2023 Fall Landscapes
#DiscoverMCCD 18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock, IL 6 0098 815.338.6223 MCCDistrict.org Socialize with us and other outdoor enthusiasts just like you! In Home Delivery Requested Before August 7 Special Events First Fridays Concerts Sept. 1, 7–8:30 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio, Glacial Park, Ringwood Powers Walker House Events Sept. 20 & 28, Oct. 8, and Nov. 5 Glacial Park, Ringwood Hike with Mike Sept. 23 & Oct. 21, 9-10:30 a.m. Pleasant Valley, Woodstock Hickory Grove Highlands, Cary The Big Sit - Bird Watching Event S unday, Oct. 8, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Glacial Park, Ringwood Big Woods Planting Party Saturday, Oct. 14, 1 - 4 p.m . Marengo Ridge, Marengo McHenry County C onservation District Fall 2023 What's Inside? Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Migratory Bird Days Oaktoberfest Living History Events Hallowoods Walk Woolly Bears Landscapes
Upcoming Board Meetings Public sessions vary, check website for dates. Agendas posted at MCCDistrict.org. Brookdale Administrative Offices 18410 US Hwy. 14, Woodstock (815) 338-6223 Our Mission The McHenry County Conservation District exists to preserve, restore and manage natural areas and open spaces for their intrinsic value and for the benefits to present and future generations. Our Vision To fulfill our promise that McHenry County’s public lands, water, wildlife and way of life will thrive in a rapidly changing world. Where people of all ages, cultures and abilities are engaged and empowered to learn about and contribute to conservation in diverse and impactful ways. Where wild and scenic places support thriving native plants and wildlife populations and public lands support diverse outdoor recreation, educational and immersive experiences. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Christopher Dahm Tr us tee Patrick Fritz Tr us tee Linda Thomas Tr us tee Reynaldo Gaytan Jr. Tr us tee Lloyd Everard Tr us tee Shawn Zimmerman Tr us tee Ron Wieczorek Tr us tee John Reinert County Board Liaison Elizabeth S. Kessler Executive Director Landscapes is a FREE publication. To subscribe or update your contact info: email MCCD@ MCCDistrict.org or call (815) 338-6223. The publication can also be read online at MCCDistrict.org. Editor : Wendy Kummerer Photographic contributors : Weg Thomas, staff and others as indicated. Front cover: Cooper's Hawk by Ken Wick Back cover: Golden Crown Kinglet by Mike Hoffman Connect with us: Sign up for our E-newsletter at MCCD.me/Subscribe American with Disabilities Act McHenry County Conservation District welcomes the participation of all individuals in our programs, including those with disabilities. We are fully committed to complying with the ADA and providing reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in our programs. It is the responsibility of participants, parents/guardians to contact the District to make arrangements for any accommodation at the time of registration; no later than two weeks prior to the start of a program or special event. Safety is a Priority Safety is a top priority to all who visit our sites and facilities. If, while on a Conservation District site, you see or witness something that appears to be unsafe, please call the Conservation District and let us know (815) 338-6223. Photography Participants in McHenry County Conservation District programs and visitors at our sites may be photographed, videotaped or filmed for use in District publications, promotions, and on the District web site or social media channels. All photos taken on District property are the sole property of the District. Help us Update Our Mailing List! To update your address, request an E-version or to unsubscribe, please email [email protected] and let us know your changes or updates. From the Executive Director— Our Vision for the Future – Healthy Landscapes, People and Wildlife! Each year more than a million visitors enjoy the outdoor spaces and places the Conservation District provides. Their experiences on our sites become the memories they share with future generations and deepen their appreciation of, and role in, the protection of these natural areas. With our newly adopted strategic focus and direction to guide our priorities and investments over the next five years, we are ready to meet both the opportunities and challenges on the horizon with the assistance of passionate people who believe deeply in our mission and vision. Over the past decade we’ve experienced more heat days, drought conditions, increased flooding, and have been subject to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. As McHenry County and the region continues to experience the impacts of climate change, we are preparing to respond with cost-effective, nature-based solutions. The Conservation District does this by managing open spaces, shorelines and woodlands that provide crucial ecosystem services including stormwater management, carbon sequestration, clean air and water, and aquatic and wildlife habitats. We also know that that the only way to protect our most cherished natural and cultural heritage resources is to connect people to them. We are committed to providing equitable access to nature for all people and this requires healthy and resilient landscapes where everyone feels safe and welcome and can engage in healthy habits that prevent disease and enhance physical and mental well-being. It is our collective responsibility to engage in reciprocity and promote a land ethic which requires us to protect these lands and waters for future generations. Whether you enjoy walking, bicycling, paddling or meditation in nature - find your wild by discovering conservation areas located nearby. Learn more about what is happening at the Conservation District by visiting our website at MCCDistrict.org, by following us on social media or by subscribing to our newsletter. I am grateful for our board, staff, community partners and many volunteers who believe in our mission and vision and who lead with a conservation stewardship land-ethic. You showcase optimism in our future and promote the best of McHenry County! Yours in Conservation, Elizabeth S. Kessler, MBA, CPRE — Executive Director Landscapes | Fall 2023
WHAT'S INSIDE 2 | News & noteworthy 4 | Year in Review Financial Highlights 6 | Strategic Plan 8 | Foundation News 10 | Volunteer Opportunities 11 | Seasonal Sightings 12 | Special Events 13 | Powers-Walker House Events & Programs 16 | Outdoor Explorations 20 | Special Interest 22 | Picnic/Camping Guides 23 | At-a-Glance Calendar 25 | All Sites Map Visit us online to learn more about current happenings, programs and opportunities at MCCDistrict.org. Conservation Champion Nominations — Do you know someone who deserves recognition for a special achievement or significant contributions to the field of conservation? McHenry County Conservation District is seeking nominations of individals who are and have been Conservation Champions for the Public Open Space of McHenry County. The two awards, Conservation Champion and Conservation Legacy, will recognize exceptional contri - butions of individuals who have made extraordinary impacts to the conservation movement through their continued dedication and support of the mission of the Conservation District. The Conservation Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made one or more contributions of extraordinary significance or impact to the conservation movement through their continued dedication and support of the mission of the Conservation District. Significant contributions can include leadership, innovation, environmental legislation, community building, restoration fieldwork, community science and volunteering, donations of money and land. The Conservation Legacy Award recognizes contributions that transcend time. Whether the award winner dedicated ten or fifty years towards the local environment, their work should live on well past their earthly lifetime. Their legacy should be a gift to their community, as well as the plant life and wildlife within it. Regardless of how many lives they touched, Conservation Legacy Award winners need to have inspired others to become stewards of the land. To nominate someone for a Conservation Champion or Legacy Award, download and submit an electronic nomination form from the District’s website (www.MCCDistrict.org). Nominations will be accepted through December 31, 2023. Stop by and Visit Us at our Booth at these Community Events Sat., November 4 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. McHenry County College, Crystal Lake Northern Illinois' biggest sustainability event! September 12 & 16 and October 14 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Woodstock Square September 10 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Woodstock Square September 2 1 -5 p.m. Lake In the Hills Landscapes | Fall 2023
McHenry County Conservation District Police Sergeant Graduates from FBI National Academy McHenry County Conservation District announced in June that Conservation District Police Sergeant Ryan Stewart graduated from the 286th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico. Known for its academic excellence, the Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. In order to attend, participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies. The 286th session consisted of 238 law enforcement officers from 47 states and included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations and six federal civilian organizations. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program. McHenry County Conservation District Police Department Achieves ILEAP Accreditation McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees is proud to announce the Conservation District’s Police Department has been recognized by The Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP). “The ILEAP accreditation achieved by the McHenry County Conservation District Police Department is a significant achievement in making the department the best it can possibly be and is testament to the hard work and excellence of our officers and staff,” said Laura King, Chief of Police from McHenry County Conservation District. “Accreditation allows an outside set of eyes to look at all our practices and hold us up to national best practices standards.” As part of the accreditation process ILEAP assessors conducted inspections, reviewed policies and practices to ensure legislative compliance and that the organization is meeting or exceeding industry and standards, met with District leaders, accompanied police officers on their regular patrols, and hosted a public opinion poll. ILEAP is an unbiased agency that is solely interested in improving police practices across the state. Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Designated into National Water Trail System In June, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the designation of nine new national recreation trails in nine states, which included the Fox River. The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail runs 158 miles from the southeast Wisconsin to northeast Illinois with over 70 access points. The water trail offers paddlers the opportunity to recreate and explore the vibrant communities and varying landscapes along the river. For more information visit fabulousfoxwatertrail.org. "These new designated trails are some of our country’s highest caliber trails and provide close-to-home recreation opportunities and the benefits of spending time outdoors,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. Corporate Restoration Work Day with Scot Forge As part of the District's volunteer opportunites, staff also hosts organized Group Volunteer Days for corporate or business volunteers who want to come spend a day outdoors. Scot Forge of Spring Grove, took advantage of the opportunity and had their summer interns lend a hand for habitat restoration and invasive brush removal at Glacial Park this summer. If your company would like to get involved contact Conservation Foundation Executive Director Shawna Flavell at 815-338-6223. $245,176 in Federal Funds Awarded for Habitat Connectivity Project in Partnership with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Thanks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program, McHenry County’s habitat will improve to support vulnerable and declining wildlife. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and McHenry County Conservation Foundation, the philanthropic partner of McHenry County Conservation District were awarded $245,176 in federal funds for a partnership project to improve habitat connectivity in the Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois. By partnering across the WI-IL border, restoration work will connect habitat areas on nearly 235 acres for pollinators, birds and herptiles associated with wetland, prairie, savanna and oak woodland continuum. Specifically, these species include the federally endangered Rusty-patched bumble bee, Monarch butterfly, Henslow's sparrow, Blanding’s turtle and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) identified in the IL and WI state Wildlife Action Plans. In Illinois the project area links the Lake-McHenry wetland complex, the Nippersink Creek corridor, Glacial Park and the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge cores and corridors. It is also included in McHenry County’s Green Infrastructure plan. Focusing management at locations that connect habitat is an important conservation strategy for birds, herptiles and pollinators, particularly where conservation opportunities are scarce and require sustained care. During the 2.5-year project, restoration work will involve invasive species control, brush and non-native tree removal, prescribed burns, and extensive planting of native species in mesic prairie, fen wetland, oak savanna and woodland habitats. Surveys will also be conducted on the endangered and SGCN species to monitor the effectiveness of the restoration activities in improving the local populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded more than $7.7 million in grants for 18 projects across 13 states and territories. The projects were selected from a competitive slate of proposals to address priorities identified in Wildlife Action Plans. The announcement comes as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) turns 50 years old in 2023. Throughout the year, the Department of the Interior is celebrating the ESA’s importance in preventing imperiled species’ extinction, promoting the recovery of wildlife and conserving the habitats upon which they depend. 2 In the News
1st Friday Concert - TheOtherVal Boone Creek - pollux Passport to Adventure Exhibit - fiedfam Picnic - toria Top of the Kames - fiedfam Kids and Dog - padillafam6 Kames View- goldencompass Prairieview - pechiker Camping at Thomas Woods- Kasarski Fel Pro RRR - Waterfall Kids Kn_Schultz Exner Marsh - Jen Eiserman Powers Walker - McCarthy Fam Gone Fishing - bs0323 Chasing Waterfalls - dfs76 Conservation Policing - Koidamoi Camping - tgaluska Meet the Staf f - aniuk We are S o Excited that so many of you joined the Find Your Wild Challenge!! We hope you have had as much fun as we did putting it together and watching the submissions come in! To date there are 977 registered users who have completed over 12,300 missions! >>> There is still time to play! Now through Labor Day Weekend. Download the GooseChase App and earn points by answering trivia questions, check-ins at sites, participating in an activity, program or special event, or taking a photo with staff! The reward is really in the adventure, but there are sticker prize packs and themed basket drawings as well! >Visit MCCD.me/Find Your Wild Meet the Staf f - sulli849 Dog Walk - samoa 3 Landscapes | Fall 2023
Statement of Revenues & Expenditures Financial Highlights 2022–2023 The Board of Trustees and staff of the Conservation District are as committed to the financial bottom line as they are in ensuring public resources are appropriately allocated and stewarded to ensure McHenry County’s wide-open spaces and places are safeguarded for future generations. Over the last several years, the District has continued efforts to minimize property tax increases. Typically 2% of a homeowner’s property tax bill is paid to the Conservation District. An owner of a median-priced home would have paid approximately $158 in taxes to the District. The District’s two main revenue sources, property taxes and farm leases, collectively account for 95% of the District’s total General Fund revenues. While the District continues to seek and develop alternative non-tax revenue streams, under the Conservation District Act these opportunities are very limited and property taxes remain critical to support the District’s current service levels. As with previous years, the District's budget prioritizes public health and safety, financial discipline, and taking care of existing infrastructure. The District selectively adds new programs and projects, adapts or discontinues programs/services not meeting performance standards, maintains trails, buildings and conservation areas on a schedule that aligns with available funding and organizational capacity. Maintaining healthy and resilient lands, expanding communication and outreach, and ensuring quality service and visitor safety standards remains a priority; however, it has become increasingly more difficult to achieve these goals without capturing inflationary growth. The reason for this challenge is because for the past nine years, the District has effectively only taken the full property tax levy increase as allowed by statute twice, foregoing more than $6.4 million in potential property tax revenue, to ease the tax burden on residents. This cumulative impact to operations and services has become evident, especially if standards of care are to remain, and if the county's natural and cultural resources are to be protected from degradation and habitat loss. The District's financial strategy to reach future operational funding stability involves several broad goals including: develop a short-term comprehensive financial plan until the District’s outstanding debt service is paid off (March 31, 2027.); develop strategies to fund the Capital Asset Management Plan and Natural Capital Improvement Plan that allow for timely repairs and improvements of essential natural and built infrastructure, including conservation areas, trails and open spaces that are absolutely necessary to maintain the health and well-being of the public; develop financial partnerships that provide non-tax revenue streams; and retaining and attract a talented team of employees by ensuring compensation and benefits are competitive in the marketplace. These healthy landscapes under the stewardship of the District are essential for human health and a thriving economy. All Funds—Summarized Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 * Statement of Revenues & Expenditures All Funds- Summarized For the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 *Actual 3/31/2023 Revenues: Tax Revenue 21,792,822 Grants 493,892 Rental Income 1,556,900 Investment Income 261,653 Programs & Services 339,608 Other Revenues 277,334 Total Revenues 24,722,209 $ Expenditures: Debt Service 12,906,525 Operations 10,191,489 Capital Outlays: Land Acquisition 306,700 Sites & Trails 879,005 Vehicles, Equipment & Other 297,017 Total Expenditures 24,580,736 $ Other Financing Sources: Debt Issuance - Sale of Capital Assets 35,200 Total Other Sources 35,200 $ Prior Period Adjustment: - $ Net Change in Fund Balances 176,673 $ * The financial information is unaudited. Tax Revenue 88.1% Grants 2.0% Rental Income 6.3% Investment Income 1.1% Programs & Services 1.4% Other Revenues 1.1% FY 2023 Revenues Debt Service , 52.5% Operations , 41.5% Capital Outlays , 4.8% Land Acquisition, 1.2% FY 2023 Expenditures Statement of Revenues & Expenditures All Funds- Summarized For the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 *Actual 3/31/2023 Revenues: Tax Revenue 21,792,822 Grants 493,892 Rental Income 1,556,900 Investment Income 261,653 Programs & Services 339,608 Other Revenues 277,334 Total Revenues 24,722,209 $ Expenditures: Debt Service 12,906,525 Operations 10,191,489 Capital Outlays: Land Acquisition 306,700 Sites & Trails 879,005 Vehicles, Equipment & Other 297,017 Total Expenditures 24,580,736 $ Other Financing Sources: Debt Issuance - Sale of Capital Assets 35,200 Total Other Sources 35,200 $ Prior Period Adjustment: - $ Net Change in Fund Balances 176,673 $ * The financial information is unaudited. Tax Revenue 88.1% Grants 2.0% Rental Income 6.3% Investment Income 1.1% Programs & Services 1.4% Other Revenues 1.1% FY 2023 Revenues Debt Service , 52.5% Operations , 41.5% Capital Outlays , 4.8% Land Acquisition, 1.2% FY 2023 Expenditures Statement of Revenues & Expenditures All Funds- Summarized For the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 *Actual 3/31/2023 Revenues: Tax Revenue 21,792,822 Grants 