Macon County Conservation Foundation

05/20/2026

Looking for an experience that will bring you back in time? At Wine in the Wild you can place a bid to go on a private tour of the Ulery-Penhallegon home at Woodbine Farm during our live auction. Be one of the few people to walk its halls and learn about the history of the two families that called this house, home.

On this tour you will feel as though you are walking through the centuries. You can bid on this tour in person at Wine in Wild on Saturday, June 13th. To purchase your ticket for the event, donate, or to become a sponsor check out this link: https://www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/

Until then, stay wild!

05/20/2026

Check out this interview the President of our Board and the Executive Director of the Macon County Conservation District did yesterday about the Wine in the Wild 2026! The event is only 24 days away and ticket sales are starting to pick up speed. Grab your ticket today! 🍷https://www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/

May 19, 2026 - Jerry Culp and Robin Caceres of the Macon County Conservation District joined Byers & Co to...

05/13/2026

In just ONE month fill up your glasses and raise them high! 🍷 We will be raising funds for our natural areas in a wild way. 🐎

Join us on Saturday, June 13th for a one-of-a-kind night that only comes around once a year. Wine in the Wild has peaceful prairie views, historic roots, wine, food, auctions, activities and special memories perfect for anyone looking for a unique night out while also contributing to our local wild spaces. Along with this being the 2nd annual Wine in the Wild, we are celebrating The Macon County Conservation Foundation’s 45th anniversary! 🍾

Funds raised at this event will go towards local area restoration, and renovation of the grounds at Woodbine Farm. We are extremely thankful to those of you who help make our projects possible. As we continue to renovate and preserve Woodbine Farm, our efforts would be lost without the support of our local community.

For more information, tickets, donations, or to become a sponsor head over to this link: https://www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/

Cheers to you and our local wild spaces. 🥂

05/12/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of Leo and Anne Pondelick on what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

Through their endowed fund, their generosity continues creating impact in the community they loved so deeply. Each year, a 5% distribution from their fund on their wedding anniversary supports organizations connected to the causes and institutions that mattered most to them.

Leo and Anne Pondelick Family Fund grant recipients:

• Macon County Conservation Foundation $5,500
• Decatur Area Arts Council $9,500
• Historic Decatur Foundation $4,000
• Scovill Zoo $5,500
• Decatur Public Library-Illinois $9,500

It's a powerful reminder that endowment is more than a gift. It's a way to support the people and places you care about for generations to come.

05/08/2026

Calling all wine connoisseurs and outdoor enthusiasts! 🍷🌳

Grab your tickets for Wine in the Wild, happening Saturday, June 13th. Come enjoy a night of activities, food, auctions, beautiful Midwest views and most importantly WINE! This event is hosted at the historic Woodbine Farm where the 1,000-tree planting took place. This gorgeous 1860’s Italianate-style home is the perfect backdrop for an evening of fun, community, and celebrating 45 years of the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Come for the festivities, stay to learn about this historic property.

Availability is limited so grab your ticket soon! For more information, tickets, donations and sponsorship opportunities head on over to this link: https://www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/

Don’t miss this chance to have a “grape” time! 🍇🍷

05/07/2026

Truly nothing to “wine” about at this event!🍷 Wine in the Wild’s 2nd year is happening Saturday June 13th! Sip, Sip hooray! Last year was a blast learning how to lasso, enjoying drinks, eating delicious food, listening to great music, (surviving a storm), and participating in some unique bidding. We are ready to do it again this year and we hope you’re ready too.

We’re raising our glasses and funds for the 45th anniversary of the Macon County Conservation Foundation. We are hoping to reach our goal of $45,000. Funds raised will go towards natural area restoration as well as the renovation of the barn at Woodbine Farm into an event venue. We want to continue to bring the community together in our wild spaces in new ways. 🍃

We have limited tickets, so if you are looking for a special date night or girls wine night, grab them soon! If you can’t make it but would still like to support our mission, consider being a sponsor or donating to the event. For tickets and sponsor opportunities head over to this link. https://www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/wine-in-the-wild/

Let’s get wild for a good cause! 🐎🥂
Wine in the Wild 2026

05/06/2026

Prairie Pedal Registration is now open! All the cyclists out there, air up your tires and kick up your kickstand, it's time to sign up for the 2026 Prairie Pedal !

The Prairie Pedal is an annual bicycle ride fundraiser for the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Held annually on the last Sunday in September, this event raises funds for natural areas and wildlife in Macon County, Illinois.
Choose from a 20-mile, 40-mile, or 62-mile ride on quiet Macon County country roads. On these roads you’ll see vibrant prairie grasses, wildflowers, and catch a glimpse of some wildlife.

Your registration includes a free giveaway, and well-stocked rest stops along the routes. After the ride, enjoy live music and a tasty chili lunch (with vegetarian option).

Don’t backpedal! Early bird registration ends August 31st. READY, SET, GO! 🚩
For more information, ways to get involved if you’re not riding, and how to register head on over to this link: https://www.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/events/prairie-pedal/

We are “wheelie” excited to see you there! 🚲

Prairie Pedal 20, 40, or 62 Mile Ride September 27, 2026 Prairie Pedal Prairie Pedal is an annual bicycle ride fundraiser for the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Held annually on the last Sunday in September, this event raises funds for natural areas and wildlife in Macon County, Illinois. Sin...

04/30/2026

Was your Wedding Ceremony at one of the Macon County Conservation District locations? Did you tie the knot in the Pine Forest? Say “I do” at Cattail Pond? Commit to till death do us part at The Overlook at Griswold Conservation Area? We’re looking to expand our wedding gallery and update our webpage, and we would love your help! 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️

If you would like to contribute to our nature wedding gallery and consent to your pictures being publicly shared by Macon County Conservation District and Macon County Conservation Foundation, please send us your favorite pictures! We are looking for shots that emphasis the nature in the background; the beauty that drew you to that location. Feel free to send them to us on Facebook or email them to [email protected]

We appreciate you choosing our natural spaces as the backdrop to your beautiful day and we are ecstatic to be a part of many more! 💍🌲

04/28/2026

Get ready to gear up for a great cause! 🚵 We are thrilled to announce the annual Prairie Pedal fundraiser will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026. Ride through scenic Macon County to help raise funds for natural areas and wildlife of Macon County.

Since Prairie Pedal made its debut in 2008, it has been much more than just a bike ride, it has been a movement. With 18 impactful years, local businesses, individuals, families, and cyclists have successfully funded dozens of vital projects. These projects have improved, protected, and restored hundreds of acres of Macon County including prairies, wetlands, and forests. This year we are riding to keep the momentum going! Choose from a 20-mile, 40-mile, or 62-mile ride on quiet country roads throughout our county. You’ll see vibrant prairie grasses, wildflowers, and likely spot some wildlife as you ride. After the ride, enjoy live music and a tasty chili lunch (vegetarian option available😊) and an assortment of refreshments. All routes begin and end at Rock Springs Conservation Area.

Dust off your helmet, gather up your cyclist friends and plan for a day of beautiful rides, good vibes, and lasting memories with the Macon County Conservation Foundation. Share this post with your friends and family who might be interested, we always have room for more! Check back soon for early registration. Not a cyclist but want to support the ride and your local wild spaces? You can choose to donate to the event or become a sponsor!

We can't wait to see you there! 🚲☀️🛣️