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.

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school busses lined up at Rock Springs Nature Center

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

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.

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 . . .

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 . . .