The Macon County Conservation District invites you to visit the many natural areas in Macon County, Illinois.

Macon County Conservation District is your entryway to more than 3,600 acres of nature, historic sites, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Hiking and bird watching are just some of the activities you can enjoy at Macon County Conservation Areas.

Visit Macon County’s only public campground at Friends Creek Conservation Area, bring your horse out to our equestrian trails at Sand Creek Conservation Area, visit one of the top five highest points in Macon County at our glacial kame at Griswold Conservation Area, and hike the scenic trails at Fort Daniel Conservation Area. Come and experience your Gateway to the Outdoors at Rock Springs Nature Center, which offers nature programs, special events, nature hikes, summer camps, music programs, conference rooms for all ages throughout the year.

Browse all Programs & Events to find out what’s happening throughout your Macon County Conservation District.

To promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring areas of natural and cultural significance within Macon County, and to protect and preserve those spaces for the education, recreation, and enjoyment of all its citizens in perpetuity.

The vision for the Macon County Conservation District is to continue to build an organization that has strong ties to the community, encourages stewardship of our land, inspires, captivates its users, and balances the need to connect people with nature while protecting our natural resources giving them the opportunity and experiences that are filled with healthy activities where people can.

Commitment to Patrons

We will strive to exceed visitor expectations by delivering professional, safe, helpful, efficient, and friendly service during all interactions.

Responsible Leadership

We will strive to provide an inclusive culture, a positive and safe work environment that promotes team engagement through positive reinforcement, growth opportunities, positive thinking, and good work life balance.

Fiscal Responsibility

By maintaining financial health, stability, and transparency in providing services that maximize the value to the taxpayer.

Community Collaboration, Strengthen Community

We will work collaboratively with all community partners, both public and private, to share resources and ideas that will build strategic alliances to enhance our community.

Innovation

We will be steadfast in continuously evolving to meet the needs of the community by providing relevant and innovative programs, events, facilities, and conservation areas.

Acquisition

Land, prairies, woodlands, and water are the foundation of the conservation areas. The Macon County Conservation District will continue to acquire and protect land adjacent to existing conservation areas, and acquire and protect degraded or unique habitats that allow for the preservation of the distinctive landscapes of Macon County.

Natural Resource Management

Preserving and managing the County’s natural resources is an essential responsibility of the District. The District will use the Master Plan and Natural Resource plans to guide the District to ensure the stewardship of our land is a high priority.

Stewardship and Sustainability

We will minimize our impact on the environment by implementing best practices and by promoting environmental education and stewardship leading to lifelong commitment to conservation, and be committed to sustainable planning and sustainable growth.