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, by emailing us your name and mailing address at [email protected].  You may also read the current issue online.

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 [email protected] or call 217-423-7708.

Social Media

Receive trail condition updates, see the work we’re doing, and share pictures of your visits to the conservation areas by following us on Facebook  and Twitter.

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Macon County Conservation District

2 days ago

Macon County Conservation District

Our Central Illinois landscape may look stark, and devoid of life in the brown and bleak mid-winter. But if you slow down to look, you'll notice wildlife all around you. You may not always see them, but they're there! And they rely on natural areas, large and small, for survival. This flock of Greater White-fronted Geese visited the Rodney T. Miller Wetland this morning at Rock Springs Conservation Area. These and many other species of birds rely on rest stops like this one, as they journey thousands of miles each migration. These geese are on their way to the arctic tundra for nesting season. Hear the sound of these birds, and learn more about them: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_White-fronted_Goose/overview ...

Our Central Illinois landscape may look stark, and devoid of life in the brown and bleak mid-winter. But if you slow down to look, youll notice wildlife all around you. You may not always see them, but theyre there! And they rely on natural areas, large and small, for survival. This flock of Greater White-fronted Geese visited the Rodney T. Miller Wetland this morning at Rock Springs Conservation Area. These and many other species of birds rely on rest stops like this one, as they journey thousands of miles each migration. These geese are on their way to the arctic tundra for nesting season. Hear the sound of these birds, and learn more about them: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_White-fronted_Goose/overviewImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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Great pictures

Great pics

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Macon County Conservation District

2 days ago

Macon County Conservation District

"Homestead Prairie Farm? I believe there's an Heirloom Vegetable Garden there . . ." What's your caption? ...

Homestead Prairie Farm? I believe theres an Heirloom Vegetable Garden there . . . Whats your caption?
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Drat, it's not open this time of year!

"Access trail across parking lot . . . sounds risky."

Better pencil that in on my calendar!

Right out in plain sight!

This way to the buffet?

I wonder if I can use their restroom?

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Macon County Conservation District

1 week ago

Macon County Conservation District

Sand Creek Conservation Area is closed due to heavy rain and flooding. It will likely be closed through next week. We'll post again when it opens. We appreciate your patience, as traffic on wet or flooded trails degrades their condition. ...

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Thanks for the update.

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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 . . .

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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 . . .

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