493,892 Rental Income 1,556,900 Investment Income 261,653 Programs & Services 339,608 Other Revenues 277,334 Total Revenues 24,722,209 $ Expenditures: Debt Service 12,906,525 Operations 10,191,489 Capital Outlays: Land Acquisition 306,700 Sites & Trails 879,005 Vehicles, Equipment & Other 297,017 Total Expenditures 24,580,736 $ Other Financing Sources: Debt Issuance - Sale of Capital Assets 35,200 Total Other Sources 35,200 $ Prior Period Adjustment: - $ Net Change in Fund Balances 176,673 $ * The financial information is unaudited. Tax Revenue 88.1% Grants 2.0% Rental Income 6.3% Investment Income 1.1% Programs & Services 1.4% Other Revenues 1.1% FY 2023 Revenues Debt Service , 52.5% Operations , 41.5% Capital Outlays , 4.8% Land Acquisition, 1.2% FY 2023 Expenditures Statement of Revenues & Expenditures All Funds- Summarized For the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023 *Actual 3/31/2023 Revenues: Tax Revenue 21,792,822 Grants 493,892 Rental Income 1,556,900 Investment Income 261,653 Programs & Services 339,608 Other Revenues 277,334 Total Revenues 24,722,209 $ Expenditures: Debt Service 12,906,525 Operations 10,191,489 Capital Outlays: Land Acquisition 306,700 Sites & Trails 879,005 Vehicles, Equipment & Other 297,017 Total Expenditures 24,580,736 $ Other Financing Sources: Debt Issuance - Sale of Capital Assets 35,200 Total Other Sources 35,200 $ Prior Period Adjustment: - $ Net Change in Fund Balances 176,673 $ * The financial information is unaudited. Tax Revenue 88.1% Grants 2.0% Rental Income 6.3% Investment Income 1.1% Programs & Services 1.4% Other Revenues 1.1% FY 2023 Revenues Debt Service , 52.5% Operations , 41.5% Capital Outlays , 4.8% Land Acquisition, 1.2% FY 2023 Expenditures 4 Registered Volunteers Seasonals Each Year Full Time Employees 77 Part-Time Employees 11 Average 33 509
Award Recognition Under the leadership of Director of Finance & Administration Andy Dylak, Accounting Supervisor Jean Gerstbrein and Accounting Assistant Susan Traver, the Conservation District receives National Award for Financial Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fourteenth consecutive year from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting, and recognizes agencies that go beyond the minimum requirements to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. Kristen Balow In Honor of Barbara Schneider Dorathy Bobzin In Memory of Caroline Spear Bull Valley Garden Club Carl Edstrom & Carolyn Campbell In Memory of Elaine Kruempelstaedter Ron & Carol Elkins In Memory of Andrew Flack Brian Glienke In Memory of Bob Kelley Brian Glienke In Memory of Bryan Michael Stephan Janet Goldman In Memory of Lucy Lane Elizabeth & Kenneth Kessler In Honor of James Andrew Kessler Becka Klein In Honor of the Marriage of Andrew McDowell and Samantha Zurawski Sara Koppari In Memory of Zdravko Slavcheva and Rayna Naidenova Allison Lee In Honor of Barbara Schneider Larry Martin In Honor of Rachael & Michael Marks Seth and Laura McCallister In Memory of RB McCallister Jillian & Tom Musielak In Honor of Longer Farm and the marriage of Kalina Malyszko and Bruno Cabral Leslie Phelps Ann Schnulle In Memory of Michael A Dreher Michelle Soland In Memory of Lydia Sanz Jennifer Stacey Ann and Larry Venzon In Honor 40th Wedding Anniversary April Venzon Ann & Larry's 40th Wedding Anniversary Brenna Wing Jordan Winkenbach In Honor of Gloria Bachleda 2022-2023 Grants & Grant Recoveries IDNR Snowmobile Grant...................................................................... $19,995 Il Clean Energy Community Foundation (Land Acquistion)....$233,597 Goose Lake Lowlands and Eskers Project......................................$28,268 USDA US Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration Grant via Morton Arboretum...........................................................................$8,461 IDNR (RTP) Prairie Trail.......................................................................$200,000 National White Collar Crime Center U.S. Dept. of Justice.............$5,208 StarCom21 Radio Interoperability Grant...........................................$7,361 Donations: Heurer Land Donation of 92 Acres ......................... $65,000 Misc Donations - General Funds ............................... $698 Misc Donations - Wildlife Resource Center ...................... $610 Misc Donations - Education Programs ........................ $1,78 6 Misc Donations - Land Preservation & Natural Resources ....... $10 0 MCCF Sponsorship of McHenry County Conservation Congress $3,000 MCCF Donation toward Heur Acquisition ................... $28,000 MCCF Donation Elizabeth Lake .............................. $10,000 MCCF Former Camp Lakota Restoration Projects ............ $39,440 MCCF Checker Spot Habitat Restoration ...................... $6,957 MCCF High Point Conservation Area Seeding Project ......... $9,946 MCCF Boger Bog Conservation Area Project ................. $10,150 MCCF Pleasant Valley via IDNR Grant ........................ $34,801 MCCF Contribution to Prairie Trail Improvement Project ..... $15, 58 8 MCCF via The Nature Conservancy Community Convening Grant $1,000 BIG WOODS Donations Throughout 2022-2023 509 Volunteers Donated 9,710 hours — representing a value of $290,784 ( based on the national average of $29.95 per volunteer hour.) TOTAL SITE VISITORS: 1,19 4 , 0 41 1,19 4 , 0 41 Visitor Services = Total Guests Served 99 Wildlife Programs = 2,680 Participants 157 School Programs = 7,264 Participants 117 Picnic Shelters Reserved = 5,009 People 396 Education Programs & Events = 5,661 Participants 124 Special Use Permits Issued = 7,399 People 896 Camp Sites Reserved = 7,306 People Special Thanks to 2023 Special Event Sponsor F F estival estival S S ugar ugar M M aples aples of the of the Year in Review over 25,750 acres of Protected Open Space Protected Waterway 118 Miles of Hiking Trails over 105 miles of Regional Biking Trails 45 miles of 5
6 Landscapes | Fall 2023 Strategic Plan 2023-2028 The Strategic Plan of the McHenry County Conservation District will guide the priorities, time and resources of the organization over the next five years; and in many areas, above and beyond what is currently offered. The plan outlines the steps to accomplish projects, programs and site improvements under three significant pillars: Healthy Landscapes, People and Wildlife; Visitor Experience; and Organizational Excellence. HEALTHY LANDSCAPES, PEOPLE & WILDLIFE Healthy landscapes provide people with clean air, water and healthy outdoor recreation. They buffer us from floods, mitigate climate change and improve the health of our community. Our natural landscapes provide habitat for wildlife, community vitality and a special sense of place that defines our region and—if not diminished—is passed down through the generations. 1 VISITOR EXPERIENCE Each year more than a million visitors enjoy the outdoor spaces and places the Conservation District provides. Their experiences on Conservation sites become the memories shared with future generations and deepen their appreciation of, and their role in, the protection of these natural areas. Thoughtful communication, education and outreach provide visitors, regardless of age, culture or ability, the tools to feel empowered to contribute to conservation in diverse and impactful ways. 2 We Will: • Preserve and protect additional acres of high-quality natural areas, stream corridors, outdoor recreational lands and other lands of conservation value. • Manage existing conservation areas for climate resiliency with expanded nature-based solutions. • Protect habitat biodiversity and improve populations of declining plant and wildlife species. • Collaborate with conservation partners to maximize funding resources and achieve positive conservation impact. We Will : • Enhance opportunities and public amenities to ensure quality outdoor experiences for visitors, while protecting sensitive resources. • Collaborate with partners to grow McHenry County’s outdoor economy and promote the health-enhancing benefits of time spent outdoors in nature. • Advance pathways to equity to ensure access for all. • Inspire conservation stewards to build public awareness and support for McHenry County’s water, wildlife, and way of life. • Preserve and collect cultural and historical information on our sites to help create a sense of place and belonging for our communities Cindy Smith CindyvSmith Weg Thomas Brendan Connell
7 ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE McHenry County Conservation District is powered by people who believe deeply in its mission and vision. Their contributions guide the agency forward with a focus on excellence, collaboration, best practices, new technology and innovative ideas. It is their commitment to leading by example that positions the Conservation District as a recognized industry leader and regional employer of choice. 3 Environmental Education We Will: • Build and sustain a skilled workforce by recruiting, retaining and developing staff, volunteers and leadership that represents the communities served. • Achieve long-term financial sustainability through prudent financial planning and management. • Evaluate overall agency needs and invest in staff, equipment, vehicles, and tools that improve services, communication and increases efficiencies in operations. • Continue our reputation for excellence in the management and stewardship of McHenry County’s environmental and financial resources . The FY 2023 - FY 2028 Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees acknowledges the current position of the Conservation District and identifies realistic goals and strategies, while under significant fiscal constraints affecting the District, and focuses resources on programs, projects, sites and services the Conservation District can manage effectively given the organizational capacity of staff and volunteers; the Conservation District remains generally in a maintenance mode. The Conservation District strives to make McHenry County a treasured destination and a place to call home; where protected public lands represent an indispensable, invaluable and irreplaceable asset to the region supporting life, livelihood and leisure. We remain committed to an ongoing evaluation of key operations, programs and services in order to retain talent and functional staffing levels, align operations and services with best management practices, manage expenditures, identify programs and services core to our mission, create efficiencies and forge strategic alliances and partnerships.
