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September 8, 2026 – Byers & Co hit the road for the 30th anniversary tour with a stop at the Macon County Conservation District, presented by The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. MCCD is celebrated its own 60th anniversary this year! Listen to the podcasts now!
Jerry Culp, Executive Director, and Melody Arnold, Naturalist, joined Byers & Co to talk about the history of the Conservation District. MCCD began with a threat to the land. A proposed federal reservoir in the 1930s and 1960s threatened farmland and natural areas around the Sangamon River and Allerton Park. Local people decided they needed a voice in what happened to their land. Citizens from the Audubon Society, Historical Society, outdoor organizations, schools and other community groups came together. They built a conservation district from the ground up. Listen to the podcast now!
Jerry Culp, Executive Director, and Robin Caceres, Macon County Conservation Foundation Board President, joined Byers and Co to talk about the Macon County Conservation Foundation History and board. Listen to the podcast now!
Phil Julius, Director of Operations and Executive Director, and Mitch Lovgren, Natural Resources Manager joined Byers & Co to talk about MCCD Natural Resources and Operations. MCCD currently manages more than 3,800 acres of natural areas, historic sites and recreational property in Macon County. Its mission is not simply to provide parks—it is to acquire, maintain, restore and permanently protect natural and cultural resources. That means every acre requires ongoing management decisions: what gets planted, what gets removed, where fire is used, how wildlife populations are managed, how trails are maintained and how public access is balanced with habitat protection. Listen to the podcast now!
Jerry Culp, Executive Director and Jimmy Rade, Macon County Conservation District Board Trustee, joined Byers & Co to talk about the MCCD board. The Macon County Conservation District Board of Trustees is the governing body of MCCD. The five-member Board provides the leadership, oversight and long-term direction for the District and makes sure the organization is carrying out its mission to protect and preserve Macon County’s natural and cultural resources. Listen to the podcast now!
Jerry Culp, Executive Director and Ashton Dukeman, Marketing Specialist join Byers & Co to talk about Marketing and Outreach. MCCD connects the community with its conservation mission through education, public relations, social media, newsletters, events and community partnerships. Outreach introduces residents to MCCD’s natural areas, historic sites and programs while creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, volunteer, participate and become stewards of the resources the District protects. Listen to the podcast now!
Ashton Dukeman, Marketing Specialist, and Lonnie Williams, Volunteer, joined Byers & Co to talk about volunteer opportunities. Every year, hundreds of passionate volunteers help bring the conservation areas and historic sites to life. Whether you’re welcoming visitors, leading programs, or getting your hands dirty in the great outdoors, your contributions make a huge impact in Macon County. Listen to the podcast now!
Alysia Callison, Director of Program Services and Taylor Buley, Animal Care Naturalist, joined Byers & Co to talk about the programs offered at MCCD. MCCD offers a wide range of programs designed to connect people with nature, conservation and local history. Programs serve children, families, schools, scouts, adults and community groups through hands-on education, outdoor recreation, camps, special events and living-history experiences. Many programs are offered at MCCD properties, while others can be brought directly into schools and community. Taylor Buley also talked about caring for MCCD’s educational animals Listen to the podcast now!
Jerry Culp, Executive Director and Ashton Dukeman, Marketing Specialist joined Byers & Co to talk about the latest updates with MCCD projects include the new Woodbine farm. Listen to the podcast now!
