Macon County Conservation District Volunteer Opportunities

Earth_Adventures Every year, hundreds of volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the operation of Macon County’s conservation areas and historic sites. Whether greeting visitors or assisting with programs, our volunteers help the Conservation District serve the residents of Macon County.

“If you ever wanted to help make a difference in our community there are opportunities for you with the Macon County Conservation District.”

Volunteers like you help us maintain over 3,300 acres of natural areas and offer hundreds of school programs, special events, hikes, and weekend programs throughout the year across all of Macon County, Illinois. You’ll find indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities available year-round.

Taking the Step to Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to the Conservation District and its mission. In 2018, a total of 501 volunteers donated over 12,125 hours. We invite you to join the team!

Commonly asked questions:

How often can I volunteer? You decide! Some volunteers help once or twice a year. Others help once a month, or even once a week.
What can I do? We have something for everyone! Opportunities include the following areas: Natural Area Restoration, Rock Springs Nature Center, Educational Outreach, Conservation Support, Historical Interpretation, Youth Programs, and Seasonal & Special Events.
What are the benefits of volunteering for the Conservation District? Volunteer opportunities throughout our community can offer you life long learning, new friendships, and have been linked to improved health. Volunteers at the Macon County Conservation District will receive two of our newsletter publications: Volunteer Quarterly and Prairie Islander. Volunteers that help through the Prairie Heritage Program will also receive the Astounder newsletter.
How do I sign up? Fill out a Volunteer Application. Return your completed application to Rock Springs Nature Center or drop it in the mail. All potential applicants are interviewed and placed in an area suited to their interests and abilities. As you fill out your application and browse volunteer opportunities, feel free to contact us with any questions at (217) 423-7708.

For more information, call (217) 423-7708 or email [email protected].

Download the Volunteer Application to get started

How You Can Help at the Macon County Conservation District

Quicklinks

Natural Area Restoration

Educational Outreach

Youth Programs

Homestead Prairie Farm Volunteers

Conservation Support

Seasonal & Special Events

Rock Springs Nature Center

Historical Interpretation

Upcoming Volunteer Events & Opportunities

Natural Area Restoration

Opportunities Available All Year Round
Volunteers are needed to assist in the removal of invasive species from District areas and help protect wildlife diversity. There are many opportunities available, some of which include prescribed burning, removing fencing, and removing bush honeysuckle. For more information, contact Ethan Snively at 217-423-6796 or [email protected].

Homestead Prairie Farm Volunteers

Rock Springs Conservation Area
Saturdays and Sundays, June through October, from 1-4pm
Homestead Prairie Farm is a historic treasure that links us to our past. Young and old are amazed as they step back into time and learn about our local history. On the weekends, staff, volunteers, and guest presenters provide programs and tours to bring this historic home to life. If you love history, we would love to have you join us! For more information, contact Brent Wielt at 217-423-7708 or [email protected].

Rock Springs Nature Center

Rock Springs Nature Center offers indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities. Some activities include:

Information Desk
Information Desk Volunteers are an essential part of the Nature Center. Volunteers stationed at the Information Desk inside the Nature Center greet patrons, answer questions, and assist staff with projects. Morning and afternoon shifts are available every day of the week. Training provided.

Library
Do you enjoy books and reading? If so, the Conservation District library may be a great place for you to volunteer. This library not only serves as a vital resource for developing educational programming, but is also open to the public any time of year, during Nature Center hours. Volunteers assist with checking out materials, re-shelving books, and maintaining the library collection. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.

Newsletter Labeling
With several thousand Prairie Islander newsletters mailed every year, we need volunteers to help put address labels on each newsletter! This opportunity occurs four times a year.

Special Projects
Volunteers help with special projects from time to time. For example, database entry, bird house building, photography, or cutting out items for craft projects. Ask us about special projects to see if there is something for you!

For information or to sign up, contact Jenny Garver at 217-423-77008 or email [email protected].

Educational Outreach

Educational-Outreach Work with education staff to bring exciting programs to your community. Volunteers assist with presentations, special events, or work with the thousands of school children who visit the District each year. We will provide any necessary training. Volunteer options include:

School Programs
Workshop Presentations
Hike Leaders

For more, contact Jenny Garver at 217-423-7708 or email [email protected].

Conservation Support

Conservation-Support Volunteers assist with projects at all of the conservation areas. You can help preserve beautiful natural areas, monitor critical bird species, and count wildlife. Volunteers are needed for projects such as:

Bluebird Trail Monitor
Throughout the spring and summer seasons volunteers monitor bluebird houses at several District sites, collecting data on the bluebird population.

Natural Area Restoration Volunteers
Help remove invasive species from District areas and protect wildlife diversity. A variety of opportunities are available throughout the year including collecting native plant seeds, pulling garlic mustard plants, and bringing the sugar maple population back under control.

Trail Monitor
Volunteers hike trails on a monthly basis monitoring condition, litter, wildlife, and trail use. Trails are located at Rock Springs, Griswold, Fort Daniel, Friends Creek, and Sand Creek Conservation Areas.