$8K Schwemm Family Foundation Grant Closes Funding Gap for Glacial Park Prairie Restoration A recent grant from the Schwemm Family Foundation helped the Foundation reach their $73,000 fundraising goal for the restoration of a 21 acre parcel at Glacial Park. These funds will be combined with previous grants received from Enbridge Fueling Futures, The Fairways Foundation, the Gerry and Bill Cowlin Foundation, and from individual donors to purchase the rich and diverse native seed mix necessary to restore high quality prairie. This prairie planting will take place in Winter 2023/2024 and will improve the habitat for numerous threatened or endangered species, including the monarch butterfly, the rusty patched bumblebee and the Blanding’s turtle. The restoration will also decrease sedimentation runoff into the North Branch of Nippersink Creek, one of the highest quality streams in Illinois; and improve groundwater recharge, which is significant since McHenry County is 100% reliant upon groundwater as its source of drinking water. Collaborating and Connecting Community to Conservation With support from the McHenry County Conservation Foundation and a $5,000 grant from the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club, the McHenry County Conservation District and the Youth and Family Center of McHenry County (YFC) are starting a new program this fall focused on connecting families with nature through free camping trips. Through this new program, individuals served by YFC, a not-for-profit that works to ensure empowerment and growth for youth and families in McHenry County, will be transported to the Hollows Conservation Area in Cary, IL for overnight camping events that immerse them in nature through hiking, environmental learning opportunities, nature walks, and campfire programs. From clean air and water to positive impacts on our mental health, the benefits of nature are countless and meant to be shared by all. Unfortunately, communities of color, low- income residents, refugees and immigrants have long faced barriers in accessing nature. Across the US, families with children—especially families of color with children—have less access to nature nearby than the rest of the country. In other words, these communities are nature deprived. These disparities are particularly concerning because nature is not an amenity but a necessity for everyone’s health and well-being. With the Foundation and Rotary Club support, the Conservation District is able to purchase camping equipment and fund the cost of transportation for families from YFC who have never been camping and who may not feel comfortable recreating in the outdoors. Through this partnership, we aim to break down the access barriers that exist for these families by introducing them to their local natural environment in a way that allows them to discover the value of parks and nature for personal and community health and hopefully help them develop a long-term relationship with conservation. BECOME A CONSERVATION CHAMPION Every dollar donated to the McHenry County Conservation Foundation supports the vital work of the McHenry County Conservation District and its partners, while also enhancing the health and vibrancy of our community and its residents. Make a Gift: Online: mchenryconservation.org/Donate By Check: Payable & Addressed to — McHenry County Conservation Foundation Lost Valley Visitor Center 7210 Keystone Road Richmond, IL 60071 Learn More at McHenryConservation.org Kishwaukee Brewing Fun-raising Kick-off Saturday, September 30 • 5 - 7 p.m. Join us at Kishwaukee Brewing in Woodstock for a night of camaraderie, raffles and a Hungry Hungry Hippos tournament! The evening kicks off the October Special: $1 from every pour of their Sandhill Lager will be donated to the McHenry County Conservation Foundation! Stop by and celebrate sandhill cranes, local business collaboration and conservation efforts throughout the county. See you there! 8 Landscapes | Fall 2023
Pedal - Paddle - Saddle Through the Prairie t o everyone who made the final year and the last 20 years fun and memorable. We appreciate your support! Volunteer with Us as we Adopt-A-Trail! All Ages Welcome Once a month, Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers meet for a morning stroll and pick up any debris along a one-mile stretch of the trail. Get some fresh air, help beautify the Prairie Trail and meet some new people in the process! Dress for the weather. Bring gloves and hand sanitizer. Long trash pickers provide. Visit mchenryconservation.org/prairietrail or email [email protected] to sign-up. Saturdays 9 – 11 a.m. August 19 • September 16 • October 21 • November 18 Meet a Mitchard Way Parking Lot, Algonquin Foundation News Donate a Tree! MCCD.me/bigwoodstreedonation Big Woods Planting Party! Donate a native tree or shrub in celebration, in memory, or in love of the woodlands. Tree and shrub plantings will restore historically wooded sites and reconnect existing stands to create contiguous oak savannas and woodlands. With your help, the Conservation District will purchase native trees and shrubs and plant them each fall on District sites that were historically wooded. Through this program, we plan to restore and recreate the “big woods” of McHenry County. We are grateful for your support of our treasured oak savannas and woodlands. CARMICHAEL CONSTRUCTION, INC Tressler LLP • Pitel Septic • Heartland REALTOR Organization Ray Eisbrener • Martie Gorman • Bull Valley Riding Club Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Saturday, October 14 1:00–3:00 p.m. FREE Marengo Ridge • 2411 N IL Route 23, Marengo Join us for our annual OAKtober Planting Party and have a TREEmendous time! See Page 14 for details. Note: The site of this restoration project is available to all. Accessible amenities: parking, restrooms, and trails to and from planting area. Thank you 9
Chicago Wilderness Brush Pile Burn Boss Training Ages 18+ November 4 & 5, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Code: 8777 Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park Take the first step towards being certified as a Chicago Wilderness Brush Pile Burn Boss*. In this regionally accepted training, learn how to properly construct, safely ignite, monitor, and secure brush piles as part of restoration projects. Understand the pre- and post-burn communication requirements, become confident in utilizing weather data, supervising others around a burn pile, and making site observations that will inform decisions at workdays. *This course does not certify you to manage prescription fire. Participants must be a current volunteer at an agency, non-profit, or other organization that manages or owns land and has the environmental permits, guidance, and policies in place to conduct brush burning and complete exam at the end of classroom session . Fifteen hours of reported stewardship experience or the recommendation of agency staff or a site steward experienced with brush pile burning are required for enrollment. (This training is not intended for private individual landowner.) VOLUNTEER RESTORATION DAYS — Here is a great outdoor service opportunity for scouts and high school students, as well as individuals and families with children over age six. Tools and equipment provided. Dress for weather and off-trail activities. Wear sturdy footwear and work gloves. RSVP directly to the restoration day leader or sign up online: MCCD.me/RestorationRSVP . Note: Students fulfilling requirements and groups of five or more should sign-up at least 1 week in advance. Corporate/business groups, contact Shawna Flavell at 815-338-6223. L ocation – map inside back cover m onth Ly schedu Le s ite steward – ca LL before you go ! SATURDAYS Alden Sedge Meadow South, Alden/ Harvard Parking: 15820 IL Route 173, Harvard 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 11/24 1 - 3:30 pm Jack & Judy Speer, [email protected] or (815) 690-6240 Boger Bog, Bull Valley Parking: 2100 Cherry Valley Rd, Bull Valley 9/23, 10/28, 11/24, 11/25 10 am - 1 pm Ders Anderson, [email protected] or (815) 451-8496 Cotton Creek Marsh, Island Lake Parking: behind St. John Lutheran Church 405 W State Rd #176, Island Lake Saturdays Contact Site Steward for times. Mike Bouska (815) 759 - 0731 Dufield (McConnell Entrance ), Woodstock Parking: 11418 McConnell Rd. Woodstock 9/9, 10/14, 11/11 9 am - Noon Jeff Schumacher & Mike Evans , [email protected] or (815) 575-8080 Exner Marsh, Lake in the Hills Contact Steward for parking location 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 11/24 9 am - Noon Len Bannon, [email protected] or (847) 669-1381 Glacial Park, Ringwood Parking: 8320 Macwood Drive, Richmond 9/30, 10/28, 11/24, 11/25 10 am - 1 pm Jim Andrews, [email protected] Pioneer Fen, Johnsburg Park on east side of Berkshire & North Devonshire intersection, McHenry 9/9, 10/14, 11/11 9:30 am - Noon Pat Sullivan-Schroyer, [email protected] or 815-675-9004 Stickney Run, McHenry Parking: Varies — contact steward 9/9, 10/21, 11/18 9 am - Noon Pete Jackson, [email protected] or (224) 612-1803 VARIABLE Boone Creek, Woodstock Parking: 916 Cold Springs Rd, Woodstock 9/20, 10/18, 11/15 2 - 4 pm Brandie Dunn, [email protected] (815) 347-2247 Coral Woods, Marengo Parking: 7400 Somerset Dr, Marengo Flexible - Contact Site Steward Available weekdays & weekends Bonnie Leahy, [email protected] or (815) 923-2208 High Point, Harvard Parking: Varies — contact steward 9/12, 10/10, 11/14 9 am - 1 pm Orrin Bangert & Randy Stowe, [email protected] or (815) 943-6333 Oakwood Hills Fen, Oakwood Hills Parking: L akewood Dr. & E Park Lane 9/18 9 am - Noon Patrick Boros & Jim Anderson, [email protected] or 847-639-6547 The Hollows, Cary Parking: Varies — contact steward Contact Site Steward for dates. Margie Szymanskyj, [email protected] Fel-Pro RRR Disc Golf Course, Crystal Lake Parking: 1520 Crystal Lake Rd, Cary Contact Site Steward for dates. Michael Castiglione, [email protected] or (773) 820-2767 Día de Restauración Ages 6+ Bilingual & Family-Friendly Sunday, Sept 17, 1-4 p.m. Rush Creek, Harvard Code: 8679 Acompáñanos para restaurar y manejar los recursos naturales en nuestra comunidad! Las actividades de restauración incluyen la eliminación de especies invasoras o la recolecciónde semillas de plantas nativas. No se necesita experiencia. ¡Se proporcionarán herramientas y un refrigerio! Join us to restore and manage natural resources in our community! Restoration activities include removing invasive species or collecting native plant seeds. No experience necessary. Tools and a snack will be provided! ¿Preguntas? Contacto Sandra Balleño at [email protected] 10 Landscapes | Fall 2023
