All Conservation Areas (Rock Springs, Fort Daniel, Friend Creek, Sand Creek, and Griswold Conservation Areas) continue to remain OPEN for hiking, walking, and nature exploration. As you visit these areas, you must continue to follow all social distancing rules. Pets are welcome to enjoy the conservation areas with you, but all pets must be leashed at all times. Both outdoor restrooms and drinking fountains are now operational. Whenever possible, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, and use the hands-free automatic water bottle fillers (at Rock Springs).
Sometimes trails close due to flooding. See the status of trails at any time, on the homepage of our website, www.MaconCountyConservation.org, under “News & Announcements.”
Rock Springs Nature Center will open for its regular hours beginning Monday, June 29, 2020. These hours are Monday-Wednesday 8am-5pm, Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1-5pm. All those entering the building WILL BE REQUIRED to wear a face covering at all times while indoors, if they can medically tolerate doing so. Indoor restrooms and drinking fountains will be open, but we encourage you to use those facilities outdoors. Hands-on exhibits will not be accessible.
Homestead Prairie Farm will open for its regular hours beginning Sunday, July 5. These hours are 1-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, June through October.
Historic Bethel School at Friends Creek Conservation Area will open for its regular hours beginning Saturday, August 1. These hours are 1-4pm on the first Saturday of the month through October.
Rock Springs Nature Center, Homestead Prairie Farm, and Bethel School will be CLOSED Saturday, July 4, 2020. The trails and grounds at the five conservation areas will remain open.
Friends Creek Campground is OPEN. The campground offers both electric and non-electric campsites. Daily fees for electric sites are $17 for Macon County residents, $20 for non-residents. Non-electric sites are $10 for Macon County residents and $12 for non-residents. Due to COVID-19, you may only camp at the campground with a reservation, and there is an additional $5 non-refundable reservation fee for doing so. At this time, campsites are not available first-come, first-serve upon pulling into the campground. You must make reservations in advance by calling 217-423-7708. The single large group campsite is available to groups of 50 or less: $25/night for up to 25 people, and $1/night for each additional person up to 50.
Pavilions at conservation areas are available for rent. However, the maximum number of occupants is 50 people, and groups must follow social distancing guidelines during their gatherings. To rent a pavilion call 217-423-7708.
Programs: This year’s Summer Concert Series continues to be streamed live on Facebook. While in Phase 4 though, we are able to accept a very limited live audience. If you wish to attend in person you must pre-register online: maconcountyconservation.org/events-categories/music. Staff are planning additional activities for you this summer! Watch for these here on Facebook or at www.MaconCountyConservation.org.
This information is subject to change, depending on how well people follow these guidelines, and the status of Macon County’s region in the Restore Illinois Plan.
Photo Credit: Macon County Conservation District Facebook Page
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