About Us

The quality of your everyday life is influenced by nature: The air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, and the environment in which you live are all affected by nature.

The Macon County Conservation Foundation actively works to restore and preserve local natural areas, to ensure a good quality of life for not only you, but your children and your children’s children.

Established in 1981 by two Macon County Conservation District employees, Janet Atkins and Rodney Washburn, the foundation began as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation known as the Natural Heritage and Wildlife Foundation. In 2003, the name changed to Macon County Conservation Foundation.

Supportive members play a key part in preserving and restoring Macon County’s natural resources. Thanks to generous donations of real estate and monetary gifts from the community, this foundation has:

  • Planted over 1,500 trees
  • Planted over 81 acres of prairie
  • Restored over 2 acres of wetlands
  • Funded the permanent EcoCenter exhibit in Rock Springs Nature Center in 2000
  • Created the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail in the 1990s
  • Preserves over 250 acres of wildlife habitat in Macon County

What We Do

Preserve Nature

Preserve Nature

Preserve and restore prairies, wetlands, and forests in Macon County, Illinois.

Protect Wildlife

Protect Wildlife

Provide habitats for native species of plants and animals, including migratory birds, pollinators, and more.

Support Programming

Support Programming

Help fund school field trips to the Macon County Conservation District.

Support Cultural Heritage

Support Cultural Heritage

Help the Conservation District preserve and protect key historic sites.