While walking Conservation Area trails in the fall you will probably encounter a woolly bear caterpillar or two. You may wonder, “why do I see them this time of year?” and “where are they going?”. The answers to these questions tell us more about the way different species go through metamorphosis. As you are probably aware, caterpillars are the larval forms of butterflies and moths. The wooly bear caterpillar is the larval form of the Isabella moth. All caterpillars hatch from eggs laid by the adult, but then depending on whether they are butterflies or moths, the next stage, the pupa, has different names. A butterfly caterpillar makes a chrysalis out of exoskeleton material while moths spin cocoons out of silk. In winter, insects go into diapause – a time of developmental pause that shuts down most life processes and arrests metamorphosis. Not all butterflies or moths overwinter in the same metamorphological state. Most people are aware of the monarch butterflies that fly all the way to Mexico to overwinter. However, many species of insects do not have the ability to migrate. Isabella moths go into diapause as caterpillars. In the fall, the caterpillars begin to look for a good place to overwinter – under leaves, tree bark, or fallen logs. This is why we see them walking around in autumn. Once they find a place, they will produce a natural antifreeze that protects the interior of their cells from freezing and stay dormant for the entire season. Wooly bear caterpillars can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit! In spring, they will spin their cocoons. Once transformed, the Isabella moth only lives for about a week. It does not eat, rather its sole purpose is to mate and lay eggs. Young woolly bear caterpillars are mostly black. Each time they molt, the brown band gets larger. For years people have believed that the length of the brown band predicts the severity of the upcoming winter. The wider the brown band, the milder the winter, supposedly. Even an entomologist from the American museum of Natural History, Dr. Curran, collected woolly bears and made a prediction of the winter in 1948. He may have been right that year, but was probably just lucky. Woolly bears have hairs all over their bodies called setae and these are thought to protect them from predators, although skunks simply roll them around to get the hairs off before eating them. Some sources say that the hairs can be irritating to skin so use caution. If you do pick up a woolly bear, it will roll into a ball to protect its organs. Make sure to return it to the ground so it can continue its quest to find a good place to spend the winter. Woolly Bears! by Kim Compton, Education and Visitor Services Coordinator Seasonal Sightings 11
Star Party Star Party Hosted by Northwest Suburban Astronomers Northwest Suburban Astronomer members will point out highlights in the night sky as they aim their telescopes at globular and open star clusters in the Milky Way as well as at planetary nebulae and the Andromeda Galaxy. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane (red light preserves everyone’s night vision), and insect repellent. Bring your own telescope or binoculars for NSA members to provide guidance in its use. Landscapes | Fall 2023 Friday, September 22 6:00–10:00 p.m. Marengo Ridge, Marengo (Rain/weather alternate Sept. 23) 1 1 S E P T. S E P T. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Huemann Water Conditioning 7:00–8:30 p.m . Site closes at 9 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio, Glacial Park Join us for an evening of music and nature. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the beautiful view from the Lost Valley Visitor Center patio and stay for a free concert from talented regional musicians. Note: No glass containers. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be canceled. First Fridays Concert Tom Ellinghausen's Highway Miles Covering songs from the 60s to the present, Tom plays your favorites and digs deep into his diverse musical catalog to play songs that will spark your memories. Tom has performed with alternative rock bands, country bands, and of course, acoustically at many of the finest venues in Chicago and the surrounding region. Citizen Science: Project Feeder Watch Ages 14 + Wednesday, September 6, 7 - 7:45 p.m. Online Program Fee: R Free/NR $5 Code: 8722 Join us on Zoom as we learn about Citizen Science projects - what they are and how you can participate. This Citizen Science project will focus on Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch. Access information will be sent to registrants via email. V i r t u a l P r o g r a m Migratory Madness Evening A g e s 14+ Wednesday, September 13, 5:30–8 p.m. Glacial Park, Kettle Parking Lot, Ringwood Fee: Free /NR $5 Code: 8714 Join volunteer bird enthusiast Dave Miller on a search for migratory birds stopping over at Glacial Park. After the hike we’ll gather to compare notes and tally up all the species we spotted. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at The Big Sit, an annual, international, noncompetitive birding event. The concept is simple: find a good spot for bird watching, sit in one spot for a designated time period, and count the bird species you see or hear. Gather your closest bird-watching friends for a bird-a-thon, a perfect excuse to share good stories, meet new friends, enjoy the outdoors and appreciate our fine feathered friends. Stop by for a few minutes, stay a few hours or join the whole 12-hour sit. Bring a lawn chair and your binoculars and layered clothing. For more information visit Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge - hackmatacknwr.org. Migratory Madness Morni ng A g e s 14+ Saturday, September 16, 8-10:30 a.m. Glacial Park, Kettle Parking Lot, Ringwood Fee: Free /NR $5 Code: 8715 Join volunteer bird enthusiast Dave Miller on a search for migratory birds stopping over at Glacial Park. After the hike we’ll gather to compare notes and tally up all the species we spotted. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Sunday, October 8, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center, Ringwood Hosted by Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, McHenry County Audubon Society and McHenry County Conservation District with support from Illinois Department of Natural Resources The Big Sit Bird Watching Event Introduction to Winter Birds Ages 14 + Wednesday, November 28, 7 - 8 p.m. Online Program Fee: R Free/NR $5 Code: 8732 Learn to identify the birds you may see at feeders or in your local conservation areas this winter. We'll explore birds that stay all year and those who migrate here for the winter. Time will be allowed for questions as well. V i r t u a l P r o g r a m Online Birding Programs 12
Twilight at the Farmhouse Thursday, September 28, 6–8 p.m. Enjoy the twilight ambiance of this 1850's house by candlelight and lamplight while enjoying a fall evening viewing the ever- changing colors in the Lost Valley Marsh. Smell the aromas of what is baking in the wood-burning stove. We think of candlelight at the end of the day as peaceful, but try doing detailed work in dim lighting! See how the early settlers tried to get the remains of their work done at day's end. Living History Events Living History Events Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park No registration required. Drop in any time during event hours. Harvest Time in 1858 Sunday, November 5 Noon–4 p.m. Step back in time to the 1850's at harvest time. Try your hand at corn shelling, grinding corn into flour, or making a corn husk or yarn doll. Witness harvest activities like baking bread in the wood-burning stove and grinding herbs for winter. Tour the historic farmhouse and learn about its restoration, and visit with a Cavalry sergeant and his horse as they demonstrate the weapons of the era used to protect these frontier lands. Theodore Roosevelt Visits the Powers-Walker House Sunday, October 8, Noon–4 p.m. Theodore Roosevelt was a complicated man of many talents: a rancher, an avid hunter, a war hero as a "Rough Rider", a progressive statesman, naturalist, conservationist, a masterful politician and the 26th President of the United States. Join us at the Powers-Walker house for an afternoon with Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt and his trusty mount. Archaeological Awareness Sunday, September 10 Noon–4 p.m. See demonstrations of a stone grinder, flintknapper, and other prehistoric skills. A mounted cavalryman will be on hand to explain archaeology of the Little Big Horn site. Archaeologists will describe how prehistoric technologies are discovered and interpreted. Examples of artifacts will be on display, including those found at the Powers- Walker House. Bring your own arrowheads or prehistoric tools for identification by professional archaeologists. Online Birding Programs Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Landscapes | Fall 2023 13
14 Saturday, October 14 1:00–3:00 p.m. FREE Marengo Ridge • 2411 N IL Route 23, Marengo Join us for our annual OAKtober Planting Party and have a TREEmendous time! During this special event, you'll work with District staff and volunteers to reforest the heart of Marengo Ridge, as part of the District's long-term efforts to restore the "Big Woods" that once covered a third of our county. Plan to hike a short distance off trail to the planting site, where you will learn why this work is important and how to plant tree seedlings. Bring work gloves if you have them. This is a great opportunity to have some fun with the family and for Scouts and students to log service hours. The site of this restoration project is available to all. Accessible amenities: parking, trailhead, restrooms, trails to and from planting area. Big Woods Planting Party! Celebrate Tree Planting and Care 101 A g e s 14+ Tuesday, October 10, 6-7 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8707 Join a certified arborist in learning how to choose and properly plant a tree in your home landscape. Plus, learn how to maximize the chance that the tree will survive into adulthood and thrive for years to come by providing the care that young trees need. Oaktober Woodland Hike Ages 8+ Saturday, October 14, 3-4 p.m. Marengo Ridge, Marengo Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8695 Join a naturalist on a rugged woodland hike to learn about the ecosystem and local trees. Along the way, you'll also discover the geological formations that make Marengo Ridge, and much of McHenry County, unique. Prepare to hike 2.2 miles on rough, uneven terrain. Late Summer Tree ID A g e s 14+ Sunday, August 27, 9-10:30 a.m. Pleasant Valley, Shelter #2, Woodstock Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8532 Identifying trees in summer is quite simple with leaves bursting out! Yet, there is still much to learn about leaves and a tree's form. Enjoy a late summer hike identifying deciduous trees and getting to know their habitat and animal associations. Bring water, dress for the weather and be ready to hike over rugged terrain. Talk & Trek: Autumn Wildflowers A g e s 14 + Saturday, September 30, 10-11:30 a.m. Lake in the Hills Shelter, Lake in the Hills Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8705 Join a naturalist as we explore some of the last wildflower blooms of the season. Learn new species, what makes them unique, and how they contribute to their ecosystem. This is a slow paced hike for approximately 1 mile with several stopping points along the way. Talk & Trek: Autumn Leaves A g e s 14 + Tuesday, October 17, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Coral Woods, Marengo Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8708 Join a naturalist/certified arborist as we enjoy the autumn leaves and discuss the change of seasons and how it relates to tree health. This is a 1-2 mile hike, with some uphill and downhill areas along the route, and several stopping points along the way. Autumn Outings Botany Bits: Trees & Trunks All Ages Friday, October 6, 2-3:30 p.m. Harrison Benwell, Wonder Lake Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8696 Autumn is a great time to get to know trees and their trunks! As we hike over half a mile, we'll discover different tree species, different features of trunks, their leaves, and how we and other animals benefit from trees. Family friendly activities will be available during the program.
