Macon County Conservation District (MCDD) has formally applied for a grant to purchase seven lots (approximately 47 acres) at Woodbine in conjunction with a planned gift of Lot 33 (approximately 40 acres) for an 87-acre expansion of the Ft. Daniel Conservation District.

On September 10, 2024, there was a public hearing about the Big Creek Riparian Greenway and Bikeway Plan, where residents were provided the opportunity to view printouts of the plans and provide feedback. There will not be an answer on the grant application until January-February 2025. Read more about the grant.

There will be a berm and prairie grass buffer between the parcels acquired by MCDD and the rest of the subdivision.

In alignment with the mission of the Woodbine development, which aims to preserve an essential environmental corridor between Spitler Woods State Park and Fort Daniel Conservation Area along the Big Creek Valley, the owner of Lot 33, Illinois Land Restoration and Stewardship LLC, gifting legal documents will ensure that this land remains undeveloped in perpetuity. The development of the Big Creek Riparian Greenway Corridor and Bikeway will protect essential historic and environmental treasures for Macon County.

Extensive wildlife, wetland, and prairie grass restoration has been done on the property. A stream-bank stabilization project for Big Creek was completed in 1997 and used as a showcase demonstration project for Illinois.

MCCD will expand the Ft. Daniel Conservation District and develop the Ulery historic 1860 farmhouse they acquired last year. This initiative aims to restore almost entirely the landmark Woodbine farm and resort used during the early 20th Century as a resort and vacation destination with Chautauqua events.

The expansion is expected to increase property values for all Woodbine residents, as the area will become part of a county park. This transition will bring improved law enforcement and protection, enhanced infrastructure, and greater recreational opportunities, all supporting the property’s conservation mission.

The Macon County Conservation District plans events throughout the year, including at the Woodbine Farm. Coming up in June 2025 is the Wine in the Wild Event. These events offer entertainment and education for Woodbine Park Estates residents as well as members of the greater community.