NOW OPEN
Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park
Opened August 14, 2010
The Lost Valley Visitor Center located in Glacial Park offers exhibits, drop-in library, environmental education classrooms, conference center, office space and multipurpose rooms. The renovated facility incorporates many energy-efficient and renewable-energy technologies. Click here for additional information.
Ridgefield Trace - Woodstock to Crystal Lake
Opened September 24, 2009
Ridgefield Trace travels 2 miles from McHenry County College along a Com-Ed right-of-way to just short of Oak St in Crystal Lake.
The trail currently ends prior to Oak Street because the Conservation District could not gain safe access from Oak Street therefore the trail was looped and signed to prevent people from going to Oak Street from the path. There is no intention to build a temporary trail. District trails are designed to IDOT standards and expect cyclists to obey stop signs. They are placed for the user's safety.
The District has received CMAQ Grant funding to continue the trail from its eastern endpoint (the loop) to Veterans Acres Park. The engineering of that section is currently underway which will require at grade crossings of the RR tracks, Oak Street, and ideally at Walkup Ave. It is the intent of the district to be constructing this segment in 2011. Click here to see a map of the intended alignment.
Future stages, that will extend the trail westward to the intersection of Lake Ave. and Route 47 in Woodstock, are not yet funded. This section may be 3-9 years before fully funded, engineered, constructed and completed. Click here for trail maps.
To view the MCC to Oak Street path, click here.
To view the 2009 Multi-use Path Facility Summary, click here.
Stone Mill Trail - Harvard to Chemung
Opened August 10, 2009
This 1.5 mile, asphalt trail travels from Lawrence Rd. in Harvard to Maxon Rd. in Chemung. Historically, a saw mill, grist mill and then a flour mill all existed on the Chemung end of the trail dating back to 1845. The trail is funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IL Bike Ways Program. Future phases of the trail will eventually connect Milky Way Park in Harvard to Boone County Conservation District’s Long Prairie Trail. Click Here for trail map.
Under Construction - Coming Soon
Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area, Woodstock
Gates Open Daily starting Sept. 3rd, 2010 for Labor Day Weekend
Dedication Ceremondy Sept. 9 3:30 – 5 p.m.
In July, 2008 The Board of Trustees approved the Master Plan for the Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area Master Plan.
Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area, a 150 acre wetland, sedge meadow, and savanna complex, is located south of Route 14 and east of Dean Street in Woodstock. The plan allows for public access and a 1.75-mile looped nature trail, boardwalk, picnic shelter, restrooms and parking lot. Plans will be submitted for the 2009-2010 budget.To view a map of the project, click here.
Nippersink Canoe Base, Burton Township
Grand Re-Opening Saturday, Sept. 18 1 - 4 p.m.
The Board of Trustees approved the Master Plan of Nippersink Canoe Base located in Burton Township, northeast of Route 12 and east of Wilmot Road.
The existing Nippersink Canoe Base site, which is already open to the public, provides canoe access and parking. New improvements include a 3.5 mile nature trail including 1 mile of elevated boardwalk, fishing access to Nippersink Creek, interpretive signage, picnic shelter, new restrooms, drinking fountain and a 15 car parking lot. Nippersink Canoe Base addition is a 113-acre parcel that was purchased with grant funds from the state of Illinois to protect the Nippersink Creek and surrounding wetland and to add to the existing site for a combined site total of 347 acres. Plans will be submitted for the 2009-2010 budget. To view a map of the project, click here.
Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area, Lake in the Hills
Anticipated opening Spring 2011
Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area is a 198-acre parcel located east of Randall Road, south of Lake in the Hills Airport, and directly west of Lake in the Hills Fen Nature Preserve. Site improvements to this high-quality natural area include looped nature trails for hiking and cross country skiing, as well as an ADA paved trail, picnic shelter, and interpretive signage. The land was purchased with grant funds from the State of Illinois to protect Crystal Creek and surrounding wetlands, as well as to give the public an opportunity to connect with the natural world at this unique site. To view a map of the site plan, click here.
High Point Conservation Area, Harvard
Anticipated opening Spring 2011.
High Point Conservation Area is a 253-acre site located between Reese Road and Wright Road in Alden Township. Notably, High Point contains the highest glaciated point above sea level in McHenry County. Improvements to the site include 3.8 miles of looped nature trails that will provide hikers with scenic views and wildlife observation, as well as interpretive and educational opportunities. Parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water are also planned. The entrance to the site will be off of Reese Road. To view a map of the site plan, click here.
Winding Creek Conservation Area, Hebron
Anticipated Opening Summer 2011
Winding Creek Conservation Area is a 359-acre site located adjacent to the intersection of Johnson Road and O'Brien Road near Hebron. The western portion is woodland and a stretch of the Nippersink Creek runs through the sire. Improvements include 3.4 miles of looped trails with boardwalks through the wetlands, ideal for hiking and cross country skiing, as well as a second .7 mile nature trail. Fishing opportunities will also be available. Parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, a shelter and drinking water are planned. The entrance to the site will be off Johnson Road. To view a map of the site plan, click here.
Dufield Pond Conservation Area, Woodstock
Anticipated Opening Spring 2012
Dufield Pond Conservation Area is located between Country Club Rd. and McConnell Rd., in Woodstock. The site plan allows for continued access and recreation opportunities off Country Club Road. Site improvements off of Country Club Rd. include an elevated fishing boardwalk, restroom facilities,, ADA access and paved parking lot. The plan also allows for new access to the southern half of the site. A new parking lot off of McConnell Rd. with amenities will allow users an opportunity to experience the site from a completely different perspective. To view a map of the site plan, click here.
Recently Approved Master Plans, not yet constructed
Boone Creek Conservation Area, Bull Valley
The Boone Creek Conservation Area, located between Rt. 120, Bull Valley Rd., and Cold Springs Rd. in Bull Valley. The site helps to protect the valuable natural resources of Boone Creek and its headwater stream system. The new site plan offers an array of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, picnicking, birding, and horseback riding.
To view a map of the site plan, click here.
McConnel Farmstead in North Branch Conservation Area, Richmond
The McConnel Farmstead is located in the southernmost portion of North Branch Conseravtion Area in Richmond, south of Route 173 along Broadway. Improvements have begun and developments will be phased in as funds become available. To view a map of the project, click here.
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