McHenry County Conservation District

Preservation

Education

Recreation

McHenry County Conservation District manages over 23,000 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. Twenty-eight sites are open to the public to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, nature viewing, camping, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

It’s not too early to start planning your summer adventures.

McHenry County Conservation District offers youth age 6-16 a chance to fish, hike, canoe and explore their days away at eight different camps. Click here.

Spring Break Escape

Saturday, April 3, 2:00–5:00p.m.
Prairieview Education Center

Welcome spring back and "escape" right here in McHenry County!
Meet Herman the Worm and his earthworm family • Learn to start your own garden in the Kinder Garden Classroom • Compete in the Flower Power team game • Enjoy refreshments and outdoor exploration (weather permitting)

Also check out the popular Conservation Egg Hunt, 1:00–2:00 p.m. prior to this event (registration and fee required).

CELEBRATE THE EARTH!

Join the Conservation District and
the Environmental Defenders of
McHenry County —

Saturday, April 17,
11:00a.m.–4:00p.m.
Prairieview Education Center

The event is held both indoors and out and will go on rain or shine!

Special performances, live music, puppet shows, guided nature hikes, restoration service project, hands-on games, crafts and environmental exhibitors.

HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING DROP OFF: A variety of items will be accepted for recycling, visit the Special Events page for more details.

Seasonal Site Closings

The following sites are closed for the season:
Thomas Woods at Marengo Ridge, Marengo
Nippersink Canoe Base, Spring Grove
Pioneer Canoe Landing, Richmond
Piscasaw North at Beck’s Woods, Chemung

For a complete list of site closings, click here.

Download Spring Landscapes
The District's quarterly newsletter is filled with
news, events and programs. Three previous issues are also available online.

Spring Issue
(March-April-May)

For employment opportunities, click here.

the new Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park

Opening August, 2010

The Lost Valley Visitor Center will feature exhibits, a resource center, environmental education classrooms, conference center, office space and multipurpose rooms. Click here for additional information.

Upcoming Events

Century Hikers: Coast to Coast at Prairieview Education Center
3/15/2010
Gather with other hikers to hear local hiker and artist Barbara Schneider share stories about one of the world’s great hikes, the Coast to Coast walk across England - from the Irish Sea to the North S (more...)

Nature+Fitness=Good Health at Pleasant Valley, Shelter #2
3/15/2010
If you’ve been wanting to find a different way to get your exercise and wishing you could spend more time outside, then this program is designed for you! We are pleased to join with a certified person (more...)

Greening of the Land at Stickney Run
3/17/2010
Yes it’s St Patrick’s Day, but have you noticed what is happening outside? Bring along your young ones as we search Stickney Run for all things green and learn why all this greening is going on. Dres (more...)

Phenology 101 at Pleasant Valley, Shelter #1,
3/21/2010
What is phenology? Why is it important to conservation and just plain fun? Join us as we begin the spring season and set out to find the “firsts”. We’ll make a family phenology journal, learn how to c (more...)

Scouts in the House: Forester at Glacial Park, Wiedrich Education Center
3/22/2010
Webelo Scouts are invited to Glacial Park for a fun filled informative evening designed to help meet requirements for the Forester badge. The program will be held indoors at the Wiedrich Education Ce (more...)

Macro ID 101 at Prairieview Education Center
3/22/2010
Can you say Benthic Macro Invertebrate or BMI's?These small but vitally important creatures give us the important data that signals the health of an aquatic ecosystem. This evening presentaion will in (more...)

Springing up for Pre-Schoolers at Pleasant Valley, Shelter #2
3/22/2010
Join your little one in making exciting discoveries about this wonderful season in this beautiful place. Staff will be on hand to provide an introduction to spring, tips and materials for leading your (more...)

Saturday, April 3, 2:00–5:00p.m. Prairieview Education Center

Saturday, April 3, 2:00–5:00p.m.
Prairieview Education Center