Macon County Conservation District

August 19th, 12:13 pm

🦌Good news hunters, all the information for our 2025 Deer Herd Management Program is up online! You can find all the information here: www.maconccd.org/conservation/deer-herd-management/

🏹And a wonderful new addition to our program this year is the new Youth Hunt opportunity. This pilot program offers local youth a meaningful way to take part in conservation through deer herd management. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of why controlling deer populations is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Too many deer in one area can lead to habitat degradation and negatively impact other wildlife. Through this opportunity, young hunters will begin to develop a sense of stewardship by learning responsible, ethical hunting practices and how they contribute to broader conservation efforts. It’s a hands-on way to connect with nature, support healthy habitats, and learn how thoughtful management can protect the natural spaces we all enjoy.

For those not familiar, you might be asking, "Why would a Conservation District have a Deer Herd Management Program?" That's a great question that we are happy to answer!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺

White-tailed deer are an important part of Macon County’s natural areas. Like many native species, they are beautiful and have a place in the ecosystem. But in many of our high quality conservation areas their numbers are so high that habitats are becoming unbalanced.

Deer are large plant eaters and consume a great number of plants. As a result, their high numbers are reducing native plant and animal populations, including endangered species.

Additionally, human activity eliminated natural predators of deer, such as mountain lions and wolves in the early days of the county’s settlement. There is little hope of returning those predators. In their absence, deer populations grow unchecked.

To maintain a healthy balance between the deer population and other species, the Conservation District initiated a limited archery hunting program. Over-harvesting is avoided by monitoring deer habitat and numbers.

𝘊𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦? The unfortunate reality is we may never be able to “let nature take its course.” The high reproductive capability of deer (each doe can have two fawns), lack of natural predators, and limited suitable habitat mean deer numbers can become unmanageable to a point of jeopardizing themselves and the communities they inhabit. ... See MoreSee Less

Macon County Conservation District

August 14th, 11:14 am

🪶 New Exhibit Alert! 🪶
Step into our Window on Wildlife room and explore "Birds of Rock Springs" — a brand-new exhibit created by our summer interpreter intern, Felicity, and Audubon intern, Salem.

Discover the incredible variety of bird species that call Rock Springs Conservation Area home. Get an up-close look at our bird specimen display, see how your own wingspan measures up to some of our feathered friends on the wingspan wall, and grab a bird bingo booklet before you head out for a hike to see how many species you can find! Too warm for a hike? Settle into our comfy couch with your bird bingo booklet and see how many species you can spot at the feeders from the comfort of the indoors.

🐦This exhibit will be sticking around for a little while, so spread your wings and fly on in! On your way in, be sure to check out the fresh updates to our outdoor patio space.

📍 Rock Springs Nature Center – Free admission, open daily.

#maconitwild #outdoordecatur #onlyinillinois #middleofeverything #DecaturIL #DecaturEvents #illinoisevents #maconconservation #enjoyillinois #birdsofillinois #audubon #birdphotography #birds #birding ... See MoreSee Less

Macon County Conservation District

August 13th, 4:52 pm

Imagine this: you’re gathered with friends and family in our new indoor–outdoor classroom, sunlight streaming and a gentle breeze blowing in through the open doors, your guests moving seamlessly between the rooms and patio.🌿

Here’s a peek from inside the two window-facing rooms—soon to be filled with celebrations, laughter, and memories. We can already picture birthday parties, family reunions, showers, and community gatherings happening here… can you?

#maconitwild #outdoordecatur #onlyinillinois #middleofeverything #DecaturIL #DecaturEvents #illinoisevents #maconconservation #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less