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

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...)

Discovery Days at Pleasant Valley, Shelter #1,
5/30/2012
Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack, and educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. (more...)

First Fridays Concert Series: "Just Friends" at Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center
6/1/2012
Join us on the first Friday of each month this summer for an evening of music and nature. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the beautiful view from the Lost Valley Visitor Center patio and stay for a co (more...)

Family Scavenger Hunt: GPS Special at Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center
6/2/2012
Discover the highlights of Glacial Park on this GPS adventure. Start at the Lost Valley Visitor Center where you will receive your instructions. Then visit waypoints and answer the questions to comp (more...)

Dinner and A Movie at Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center
6/2/2012
Experience a delicious meal provided by local farmers. We will have beef from Woodstock''s Willow Lea Stock Farm and vegetables from Richmond''s Green Earth Farm, among other offerings. Afterwards w (more...)

Hovering Hummingbirds at Prairieview Education Center
6/2/2012
Hummingbirds are tiny and surprisingly aggressive birds easily found in your backyard garden. Come learn about the behavior and lives of these birds, as well as the valuable role they play as a pollin (more...)