Wish List

Generous people like you help the Macon County Conservation Foundation fulfill its mission to support the Macon County Conservation District’s natural areas and historic sites.

If you want to fund a unique project or item, consider one of these wish list items that we are currently striving towards. To provide for a project, contact us at 217-423-7708.

Natural Resources

  • Rock Springs Conservation Area
    • Seed for 30 acres of prairie, $30,000 or $1,000/acre
    • Timber Stand Improvement (removing invasive and aggressive species to open the forest canopy), $1,100/acre
  • Removal of bush honeysuckle at any conservation area, hand cut and sprayed by contractor, $1,100/acre
  • Sponsor a summer Natural Resources Intern, $1,000 (with $500 match provided by Izaak Walton League)

Education & Recreation

  • Improve the EcoCenter permanent exhibit, $5,000
  • Sponsor a school field trip, $500 for transportation to and from Rock Springs Nature Center for any school in Macon County
  • New terrarium for education animals, $300
  • New filter for painted turtle aquarium, $300
  • Summer camp scholarships, $135 will send a child to camp for a week

Infrastructure & Equipment

  • Friends Creek Conservation Area
    • Improve the campground with electricity added to nine campsites, $40,000
  • A new or gently used Caterpillar 316, 318, 320 excavator (117 – 172 horse power) – or a similar brand excavator, for fence line removal, prairie and savanna restoration, and wetland construction.
  • A new or gently used Caterpillar D4, D5, or D6 dozer (130 – 215 horse power) – or similar brand excavator, for fence line removal, prairie and savanna restoration, and wetland construction.
  • A new or gently used Genie S-40 or S-45 telescopic boom lift – or similar brand, for repairs, lighting, and trail hazard removal.