HALLOWOODS WALK Saturday, October 21 Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $3 per person / NR $6 per person Register for a time slot 4 - 7 p.m. Hikes leave every 15 minutes Celebrate the season! Bring the family out for a non-scary stroll through a luminary-lit savanna. Nature characters come alive and share stories along the trail. Enjoy refreshments around a crackling fire Costumes encouraged! All Ages Cheers to Nature! Decorate Wooden Cutouts for a Parade of Animals Displayed along the walkways at Lost Valley Visitor Center and Prairieview Education Center Share your gratitude towards nature in artistic fashion. Order your plywood cutout to decorate and be displayed along the Lost Valley Visitor Center and/or Prairieview Education Center's entrance paths this season! Great for families, organizations, and other group. Each cutout is 1/2 inch thick and 3 feet tall. Designs include an acorn, turtle, owl, butterfly, and a deer (first come, first served on selection pick) Fee: R $35 / NR $45 Code: 8703 Oct. 13-22 Pick up cutouts from Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park Before November 9 Drop Off decorated cutouts for display Nov. 14 -Dec. 15 On Display Dec 16 - 22 Pick up your decorated cutouts for display at your own home: Mysteries of Mosgrove Cemetery Age s 5+ Saturday, October 28, 5-6:15 p.m. Stickney Run, McHenry Fee: R Free/ NR $5.00 Code: 8771 The prominent and respected Mosgrove family now rests peacefully on the west end of Stickney Run. Hike through old oaks, next to a pond, and over a bridge to look at the cultural history of the land. We will learn about what life was like back in the 1830s when they settled the land and about their family life. Hike is about a mile round trip. OFF BE ATEN PATH THE NATURAL NATURAL WREATH MAKING WREATH MAKING Sunday, November 5 2-4:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $20/NR $25 Code: 8789 Impress your Thanksgiving guests with a handmade wreath created from natural materials found in our prairies and woodlands. Take a short guided hike to discover what the prairie looks like in the fall, and to collect materials to incorporate into your creation. Bring home the beauty of these natural areas through your hand- crafted product. Instruction and basic wreath making materials will be supplied. Note: Collecting of any materials on District sites is prohibited unless authorized by staff. Ages 8+ All Ages Keith D Leman 15
Picnic on the Ridge & Story Tim e Ages 2-6 with Adult Friday, September 8, Noon-1 p.m. Marengo Ridge, Marengo Fee: R Free/ NR $5 Code: 8735 Bring the kiddos out for an early fall picnic at Marengo Ridge. We will listen to a few stories and enjoy the autumn breeze while we snack on a sandwich and other treats. Pack your own lunch and a drink for the picnic. A great way to say goodbye to Summer and welcome Autumn. Exploring outdoors keeps kids active, happy and healthy. Need a little extra help motivating your kids to get out onto the trails? We've created a full color activity book for you to challenge kids to complete different scavenger hunts, wildlife observations, tree measurements, hiking challenges and more! Complete at least 10 pages of activities by September 30, 2023 and redeem a prize! Notify us at [email protected] when you have completed the activities. Outdoor Explorer books will be mailed. Prizes can be picked up at Prairieview Education Center. Purchase online only; $3.00 per book for residents and non-residents. Perfect for families with children ages 14 and under. Outdoor Explorations Lost Valley Nature Detectives Self-Guided Outdoor Explorations at Glacial Park Visit Lost Valley Visitor Center for self-guided activities to explore Glacial Park. Activities change monthly corresponding to a new theme. Exploration backpacks are also avail - able to check out, as well as binoculars and field guides to use during your adventures in the wild open spaces. September: Autumn Wonders September 1st is the meteorological start of autumn! Learn about this wonderful se ason full of falling leaves and crisp mornings through self-guided activities and a craft, then enjoy the seasonal changes on a self-guided hike as you look for wildlife preparing for the turn of the seasons. October: Oaks Happy Oak-tober! Did you know oaks are some of the most important trees that we have in our local woodlands? Learn about the mighty oak, tips to identify them and take a hike to observe different oaks of all sizes as they support their ecosys - tem. November: Wild Turkeys Before you prepare for Thanksgiving, learn about our local wild turkeys and what makes them so unique. Make your own turkey-themed craft to take home and set out on the trails to see if you can spot any signs of our local wild turkeys out and about! Become an Stories & Explore! Ages 2-6 with Adult Enjoy stories about the season while relaxing inside the shelter. We will read books about seasonal life for the first half and then do a little exploring around the conservation area. Bring a blanket or a pillow to relax on while you listen to the stories. Monday, August 14, 10-11 a.m. Fel-Pro RRR, Main Shelter, Cary Note: There is a 0.3 mile walk to the shelter. Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8528 Friday, October 6, 10–11 a.m. Stickney Run, McHenry Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8736 Who Lives in a Tree? Mon day, September 18, 10–11 a.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $3.00 / NR $6.00 Code: 8730 Leaves and Logs Thursday, October 26, 10–11 a.m. Rush Creek, Harvard F ee: R $3.00 / NR $6.00 Code: 8697 White-tailed Deer Saturday, November 18, 10–11 a.m. Brookdale, Woodstock F ee: R $3.00 / NR $6.00 Code: 8709 Discovery Days Ages 2–6 with Adult Enjoy a morning of fun, educational activities focused on our special theme of the day. Games, lessons, and other hands-on experiences help participants explore our conservation areas. Fallen Log Nature Hunt Age s 5+ Saturday, November 4, 10-11:30 a.m. Coral Woods, Marengo Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8727 Is a dead log really alive? Many animals call a dead tree home. How many can you find? Together we will listen to a story then explore what's on, under and around dead logs. You might be surprised what you'll find! 16
The Bees Needs A g e s 14+ Monday, August 14, 1-2:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8529 Bees have needs too. Just like everyone else, they need a habitat. But how can we support them with limited space at home and make a difference. We will cover essential needs for bees and what we can do to maximize those needs at home. We will spend some time outside to observe bees in action. Creek Peek Ages 6+ Saturday, September 16, 1-2:30 p.m. Keystone Road Landing, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8716 Explore the amazing underwater world of the Nippersink Creek! We will search for little critters and learn why they are so important to the creek. Participants should wear shoes they can wade in and be prepared to get wet. Snakes Ages 8+ Thursday, September 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free / NR $5.00 Code: 8700 Have you ever seen a snake up close, with it's scaly skin and sleek body? Learn about the adaptations and natural histories of some of McHenry County snakes from Wildlife Resource Center staff and a live animal ambassador! We will also explore more with a craft and hike to follow. Fall Family Scavenger Hunt - On the GooseChase App All Ages Saturday, October 14, 9:30-11 a.m. Harrison Benwell, Wonder Lake Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8721 If you enjoyed the Find Your Wild adventure this summer, you will have fun with this shorter scavenger hunt game. Download the GooseChase app to your phone and bring your family out for a fall adventure! Meet for a brief introduction on how to use the app. Earn points and prize! Dress for the weather and hiking. Fall Color Hike and Candle Luminary Craft A g e s 7+ Saturday, October 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Coral Woods, Marengo Fee: R $3 / NR $6 Code: 874 0 Come out to Coral Woods and experience fall colors as they start to emerge. Be prepared to hike about 1.5 mile around the Conservation Area. We will collect colorful fall leaves during the hike to create a fall candle luminary that you can take home with you! Primitive Sports: Tomahawk Throw A g e s 7+ Saturday, Oct. 14, 10:30-Noon Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $5 / NR $6 Code: 8725 Once a part of everyday life, tomahawks were an integral part of survival. Today, many enjoy tomahawk throwing as recreation. Join us for a morning of testing our primitive outdoor survival skills of the past as we try our hand at tomahawk throwing! Halloween Geocache A g e s 7+ Saturday, October 28, 2-3:30 p.m. Brookdale, Paulsen Road Entrance, Woodstock Fee: R $3 / NR $6 Code: 8742 Black bats and spooky beats, Hooting owls and delicious treats. Let's hunt for some geocaches and if you find them all, you will leave with a treat bag. Learn about the history of Geocache, how to use the GPS, and hunt for geocaches. Prepare to hike around for about an hour. Landscapes | Fall 2023 Native Wildflowers Cupcake Decorating Ages 10+ Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. - Noon Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $28 / NR $35 Code: 8569 Take your decorating to the next level! Design native wildflower-themed cupcakes that will be perfect for gift giving to others...or yourself! Learn step- by-step instructions from coloring icing to using piping tips for finishing touches. Participants will complete six boxed and decorated cupcakes, and keep piping tips and bags to recreate designs at home! Migrating Monarchs Ages 8+ Saturday, September 30, 1-2:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8706 Join us to learn about the annual life cycle of Monarch Butterflies, and how they survive their 2,500 mile migration each year; plus find out what you can do to help them along their way. Weather permitting, we will also venture out to the prairie to see if we can find any monarchs as they set off on their southbound journey. Check out this free opportunity designed to help your family spend quality time outdoors while learning about nature! Families receive an exploration backpack, District trail maps, seasonal activity ideas, and a bimonthly newsletter. Six exclusive gatherings are hosted a year for a chance to meet other outdoor-loving families. Register Online Code: 5123. JOIN Outdoor Explorations 17