Volunteer Naturalist
Every year thousands of school children visit the District for programs and nature hikes. Volunteers are needed to lead hikes and assist staff with educational programs. Most programs take place at Rock Springs Conservation Area.

Historical Interpretation

Historical-Interpretation Join talented staff in bringing Macon County history to life! Opportunities abound during history events and at historic sites, including:

Prairie Heritage Volunteer
The Homestead Prairie Farm located at Rock Springs Conservation Area is a period 1860 home used to make the days before the Civil War come to life for visitors. Volunteers help lead tours throughout the year and assist with maintenance projects such as painting, sidewalk repair, and other light mechanical projects. Stay up to date on these volunteer opportunities by subscribing to the Homestead Prairie Astounder newsletter or attending the monthly meeting.

Dulcimer Club
Volunteers come together every other week at Rock Springs Nature Center to practice playing the dulcimer instrument. This group also performs throughout the year at District events or programs, and throughout the community.

Quilting or Sewing
A group of quilters meets every Wednesday in Rock Springs Nature Center to demonstrate quilting the old-fashioned way. These volunteers also help sew period clothing for Homestead Prairie Farm volunteers. Sewing projects can be completed in your home. Volunteers will need their own sewing machine if they desire to use one.

Governor Oglesby Mansion
Throughout the year groups schedule luncheons and dinners at the mansion, and volunteers may help cook and serve the meals. Volunteers may also lead tours through the mansion for the public. These unique opportunities are a lot of fun and a chance to spend some time in one of Decatur’s premier historical houses. The Governor Oglesby Mansion is located at 421 W. William St., Decatur, IL.

Ground Squirrels Vintage Base Ball Team
The Ground Squirrels play the game of base ball as it was played in 1860. The team competes against other vintage ball clubs across the region. Their home field is located at Rock Springs Conservation Area.

Youth Programs

Young volunteers can make a difference in the community, too. They’ll learn about nature and our rich cultural heritage as they help with:

Summer Camps
History Programs
Environmental Programs

Seasonal & Special Events

Cross Country Ski Rental
Whenever there is at least four inches of snow on the ground, the district rents skis to the public. Volunteers help collect money and assist with handing out equipment. This volunteer assignment is on an on-call basis, depending on weather conditions.

Summer Day Camp Volunteer
These volunteers assist camp counselors with activities, hikes, and coordinating day camps. Volunteers attend a short training session and are required to wear a camp t-shirt and name tag when they volunteer. We offer both nature and history themed camps.

Festival of Spring
This one-day festival happens every April and a large number of dedicated volunteers are needed to greet visitors, help with children’s activities, canoeing, and much more!

Astronomy Jamboree
This annual event takes place at Friends Creek Conservation Area in late summer. Volunteers help with children’s crafts, hand out door prizes, and assist the public with telescopes.

Prairie Pedal
This bicycle fundraising event occurs every September and is sponsored by the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Proceeds benefit natural area restoration efforts. Volunteers assist with registration, food service, and at rest stops along the bicycle routes.

Fall Harvest Festival
Held annually in October, this festival needs volunteers to help with children’s crafts and activities, marshmallow roasting, storytelling, and more.

Upcoming Volunteer Events & Opportunities

Volunteer Event: Quiet of the Woods Hike
Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020 | 10:30 am
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Conservation District Volunteers will take a refreshing hike through the woods.

Volunteer Herbicide Training
Saturday, Mar 7, 2020 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Interested in helping with natural area restoration? This training will qualify you to use herbicides as a volunteer on Conservation District lands. According to the Illinois Pesticide Act, this certification must be renewed each calendar year.

Central Illinois Invasive Species
Saturday, Mar 7, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

This workshop will cover common invasive species found in Central Illinois and how to control them. RSVP by March 5.

Volunteer Event: Pleistocene Animals of the Midwest
Wednesday, Mar 11, 2020 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Conservation District Volunteers can join Senior Program Naturalist, Brock Rowland, for a program through time about the Pleistocene Animals of the Midwest. RSVP by March 10.

Prairie Heritage Volunteer Meeting
Thursday, Mar 12, 2020 | 7:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Prairie Heritage Volunteers fill many niches at Homestead Prairie Farm, from carpentry work to costumed interpretation. Receive your monthly update at this meeting. Refreshments provided.

Volunteer Event: Conducting Prescribed Fires
Saturday, Mar 21, 2020 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

This workshop is for those who want to learn more about prescribed fire or volunteer to conduct prescribed fires with District staff. Please RSVP by March 19.

Sangamon River Cleanup
Saturday, Apr 25, 2020 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Make the river a safer and more beautiful place for both wildlife and people as you help clear trash from the banks of the Sangamon River.

Festival of Spring 2020
Saturday, Apr 25, 2020 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, IL

Celebrate Earth Day and welcome spring with an afternoon of outdoor family activities. Enjoy wagon rides, canoeing, crafts, and learn what other organizations are doing in our community to protect water and wildlife.