McHenry County Conservation District

What are YOU going to do this summer?!
Hike – Canoe – Fish – Camp – Explore...

Nine different summer day camps for ages 6–15.
Have a summer adventure you won't forget... browse online

Paddle in the Park

Paddling around at Lake Atwood Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Hollows – Lake Atwood Shelter, Cary

Take a canoe or kayak paddling clinic • Test-paddle canoes, kayaks or paddle boards • See demonstrations of paddling, rolling and rescue techniques • Paddle a voyageur canoe • Learn about local canoe and kayak clubs, paddling opportunities, outfitters, and adventures. More...

$5.00 per person for all clinics and includes testing water crafts. Registration not required.

Living History Open House

Sunday, May 20, 12 –4 p.m.
Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park
No registration required. Drop in any time.

Drop in and visit this Greek Revival 1854 restored house and check out our “Restoration Showcase” of both the house and donated artifacts. Volunteers in historical attire will be on hand to answer questions.

Lost Valley Ventures—
Family Exploration Programs!

Saturdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park

May's theme is frogs.

Are you looking for something the whole family can do for free on a Saturday afternoon? Join in on a nature craft, lesson, game, and a hike. Dress for the weather. All ages. Free. Topics change monthly»

Site Advisories

Prairie Trail: Bridge repair completed.Trail is now open to thru traffic.

Fel–Pro RRR: West Entrance (Early morning lot) closed for improvements; reopening June 18, 2012.

Updated 5/15/2012

Download Landscapes
The District's free quarterly magazine
is filled with news, events and programs.

Summer Issue (June-July-August):

Meet the Pollinators
Going Batty
Outdoor Nature Trivia

Program registration opens May 7.
Lottery deadline is May 24.
Programs open until filled.

Upcoming Events

Fabulous Frogs at Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center
5/17/2012
Learn about frogs and toads with a colorful slide show, then take a hike to hear Glacial Park''s amphibian chorus sing! Please dress for the weather and be prepared to walk 1.5 miles. (more...)

FOX Club Gathering (Families Outside eX-ploring)- Explore Paddle in the Park! at The Hollows, Lake Atwood Shelter
5/19/2012
FOX Club families, meet at the Lake Atwood Shelter at The Hollows Conservation Area for a brief presentation on paddling safety with your children. Following this presentation, explore this paddling e (more...)

Paddle in the Park at The Hollows, Lake Atwood Shelter
5/19/2012
Take a canoe or kayak paddling clinic. Test-paddle canoes or kayaks from local retailers to find the one that is right for you. See demonstrations of paddling, rolling and rescue techniques. Paddle a (more...)

Living History Open House at Glacial Park, Powers-Walker House
5/20/2012
Come visit this Greek Revival 1854 restored house and find out more about the Powers and Walker families that called this area home. Volunteers in historical attire will be on hand to answer question (more...)

Spring Hike on the Ridge at Marengo Ridge, Shelter #1
5/20/2012
Come enjoy a spring hike through the woodlands of Marengo Ridge. We’ll enjoy the signs of spring we observe, from birds to freshly blossomed wildflowers. Be prepared for a 3-mile hike on uneven, possi (more...)

Prairie Path Prowl at Glacial Park, Harts Road Parking Lot
5/24/2012
Meet your leader in the Harts Road parking lot for this early evening walk along the Prairie Trail. We'll look for birds that are native to this area as we enjoy a scenic stroll. Bring binoculars and (more...)