Are you a teacher looking to enhance your curriculum? Why not schedule a field trip at one of our sites? Wetlands, animals, geology, Native Americans, ecology, and the ice age are just some of the topics we offer. View or download our Environmental Education Opportunities Teachers’ Guide for program descriptions and additional information.
To request a copy be mailed or emailed to you, call Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or email education@mccdistrict.org.
About Our Field Trips
Field trips are offered in all seasons at sites throughout the county for a wide range of grade levels. They are available to both in- and out-of-county schools. We require a minimum of 12 students per program, and students must be the appropriate age for the program. At the discretion of program staff, the minimum requirement for special needs classes may be waived.
Field Trip Registration Dates
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
| Season | For the months of | Start taking phone calls |
| Fall 2013 | September, October, November | May 8, 2013 |
| Winter 2013-14 | December, January, February | September 11, 2013 |
In County Registration
Field trips are free for schools that serve McHenry County residents. On the first day of registration please limit your class to one field trip choice per season per site. You are welcome to check for availability of additional programs one week later. Refer to the Teachers’ Guide for information on which facility to call to schedule a field trip.
Out-of-County Registration and Fees
Registration begins two weeks after the above scheduled dates.
Fee: $40.00 per class of 12-35 students*
To confirm the field trip reservation, fees must be paid seven (7) days prior to the program. Payment is accepted by checks payable to McHenry County Conservation District. Fees due are confirmed by the program leader during the booking process and a copy of the program reservation form serves as an invoice.
*(Exception: the minimum group size of 12 may be made for special needs students or home school groups. In these circumstances the fee is $2.00 per student.)
Preparing Your Class for Field Trips
After you have scheduled a field trip, we encourage you to download the corresponding teacher packet from the links listed below. The packets contain valuable activities to enhance your field trip experience. If you prefer to receive hard copies of this material, notify the program leader when you schedule the program. 
To ensure the best experience possible for everyone, please note the following:
1. Make sure the bus driver knows where to drop off and pick up the class, as we offer field trips at several different areas throughout McHenry County.
2. Make every effort to arrive on time. We often have programs scheduled immediately following yours.
3. Field trips are conducted rain or shine. Students and teachers should dress for the weather. Consult your school or group weather policy and contact the education center you are scheduled to visit to discuss a weather-related cancellation.
4. A ratio of 1 adult to 10 students is recommended. In addition to monitoring student behavior, adults are expected to participate in all aspects of the trip. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children who are not students in the class. When recruiting adult helpers for your field trip, please be sure they understand this rule.
5. A sick child is the responsibility of the visiting group. Prepare ahead for such an event. We will provide a quiet area for a child to rest. However, direct supervision of the child is the responsibility of the group.
Download Pre- and Post-Activities for Field Trips
We encourage you to download and share the corresponding packet
with all teachers included in your program.
Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake
Note: Due to construction at the center, the three fall programs listed here will be offered at the Living Land Farm in Cary.
| FALL | SPRING | WINTER |
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Lost Valley Visitor Center, Ringwood
| FALL | SPRING | WINTER |
Living Land Farm, Cary
| FALL | SPRING | WINTER |
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