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
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Built by Nature, Crafted by Us. Here’s the Story Behind the New Timber Frame Pavilion at Friends Creek Conservation Area
For the past several months, there has been a project that we have kept quiet about while our staff worked hard to complete it. We sat down with Friends Creek Site Superintendent, Andy Murphy, to learn all the details about this newest structure at the Friends Creek Conservation Area group camp site. What is this structure we are standing by called? This is a King Post Pavilion. The top of the main bents are shaped to look like the king chess piece. You mentioned the term “bents”, care to talk a little bit more about those? Yeah, those are...
Decatur Area Audubon Society Bus Grants for 2024-25 School Year
Decatur Area Audubon Society is once again providing funding towards bus transportation for the 2024-25 school year to Rock Springs Nature Center or any of the five Macon County Conservation Areas, or towards in-classroom programs with Conservation District staff. This grant applies to any school in Macon County, or those serving students living in Macon County, as well as other area schools. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and can be used toward: • Bus transportation to Rock Springs Nature Center or any of the five Macon County Conservation Areas, • In-classroom programs presented by a District...
Lichen and Fungi… Oh My!
By Hope Moore The kingdom Fungi have been very misunderstood for many years, only being classified as a kingdom since 1969. They had been considered plants prior to this year, meaning scientists have only had a small portion of time to truly study and understand them as their own kingdom. Not all fungi are created equal considering the many different ways they can appear. Some can be microscopic, others can form visible fruiting bodies (e.g. a mushroom), and they can come in many colors and sizes. With this, it can be really difficult to classify what each fungus is...
The Prairie Islander is Going Digital!
By Ashton Dukeman Since its launch in 1976, the Prairie Islander has been a valuable source of District information and updates, documenting the evolution of the District with each printed edition. As we embark on a new chapter, transitioning from ink and paper to a digital platform, we reflect on the history that has shaped this long - running newsletter. Join us as we explore its journey through the decades, celebrating its legacy while embracing the future of sustainable communication. When the newsletter began, it didn’t go by the familiar name of Prairie Islander that we now know. It...
A Summer Intern’s Involvement
By DCLI Intern, Sam R. Being an intern with the MCCD (Macon County Conservation District) this summer has been absolutely amazing, to say the least. All sorts of different opportunities and tasks came my way that exposed me to things I hadn’t necessarily done before, let alone in a work environment! These new experiences not only allowed me to improve my photography skills but also have fun and meet new people while doing it! This article provides an in-depth look into my experience as an intern with the MCCD and also explores how it influenced my personal and professional...
Let Them Be Wild
By Ashton Dukeman We understand more than most that baby animals are downright adorable, but is it ever a good idea to take an animal from the wild to keep as a pet? The answer to that would be, no. No matter how cute a wild animal is, removing them from their home in the wild to bring in and attempt to keep them as a domestic animal is never advisable for many reasons. Wild animals can be dangerous. Wild animals are just that: wild. They have natural instincts that they have developed to protect themselves, and it is not...
You've still got time to make it out to the second concert in the Summer Concert Series, Celtic Whistle! Join us from 7-8pm tonight for some free, live music in the great outdoors! Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic dinner or purchase some concessions, and end your week on a musical note. 🎶
🍀 This Friday the 13th, don’t test your luck—plan ahead to catch the next performance in our Summer Concert Series!
🎶 Join us this Sunday, June 15 from 7–8pm for Celtic Whistle, a talented group bringing the rich sounds of Irish instrumental music to Rock Springs Conservation Area. From lively jigs to peaceful melodies, it’s the perfect way to wind down your weekend.
These concerts are free, family-friendly, and full of charm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and let the music carry you away.
Concerts are held near the Rock Springs Nature Center. Tap “Interested” or “Going” in the event so you don’t forget! Summer Concert Series: Celtic Whistle
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📅Don't miss our weekend programming for June 14 & 15! For the programs that require online registration, you have until noon, Friday, June 13. You can see all details and get signed up by clicking the Learn More button below!
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🎶 Set a reminder— Summer Concert Series: Celtic Whistle is coming up next in our 2025 lineup at Rock Springs Conservation Area!
Join us Sunday, June 15 from 7–8pm for an evening of free, family-friendly music. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of Celtic Whistle as you wind down the weekend.
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🍷 Only 18 Days to Go! 🍷
Our very first Wine in the Wild event is fast approaching, and the response has been incredible! We’re thrilled to welcome you out to the beautiful Woodbine Farm for an evening of drinks, food, and fundraising fun.
But here’s the catch—this is an exclusive, limited-ticket event and we’re down to our final 30 tickets out of just 100!
🎟️ Don’t wait—grab your tickets today before they’re gone! Help support local conservation efforts and be part of this exciting new tradition.
🌿 Want to do even more for nature? Become a sponsor! Your support helps the Macon County Conservation Foundation continue preserving and protecting natural spaces in our community.
📲 Ticket sales and sponsorship details can be found here:
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