Lost Valley Ventures—Family Exploration Programs!
Saturdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
No program March 3, 10 or April 21.
Are you looking for something the whole family can do for free on a Saturday afternoon? Come to Glacial Park for our Saturday exploration programs. Hosted every Saturday afternoon from 2–3:30 p.m., we will offer a fun family program. Topics change monthly:January–Animal Tracks; February–Coyotes, March–Wetland Birds; April–Life in a Log; May–Frogs; and include a nature lesson, game, and a hike. Programs are held primarily outdoors, so dress for the weather and walking. No registration required. All ages are welcome. This program is intended for families and cannot accommodate organized groups. Youth groups are welcome to call to schedule a program for their group. Check out our “Education and Recreation Opportunities for Youth Groups” brochure for more information.[Top]
Hike or Ski on Solar lighted trails at Pleasant Valley & Hickory Grove Highlands
Nov. 6 – March 11 Trails open until 9 p.m.
With the sun going down so early, there's no time to play! Fear not..."Weekend Warrior" no more, now you can get out on the trails everyday after dark. The District has two sites open late for hiking or cross country skiing when the conditions are right.
Pleasant Valley 13315 Pleasant Valley Rd., Woodstock. This half-mile looped trail located on the east side of the entrance drive is fairly flat terrain, perfect for beginners or shorter outings. Park in the first parking area and sign in.
NEW!! Hickory Grove Highlands, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary. The 1 mile looped trail travels through a newly restored savanna, offering a longer scenic route suitable for intermediate skiers. Visitors should sign in at the trail head.[Top]
Seize the Day! The snow has fallen and it’s time to drop everything and enjoy it! Sign up to receive an e-mail or phone call that
will let you know when and where we will be in the next 24 hours to take advantage of the SNOW!!
Will it be…a Cross-Country Ski Lesson at Prairieview? …a Snowshoe Hike at Pleasant Valley? …Night Sledding at Glacial Park?
Have you ever been frustrated by the fact that there’s no snow when snow programs are planned, but then plenty of snow when they aren’t? We have, too! In January & February staff members will be on call to offer a program or activity when we get that perfect snow. We’ll send a message 24 hours in advance with an invitation to join us when conditions are right! Sound good? Submit your e-mail address or phone number to education@mccdistrict.org or call (815) 479-5779.[Top]
Two Candlelight Skis will be held this winter on both Friday and Saturday evenings from 5–9 p.m. — one in January and one in February following a snowfall of 4" or greater. Don’t miss your chance to cross-country ski on trails lit only by candlelight! Bring your own skis and enjoy refreshments afterwards around the campfire. Skiers of every level and age are welcome.
1st significant snowfall in January: The Hollows, Cary
2nd significant snowfall in February: Marengo Ridge, Marengo
Check the front page of the website for updates, call (815) 338-6223 or sign up for e-mail notification at MCCD@MCCDistrict.org or follow our Twitter updates @DiscoverMCCD. You can always ski on your own at one of the District's seven groomed trails during daylight hours, check trails conditions here. [Top]
Special Exhibit: Capturing the Spirit of Land and Nature
by McHenry County Plein Air Painters
February 1–March 30
Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake
Local “plein air” (in the open air) artists capture the spirit of land and nature, and transform it into expressive paintings and drawings. Enjoy the beauty of McHenry County Conservation District sites through the eyes of an artist. Works on display were completed over the last year. Participating artists include Dee Abbate, Lucy Dellapina, Johanna Gullick, Julie Jansen, Karyl Shields, Barbara Sistak-Baur, and Alice Schank. Image by Dee Abbate.
Artist reception: Sunday, February 12, 2–4 p.m.
Stop in to view the paintings, meet the artists as they discuss their work, and enjoy some light refreshments. [Top]
Saturday, February 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center
Drop in for 30 minutes or stay for 3 hours as we help you and your little ones experience the power of nature exploration and play. Move among stations where experienced nature guides will share discovery tools and techniques. Take away resources to help you continue exploring with your child. This event will go on “snow or shine”, unless there is a weather or travel advisory in place. Please dress to be safe and comfortable outdoors. No registration required.
Come find out more about how to explore! [Top]