say “I do” at Cattail Pond? Commit to till death do us part at The Overlook at Griswold Conservation Area? We’re looking to expand our wedding gallery and update our webpage, and we would love your help! 👰♀️🤵♂️
If you would like to contribute to our nature wedding gallery and consent to your pictures being publicly shared by Macon County Conservation District and Macon County Conservation Foundation, please send us your favorite pictures! We are looking for shots that emphasis the nature in the background; the beauty that drew you to that location. Feel free to send them to us on Facebook or email them to events@maconccd.org
We appreciate you choosing our natural spaces as the backdrop to your beautiful day and we are ecstatic to be a part of many more! 💍🌲
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🌲Love nature and looking for a fun weekend job? We've got the perfect position for you!
We are hiring for a permanent part-time Weekend Naturalist. In this position, you'll be working at the Rock Springs Nature Center presenting programs, greeting visitors, and proving assistance and information to the public.
Ready to apply? Head to www.maconccd.org/get-involved/job-opportunities/ to read the full job description and fill out an application!
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Cheers to 45 years!🍷🌳
The big night is only 44 days away! Wine in the Wild 2026 is sure to be another hit with guests as we celebrate 45 years of the Macon County Conservation Foundation under the big tent. There will be a silent auction, games, and a night of fun and laughter.
You can learn more, view sponsorship opportunities to help support this event, and purchase tickets by heading to www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/
We can't wait to see you there!
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