Hike with Mike Ferris & Buehler’s Day Outsid e Hike the trails through woodlands, in the prairies and over the kames of McHenry County Conservation Areas with special guest McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler. Lace up your sneakers, curate conversations in conservation and enjoy all the healthy benefits of the great outdoors. Discover what makes McHenry County a healthy and thriving place to work, live and play! Hikes are roughly two miles in length. Saturdays, 9-10:30 a.m. August 19 – Fel-Pro RRR Code: 8682 Sept. 23 – Pleasant Valley Code: 8683 Oct. 21 – Hickory Grove Highlands Code: 8684 McHenry County Conservation District Police Faith & Blue Bike Ride Saturday, October 7, 9-11 a.m. Meet at Richmond-Burton High School, 8311 Route 31, Richmond - Ride to Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: Free Code: 8791 Take a morning pedal with members of our law enforcement team for a social and community-building bike ride. We will ride to the Prairie Trail and travel to the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Ringwood. Light refreshments will served as we chat with Conservation Officers. The pedal portion is roughly 6 miles round trip. Faith & Blue is a nation-wide movement to reinforce connections between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Communities are stronger and safer when residents and law enforcement professionals can relate as ordinary people with shared values, hopes, and dreams. The background behind Faith & Blue Weekend is to find ways to work together around our commonalities instead of being divided by our differences. National Public Lands Day: Restoration at Boger Bog Celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering at a habitat restoration day! We’ll provide the tools. Dress for the weather and off-trail restoration activities. Saturday, September 23 Boger Bog, Bull Valley 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. RSVP to steward Ders Anderson ([email protected]) Get Outdoors and Give Back! GREEN FRIDAY — Restoration Day November 24th No experience necessary. Dress for outdoors and bring your own work gloves. Families welcome, ages 6 and up! Great for scouts and high school students needing service hours. Alden Sedge Meadow, Alden 1 pm - 3:30 pm Boger Bog , Bull Valley 10 am - 1 pm Boone Creek, Woodstock 12 pm - 3 pm Exner Marsh, Woodstock 9 am - Noon Stickney Run , McHenry 10 am - 1 pm Weekend of Restoration XXIII LOOKING AT WILDERNESS October 7 & 8 • Saturday 8 a.m. – Sunday Noon Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Cost: $25 per person; $15 Seniors (60+); $20 Students (16–22); Code: 8790 Did you ever dream of going to the wilderness? This fall, you can join us for a trip to the wilds of McHenry County! We will meet at a site near Alden, IL to continue stream restoration work building riffles, and planting oak trees and native shrubs on the nearby hills. Hold on! Is this a real wilderness? What is a wilderness anyway? Can you make a wilderness, or is it something that was always there? Maybe there really aren’t any wildernesses? This beautiful, and sometimes puzzling and controversial idea has been at the center of Conservation from the very beginning, and we will spend time thinking, talking and maybe singing about our wilderness. Most of our time will be outdoors, so come dressed for the weather. Visit our Facebook Page @MCCDWEOR. Join us this weekend and make a difference! A g e s 16+ Fee includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Several motel options are within 15 minutes of Glacial Park or camp for FREE exclusively for this event. BYO camping equipment. Shower facilities available. Outdoor Explorations Landscapes | Fall 2023 18
Landscapes | Fall 2023 Geocaching is a “treasure hunting” game played throughout the world by individuals, friends, families, and adventure seekers equipped with GPS device or smartphone. Locate hidden containers called geocaches or simply caches. Once you find it, take a trinket and leave one of your own behind, sign the logbook and share your experiences through Geocaching.com. May 27–October 31 Complete your sheet and claim your 2023 GeoCoin! All caches will be live on geocaching.com . Note: This is a separate program from the GeoSeries. There are a limited number of coins—first-come, first served; one coin per household. Get started at : MCCD.me/CYW Find us on Facebook @ CacheYourWayAcrossMcHenryCounty Get Started GEOCACHING! Great for all ages! Visit Sites Collect Points Earn Prizes FIND WILD YO U R MCCD.me/FindYourWild JOIN THE CHALLENGE Visit Sites Collect Points Earn Prizes FIND WILD YO U R MCCD.me/FindYourWild JOIN THE CHALLENGE This year's event will benefit: The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Mchenry County Conservation Foundation McHenry County Conservation District The Good Food Pantry Tickets $75 • $85 at the Gate Info: Soulfulprairies.com A day of good music, good people supporting good causes. Main Stage: The Buffers OK, Boomer The Bruces & The Mentors MacKenzie O’Brien Midnight Wiretalkers Acoustic Stage: Casual Deluxe Rob Goodland John Twaits Ken Kuhn Outdoor Explorations Soul Jam Saturday, September 9 1:30 p.m. – Sunset 4 706 Alden Rd., Woodstock — Soulful Prairies Complete trivia questions, check-ins and activities to have fun, explore, earn points and win stickers and prizes! 19 There's Still Time to Play... Now thru September 4
Nature For All: Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area All Ages Wednesday, September 6, 4-5 p.m. Lake in the Hills Conservation Area, Lake in the Hills Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8698 Ever heard about gravel prairies? What's their uniqueness and how much does the District manage? These questions will be answered, and a few more during this 0.5 mile hike on the paved paths. The smooth and level path of this part of the trail is accessible to people who use strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers. Special Interest Bison Ranch Stories A g e s 14+ Sunday, November 5 1-2:30 p.m. Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8772 McHenry County Conservation District is using bison and regenerative grazing to restore and manage soil health along with wildlife habitat in the prairie and savanna ecosystems at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. District staff along with a special guest will talk about habitat management using grazing animals to create the right structure and conditions that allows these ecosystems to flourish. Dress for the weather. Details and parking information will be sent to registrants ahead of the program. Hunter Safety Course All Ages September 30 & October 1, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8723 The IDNR Hunter Education Program course work will cover the basics of hunter responsibility, tree stand safety, wildlife conservation, firearms and ammunition, field safety, wildlife management, bowhunting, muzzleloading, and state regulations. Successful completion of the course and final exam will receive their State of Illinois hunter safety certification card. For more information visit: dnr.illinois.gov/safety/huntersafety.html Tying Flies with Trout Unlimited Ages 6+ Thursday, October 5, 6 -7:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8702 Trout Unlimited will lead the class in tying flies for all interested! This will be a great start to fly fishing, as well as a great fall and winter activity to prepare you for spring fishing. No experience necessary. All equipment is provided and you will be able to keep flies you created during the program. Cast Iron Cooking A g e s 14+ Sunday, October 15, Noon-3:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $20 / NR $25 Code: 8774 Learn to cook some tasty Dutch oven autumn recipes while also learning about cast iron use and care. Most importantly, we’ll be preparing lunch that we’ll enjoy together. Leave with new knowledge as well as recipes! Taught by Dutch Oven Diva, Lesley Tennessen. 20 Grateful Yoga Ages 14+ Tuesday, September 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Pleasant Valley, Amphitheater, Woodstock Fee: R $10 / NR $13 Code: 8701 Enjoy a session of gentle hatha yoga and a guided gratitude meditation in the beautiful open air surroundings. All experience levels are welcome for this outdoor practice. Dress for movement and the weather, and bring your own yoga mat/blanket and water. Campground Yoga Ages 14+ Sunday, October 22, 10-11:30 a.m. Hickory Grove Riverfront, Cary Fee: R $10 / NR $13 Code: 8704 For this yoga practice, we will be meeting at the Hickory Grove Riverfront Group Campsite for a unique experience. Join us for a yoga practice surrounded by trees and the sounds of the Fox River. If temperatures are low, we will light a fire at the campsite. Dress for movement and the weather, and bring your own yoga mat/blanket and water.
Join the Century Hikers Club A g e s 14+ Earn rewards while you hike your way to 100 miles to 2,000 Miles! Looking to get outdoors and enjoy the natural areas of McHenry County Conservation District? The Century Hikers will motivate you to hit different milestones and receive a variety of rewards! Members can also participate in exclusive programs and can hike with others by joining “The Trail Pack” group on Facebook. Fee: $10 Enroll online Code: 5122 Cycling Without Age: Open Air Trishaw Trail Rides for Seniors Feel the wind in your hair! Bring an elder out for a pleasant ride along one of the beautiful Conservation District trails, conducted by trained volunteers on their comfortable, open-air trishaws that accommodate one to two riders (one passenger must be 55+). Rides are free but pre-registration required. Sponsored by Cycling Without Age McHenry County. Time Slots are on the hour from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m . Prairie Trail - Glacial Park Harts Road, Ringwood Saturdays: August 12 | August 26 | Sept. 16 | Sept. 30 | Oct. 14 Fel-Pro RRR - Main Parking Lot, 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary* *Bikes allowed at Fel-Pro RRR for this program only. Saturdays: August 12 | August 26 | Sept. 16 | Sept. 30 | Oct. 14 Hebron Trail - Trailhead, 10106 Church Street, Hebron Saturdays: August 5 | August 19 | Sept. 9 | Sept. 23 | Oct. 7 Special Interest Functional Fitness Trail Hike A g e s 14+ Sunday, October 8, 10-11 a.m. Kishwaukee Headwaters, Woodstock Fee: R $5 / NR $6 Code: 8724 Focus on fitness! Join us on a guided fitness hike with a professional coach that incorporates functional fitness movements along the way. This class is great for those wanting to work out and get fit in the outdoors. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, pacing, and fueling the body during the hike. No equipment needed but do bring water to hydrate. Wear clothing that allows for movement. Disc Golf Introduction Ages 5+ Friday, September 15, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Fel-Pro-RRR, Main Entrance, Cary Fee: R Free / NR $5 Code: 8734 Time to learn how to Disc Golf! It is a growing and popular sport with open, public courses all over the county and state. Learn the terminology, the basic rules, how to keep score, tips and tricks and more. If you have your own discs, you are welcome to bring them. We will have a few for demonstration purposes and to try. Full Moon Sunset Paddle Ages 14 + Saturday, October 28, 5-7 p.m. The Hollows, Lake Atwood, Cary Fee: R $15 / NR $20 Single Kayak Code: 8711 Tandem Kayak Code: 8712 Join us for an invigorating autumn evening as we kayak on flatwater, and watch the sunset and full moon rise. After a period of instruction, participants will be given time to practice their paddling skills on Lake Atwood and enjoy the changing scenery. All equipment is provided. Please wear shoes that can get wet and fully secure to your feet. NOTE: Tandem Kayak sign up must be done in pairs, and both participants must be registered separately. Nippersink at Night Kayak Trip A g e s 14 + Friday, September 29, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Keystone Road Landing, Richmond Fee: R $20 / NR $25 Code: 8718 Have you ever considered paddling at night? When the moon is full and conditions are right there can be more than enough light to navigate the appropriate river or creek. Join us for an illuminated night paddle 7 miles down the Nippersink Creek from Keystone Landing to Pioneer Landing. Paddling on moving water during low light conditions requires an experienced kayaker; this program is not for beginners. This program is subject to cancellation due to water level, weather, or lack of moonlight due to overcast conditions and there are no restroom facilities along the creek. 