Upcoming McHenry Co. Conservation District Programs

Here is a look at upcoming programs you can sign up for through the McHenry County Conservation District:

Spring Wildflower Walk

Friday, April 14 from 9–10:30a.m. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Facts and folklore are shared as we hike through the woods enjoying the beauty of our favorite spring wildflowers. Note: Picking wildflowers is not permitted in conservation areas. Fee: Free. For Adults and Families. No registration is required for this free drop-in program BUT Check Before You Go, cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system.

Discovery Days

Thursday, April 13 from 10–11 a.m. at Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. Fee: R Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 2–6, with chaperone. Registration deadline: April 9.

Awesome Art for Families

Saturday, April 15 from 2–3:30 p.m. at Stickney Run Conservation Area, 3216 West State Park Road, McHenry. Listen as we begin our artistic adventure by reading “I Am an Artist” by Pat Lowery Collins. Discover how the process of making a piece of art is just as important as the final product. Learn to think like an artist and to use all of your senses to observe and explore the natural world during the creative process. All kinds of art supplies will be available for your use. Dress to get messy! Fee: R Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up. Registration deadline: April 11.

Spring Canoe Trip on the Fox

Saturday, April 15 from 8–10:30 a.m. at the Riverfront at Hickory Grove Conservation Area, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary. Spend a spring morning canoeing on the Fox River, learning about this riparian habitat and visiting a heron rookery. We provide all the canoe equipment, but bring binoculars and drinking water. This canoe trip is not suitable for beginners. Participants should be confident in their ability to paddle both up and down stream for 3 miles. Fee: R $15.00/NR $20.00. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration deadline: April 11.

Woodland Wandering

Wednesday, April 19 from 6–8:30 p.m. at the Kettle Parking Lot, in Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Volunteer bird enthusiast Dave Miller leads this spring evening 2-mile hike through the woods. Catch a glimpse of the birds that are passing through on their migration and search for those that stay as summer or year-round residents. Join the group for discussion and refreshments at the Powers-Walker House following the hike. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Fee: Free. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. No registration is required for this free drop-in program BUT Check Before You Go, cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system.

Woodland Wildflower Walk

Sunday, April 23 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. April is a time when the forest floor springs to life with the colorful beauty of its woodland wildflowers. A hike through the woods is a wonderful way for the family to enjoy this natural floral show. Be prepared for a 1.5-mile hike and enjoy stories and folklore about the beautiful native flowers. Fee: Free. For Adults and Families. No registration is required for this free drop-in program BUT Check Before You Go, cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system.

Starlit Search for Squeaks and Sneaks

Friday, April 28 from 7:30–9 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. Enjoy an evening of exploration after dark. Learn about the habits of local nocturnal animals as we hike the trails by starlight. Test your nocturnal senses along the way. No flashlights, please. Fee: R Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up.Registration deadline: April 24.

Critter Crawl

Saturday, April 29 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. Leave No Child Inside! Drop your kids off for some free play exploration as we search for insects and other critters under leaf litter, logs, and dirt. We provide magnifying glasses and bug boxes. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes and be prepared to get dirty! Fee: Free. Just for Kids ages 5–13. Registration deadline: April 25.

Dirty Deeds: Worm Composting

Thursday, May 4 from 7–9 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Renters and homeowners put your food scraps to use! Come learn how to compost year-round in your home or garage using worms. Feeding the worms can be an enjoyable practice that reduces waste and creates potting or garden soil “dirt cheap” and with no smell. Fee: R Free/NR $5.00. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration deadline: April 30.

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.