Macon County Conservation District

Macon County Conservation District
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-7708
[email protected]

Trading Tractors for Tadpoles

During the summer of 2023, we took on the task of constructing three wetlands at two District locations. Fort Daniel Conservation Area, located east of Mt. Zion, is where one of the wetlands was constructed, and the other two at Friends Creek Conservation Area, located in the northern portion of Macon County near Cisco. This is one of the largest earthmoving projects the District has done in-house; every member of the Operations staff had a role in this construction project.

Conservation District Admin2024-02-15T17:12:23-06:00February 15, 2024|

Beyond Brick & Mortar: Building the Future of Education with Open Walls & Open Minds

In 2023, we applied for - and received - a grant from the IDNR to construct an indoor-outdoor classroom in the lower level of the Rock Springs Nature Center. This project will focus on increasing our programming space at the Nature Center by constructing additional indoor and outdoor learning facilities and structures.

Conservation District Admin2024-02-15T12:30:30-06:00February 15, 2024|

Let Them Be Wild

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.

Conservation District Admin2023-11-20T20:01:36-06:00November 20, 2023|

Giving Tuesday

Giving Back This Giving Tuesday Giving a little helps a [...]

Ashton Nunn2023-11-14T09:50:25-06:00November 2, 2023|

Decatur Audubon Society Funding Bus Transportation and Programs at Macon County Conservation District

The Decatur Audubon Society is covering field trip transportation costs for students to visit Rock Springs Nature Center or any other Conservation Area. Funds may also pay for in-class or virtual Zoom programs with Conservation District staff, at a cost of up to $10,000. Learn More

Alysia Callison2023-08-28T14:20:56-05:00August 28, 2023|

An Unexpected Find

We here at the Macon County Conservation District wouldn’t be able to do what we do without several vital things that all play major roles in our daily operations, including our amazing volunteer base, our stellar and knowledgeable staff, and of course, the public that we serve.

Conservation District Admin2023-08-18T10:37:33-05:00August 18, 2023|

Restoration in Progress

If you have visited Griswold or Fort Daniel Conservation Areas recently, you may have noticed some changes. The Conservation District is currently working on major restorations at each site. While these restoration projects may look unsightly in the beginning, over time they will develop into beautiful prairies, savannas, and wetlands.

Conservation District Admin2022-11-20T23:15:47-06:00November 16, 2022|

An Oak in Time

As a wildlife professional for a number of years, I have come to appreciate the enormity and the greatness of big oaks that can be found in the forests and savannas throughout Illinois. Many of these giants have been standing silently witnessing the changes in seasons, crop rotations, and man’s technology...

Conservation District Admin2022-08-29T12:06:02-05:00August 29, 2022|

Conservation District Receives $180K Grant for Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail Renovations

The Macon County Conservation District was awarded a grant of $180,800 to renovate the bridges on the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail.

Conservation District Admin2018-10-30T12:18:38-05:00October 30, 2018|

1880s-Style Harvest Fun Comes to Rock Springs

Mary Morrow was on a roll with pumpkin rolling Sunday afternoon at the Rock Springs Conservation Area's Fall Harvest Festival.  Competing against several other kids on a downhill slope outside the Nature Center building, Mary stood out before the race got going because she was dressed in period 1880s clothing . . .

Conservation District Admin2019-06-10T17:40:34-05:00October 30, 2017|

Healthy Burn for Prairie

Prairie used to cover most of Illinois. Fires occurred routinely and naturally, which rejuvenated the prairie grasses and maintained their health, said Richie Wolf, Rock Springs Nature Center manager. The Macon County Conservation District has used prescribed burns since 1978 to restore conservation areas for several reasons . . .

Conservation District Admin2019-06-10T17:41:59-05:00September 28, 2017|
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