21 Landscapes | Fall 2023 Sunday, September 17 - Long Prairie Trail Long Prairie Trailhead - Boone McHenry County Line Road 9–11 a.m. Fee: R Free/NR $5 Code: 8741 Starting at the McHenry & Boone County line we will ride west to Poplar Grove. We will start and end at the trailhead on Boone McHenry County Line Road, about 1/2 mile north of Route 173. Pedal 15 miles Round Trip. Saturday, October 7, Fox River Trail Prairie Trail - Algonquin Parking Lot on Washington Street 9–11 a.m. Fee: R Free/NR $5 Code: 8763 Starting and ending at the Algonquin Prairie Trail parking lot we will ride south to South End Park in West Dundee. Pedal 14 miles round trip. Sunday, October 22 Morraine Hills State Park Moraine Hills State Park - Second parking lot 9-11 a.m. Fee: R Free/NR $5 Code: 8770 After meeting at the second parking lot in the park, we will explore the many trails in the park. Pedal roughly 8 miles. Prairie Trail Riders - Off Campus Age s 10+ Grab your bike and join us as we explore bike trails near McHenry County. Register for one ride or the entire series. We will ride 10 to 15 miles each day, starting and ending at the same location
color %: 100 80 60 40 25 10 black %: 100 85 70 55 32 16 Picnic Areas Picnic Areas & Shelters & Shelters The Conservation District offers 23 different picnic shelters and 7 picnic areas for your next family gathering or group outing, many include grills. Permits are required for groups of 16 people or more, and for groups of 15 people or less wishing to guarantee use of those areas. To reserve a site, a completed permit and any necessary fee are due in the District’s main office at 18410 US Highway 14 in Woodstock at least ten working days in advance of your desired date. For more information, visit MCCD.me/Picnic Max # of People Resident Holiday Surcharge Non Resident Holiday Surcharge 50 $55 $10 $110 $40 80 $80 $10 $160 $40 150 $185 $10 $250 $40 Wedding Fee for Pleasant Valley Amphiteatre, Brookdale or Fel-Pro RRR Resident $300 Non-resident $400 Picnic Areas & Shelter Fees ( based on county residency) Campgrounds • Firewood is available to purchase, order at time of reservation: $7 per crate * The holiday surcharge fee applies to each day of the Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day holiday weekends. Resident / Non-resident per site, per night Non-electric $15 / $20 Electric, RV only $25 / $35 Holiday surcharge per night* $2 / $5 • Group campgrounds are open first Friday in April–last Sunday in November. • Thomas Woods remains open for winter group camping December–March. The Conservation District has five group campground locations. Reservations are made online only at MCCD.me/Reservations and require one week notice ( exception: Thomas Woods Campground—see below) . Cancellations up to two weeks prior your reservation will receive a 90% refund. No refunds issued for cancellations less than two weeks from the reservation date. All reservations are subject to a $2 administrative fee. Individual Camp Sites Thomas Woods, in Marengo Ridge Open May–October, Weekends (Call for weekday special use permit, (815) 338-6223. Advance reservations are not required for Thomas Woods IF there is site availability. location Person Capacity Parking Capacity Resident / Non-resident per night Holiday Surcharge* per night Rush Creek – 20501 McGuire Rd., Harvard Exclusive Use 1-10 0 20 $55 / $90 $20 / $30 Beck’s Woods – 5940 N Pagles Rd., Chemung 1-25 6 $25 / $50 $10 / $20 Marengo Ridge – 2411 N Route 23, Marengo Exclusive Use 1-10 0 18 $55 / $90 $20 / $30 Hickory Grove – 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary Riverfront 1-25 5 $25 / $50 $10 / $20 The Hollows – 3804 U.S. Hwy. 14, Cary Large Area 1-10 0 50 $45 / $90 $20 / $30 Small A 1- 40 50 $25 / $50 $10 / $20 Small B 1- 40 50 $25 / $50 $10 / $20 Camp sites are first come, first served for last minute camping plans, until full. If you wish to secure a site, make advance reservations online at MCCD.me/Reservations with a credit card 48 hours in advance. Payment by credit card, cash or check is accepted on site.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hunter Safety Course 8-4:30 pm, p. 20 Tying Flies with Trout Unlimited, 6-7:30 pm, p. 20 Stories and Explore! 1 0-11 am, p. 16 Botany Bits: Trees & Trunks, 2-3:30 pm, p. 14 Prairie Trail Riders: 9-11 am , p. 21 Cycling Without Age , p. 21 Faith & Blue Bike Ride , p. 18 Weekend of Restoration, p 18 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 The Big Sit , p . 12 Functional Fitness 10-11 am, p. 21 Powers-Walker 12-4 pm, p . 13 Offices Closed Tree Planting and Care 101 6-7 pm, p. 14 Cheers to Nature 9 am - 4 pm, p . 15 Fall Family Scavenger 9:30-11 am, p . 17 Fall Color Hike & Craft 10-11:30 am, p . 17 Primitive Sports, p . 17 OAKTOBER PLANTING 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Cast Iron Cooking Noon-3:30 pm , p. 20 Talk & Trek: Autumn Leaves 4:30-6 pm, p. 14 Hike with Mike: 9 -10 : 30 a m , p. 18 Hallowoods Hike 4 -7 pm , p . 15 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Prairie Trail Riders: Off Campus, 9 -11 a m , p. 21 Campground Yoga 10 -11 am , p. 20 Discovery Days: Leaves and Logs , 10-11 am, p. 16 Halloween Geocache, 2-3:30 pm , p . 17 Mysteries of Mosgrove Cemetery 5 - 6:15 p m , p . 15 Full Moon Sunset Paddle 5-7 pm , p. 21 29 30 31 SEPTEMBER Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 1st Friday Concert 7 - 8:30 pm, p . 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Offices Closed Nature for All: LITH Fen, 4-5 pm, p. 20 Citizen Science: Project FeederWatch, 7-7:45 pm, p . 12 Picnic on the Ridge Noon-1 pm, p . 16 Cycling Without Age, Various Times, p. 21 Soul Jam, 1:30-Sunset, p. 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Archaeological Awareness Noon - 4pm, p . 13 Migratory Madness 5:30-8 pm, p . 12 Disc Golf Intro 4-5:30 pm, p. 21 Migratory Madness, 8-10:30 am p . 12 Creek Peek, 1-2:30 pm p . 17 Cycling Without Age, Various Times p. 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Prairie Trail Riders: Off-Campus, 9-11 am, p. 21 Discovery Days: Who Lives in a Tree? 10-11 am, p. 16 Grateful Yoga 4:30-5:30 pm, p. 20 Star Party 6-10 pm, p . 12 Hike with Mike, 9-10:30 am, p. 18 National Public Lands Day- Boger Bog Restoration, p. 18 Great Outdoors Beer Trail 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Snakes, 4:30-5:30, p . 17 Twilight at the Farmhouse, 6-8 pm, p . 13 Nippersink at Night, 6:30-10:30 pm, p. 21 Talk & Trek, 10-11:30 am, p. 14 Migrating Monarchs, 1-2:30 pm, p . 17 Hunter Safety 8-4:30, p. 20 C ycling w/o Age - Various Times, p. 21 23 Landscapes | Fall 2023
NOVEMBER Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 Fallen Log Nature Hunt, 10 -11: 3 0 a m , p. 16 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Harvest Time, p . 13 Bison Ranch Stories , 1-2:30 pm , p . 12 0 Natural Wreath Making , 2-4:30 pm , p . 15 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Discovery Days: White-Tailed Deer, 10 -11 a m , p. 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Thanksgiving Holiday Offices Closed Green Friday Restoration Day: Multiple Sites , p. 18 26 27 28 29 30 Introduction to Winter Birds, 7-8 p, p . 12 Glacial Park and Lost Valley Visitor Center Closed Seasonal Closures — Know Before You Go Closed Sites October 1 - January 14 County Line Road Access, Marengo Note: parking lot remains open for canoe launch access, then closed as weather conditions dictate. Silver Creek, East Loop Trail South of Behan Rd., Crystal Lake Note: open for fishing Fel-Pro RRR, , west loop trail and west of power lines, Cary Community Research Forest, Harvard Exception: Trail remains open 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. daily. Closed Sites Oct 27-29, Nov 3-5, Nov 10-12: Fox Bluff, Cary Hickory Grove Riverfront, Cary Note: open for fishing until first ice; campground closed. Hickory Grove Highlands & Lyon's Prairie Marsh, Cary Silver Creek, Crystal Lake Stickney Run, McHenry Closed Sites November 1-January 14: Brookdale, Paulson Rd. Multi-Use Trail, Woodstock Closed Sites November 17-19 Marengo Ridge, Marengo Rush Creek, Harvard Nov 30- Dec 3; Dec 8-10; Dec 28-31; and Jan12-14: Pioneer Road Canoe Landing, Richmond; then as weather conditions dictate closure. Closed November 30 - December 3 All of Glacial Park including Lost Valley Visitor Center and Prairie Trail from W. Solon Rd. south to School Rd. 24 Landscapes | Fall 2023
McHenry County Conservation District manages over 25,600 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands and savannas. Trails and other recreational amenities have been added within 35 conservation areas where the public can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hundreds of opportunities to attend outdoor environmental educational programs and events. Prairieview Education Center 2112 Behan Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815.338.6223 September - May: Tues. & Thurs. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. June - August: Mon. thru Thurs. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed: Nov. 23 Wildlife Resource Center 815.728.8307 Police Report suspicious activity: 815.338.6223 If no answer call: 815. 338 . 214 4 Brookdale Administrative Office 18410 US Highway 14 Woodstock, IL 60098 815.338.6223 Lost Valley Visitor Center Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood, IL 815.338.6223 April - October 9 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. November - March 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed: Sept. 4, Nov. 23 & 30 Last updated: July 2020 EL EV AT ION 70 0 75 0 800 85 0 900 95 0 10 00 10 50 11 00 11 50 12 00 Feet abov eS ea Leve l Protected Areas Recreational Trails Open Sites 25 Landscapes | Fall 2023
#DiscoverMCCD 18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock, IL 60098 815.338.6223 MCCDistrict.org Socialize with us and other outdoor enthusiasts just like you! In Home Delivery Requested Before August 7 Special Events First Fridays Concerts Sept. 1, 7–8:30 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio, Glacial Park, Ringwood Powers Walker House Events Sept. 20 & 28, Oct. 8, and Nov. 5 Glacial Park, Ringwood Hike with Mike Sept. 23 & Oct. 21, 9-10:30 a.m. Pleasant Valley, Woodstock Hickory Grove Highlands, Cary The Big Sit - Bird Watching Event Sunday, Oct. 8, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Glacial Park, Ringwood Big Woods Planting Party Saturday, Oct. 14, 1 - 4 p.m . Marengo Ridge, Marengo McHenry County Conservation District Fall 2023 What's Inside? Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Migratory Bird Days Oaktoberfest Living History Events Hallowoods Walk Woolly Bears L a n d sc a p es