IDNR Resource Trunks
The Conservation District is a lending site for the resource trunks available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
These Free materials are available for up to two weeks and checked out from and returned to the Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake. Up to two trunks can be checked out at a time. Suitable for ages PreK-10, resource trunks include a variety of books, games, activity guides, videos, DVDs, CDs, and other hands-on materials.
Topics include: Illinois Birds, Illinois Fossils, Illinois Trees, Aquatic Illinois, Illinois Mammals, Illinois Prairies, Illinois Insects and Spiders, Illinois State Symbols, and People and Animals from Illinois’ Past.
Reservations recommended: (815) 479-5779
(Note: a $2.00 per day late fee is assessed on materials returned after their due date.)
District Educational Loan Materials
Naturalist in a Box Trunks (grades 1-8) topics include:
Bats, Mammals, Birds, Native Americans, Creepy Crawlies, Plants, Prairies, Trees, Geology, Wetlands, and Out of This World Astronomy
Backyard Buddies Kits (grades PreK-2) topics include:
Chipmunk, Ladybug, Otter, Cottontail Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel, and Groundhog.
Reservations recommended: (815) 479-5779
(Note: a $2.00 per day late fee is assessed on materials returned after their due date.)
Explore Nature with Self-Guided Exploration Packs
Create your own adventure with exploration packs from McHenry County Conservation District’s Prairieview Education Center or Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park! Exploration Packs contain seasonal activities and are great resources for interested families, youth groups, or scouts to enjoy in the outdoors. Several kits are available for loan, free of charge! (Note: a $2.00 per day late fee is assessed on materials returned after their due date.)
For groups over 16, an educational permit is needed. To secure an educational permit, please contact Prairieview Education Center at least 14 days in advance.
Family Exploration
These are backpacks your family or small group can borrow for use on the trails at Prairieview Education Center or Lost Valley Visitor Center. The packs contain seasonal activities in which your entire group can participate. Adult supervision is required. A driver’s license is required as a deposit and must be left during use. (For groups over 16, an educational permit is needed.)
Reservations: Prairieview Education Center (815) 479-5779; Lost Valley Visitor Center (815) 678-4532.
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Winter: |
Spring: |
Summer: Animal bingo or Scavenger hunt • Colors and shapes of nature • Animal homes, summer flowers, and insects • Read “Summer Moon” |
Fall: Make Leaf Art • Fall scavenger hunt • Colors and shapes of nature • View tiny insects or other treasures • Read “Autumn Moon” |
Map and Compass Self-Guided Packs
These packs are designed to be used on the map and compass course at Prairieview Education Center. The pack contains maps, compasses, and instructions for map reading activities and compass use. Each pack has supplies for up to 24 participants. Adult supervision is required; one adult for every four children is recommended. A driver’s license is required as a deposit and must be left during use. (For groups over 16, an educational permit is needed.)
Reservations recommended: (815) 479-5779
Water Quality Monitoring Kits
The Water Quality Monitoring Kits are educational tools and cross-curricular vehicles for multiple age groups. They contain reference materials, curriculum guides, water quality monitoring manuals, test kits, and the necessary equipment for biological monitoring. Two kits are available: the GREEN kit for grades 4–7 and the HACH 850 for grades 8 to adult. To schedule assistance with biological or chemical monitoring, contact the Outreach Program Coordinator at 815.678-4532, ext. 8117.
Reservations recommended: (815) 678-4532, ext. 8117