Late Summer Fun with McHenry County Conservation District

ALGONQUIN-LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL - From the McHenry County Conservation District:

Barn Full of Bats

Thursday, July 20 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. After a fun and informative indoor presentation participants hike through Glacial Park to observe bats flying out of a barn at dusk. Participants who cannot make the 2 mile walk may drive their vehicles to the location. Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $5.00. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration deadline: July 16.

Summer Sunset Family Campfire

Friday, July 21 from 7–9 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. IL Rt. 23, Marengo. Gather the family for an evening campfire program. Activities include stories, songs, snacks and educational fun for the whole family! Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $5.00. Adults and Families. Registration deadline: July 17.

Lunch and Learn Kayak Trip

Sunday, July 23 from 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Keystone Road Landing in Glacial Park, 6500 Keystone Rd., Richmond. Learn about the diversity of wildlife that depend upon Nippersink Creek for survival while enjoying a catered lunch. Then set out on your own and explore the creek by kayak for a seven mile meandering course to Pioneer Landing. Note: kayaks are singles only. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes that strap to your feet. All kayaking equipment is provided. Fee: County resident $30.00/Non-resident $38.00. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration deadline: July 19.

Marvelous Moths

Friday, July 28 from 8:30–10 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. IL Rt. 23, Marengo. Learn about these amazing nocturnal pollinators and then head out to find various species in the park. Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $2.00. Adults and Families. Registration deadline: July 24.

Creature Features: Screech Owl

Thursday, August 3 from 9 a.m.–Noon at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. A live animal is our featured creature during three hours filled with games, activities, and crafts all based around the creature of the day. A snack is provided. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes, as most of the time is spent outdoors. Fee: County resident $6.00/Non-resident $8.00. Just for Kids ages 5-7. Registration deadline: July 30.

Monarchs and Milkweeds

Saturday, August 5 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. It is almost time for the majestic monarch butterflies to begin their mass migrations south. A brief overview of monarchs, their life-cycle, migration patterns, and programs that track their migrations will be presented. Afterward we will walk the trails through the summer prairie in search of monarchs and their larvae, and learn more about their host plants and migration challenges. Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up. Registration deadline: August 1.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Thursday, August 10 from 6:30–8 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. Learn about the life cycles of these marvelous winged wonders and set out to find, catch, examine, and release both adult insects and their nymphs. This requires exploration of both the prairie and the pond! Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $2.00. Adults and Families. Registration deadline: August 6.

Everybody Loves a Rock

Friday, August 11 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. IL Rt. 23, Marengo. 'Everybody Needs a Rock’ author Byrd Baylor leads us with her poetic prose and gives us ten rules for picking special rocks. After we read the book, we will use her rules to examine rocks, looking for their special qualities, play rock games, go on a rock hunt and make our own rock art. Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $5.00. Just for Kids ages 5-9, with chaperone. Registration deadline: August 7.

Cooking with the Sun

Saturday, August 12 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Harness the sun’s energy to cook food by making a pizza box solar cooker and tasting treats cooked using the sun’s energy! Fee: County resident Free/Non-resident $5.00. Adults and Families ages 7 and up. Registration deadline: August 8.

Visit the District’s website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view all program and event offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register online, by phone (free programs only) at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Rd. in Ringwood.

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