GRAND OPENINGS: |
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Photography exhibit by Meredith Schnelle
August 1–29
Prairieview Education Center
For many years, visitors to the garden of Nature and Art Photographer, Meredith Schnelle have asked, “Why do you have so many more butterflies, dragonflies and lightning bugs in your garden?” Schnelle answers with a question, “Do you use insecticides?” She then reminds the questioner that these desirable creatures they seek are also insects and are killed along with the pests.
“Organic gardening is just as effective as gardening that uses commercial remedies, with the added benefit of a rich variety of wildlife that is unharmed by the unintended consequences of toxic chemical applications. I use careful cultural practices to keep my garden healthy and thriving. The beautiful array of insects in this exhibit are just one of the many blessings that have come from my convictions.”
About the phographer:
With a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Meredith has been a nature/art photographer for many years, as well as a Master Gardener and organic gardener–with a special interest in native plants. Her yard is recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. In addition, seeds from her garden have assisted in the native plant restoration project along the banks of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Her interests also involve volunteering for Lake County Forest Preserve District as a bird and frog monitor. She also serves as a bee spotter for the University of Illinois. [Top]
Dedication Ceremony Kishwaukee Headwaters
Thursday, September 9, 3:30–5 p.m.
U.S. Highway 14 and Dean St., Woodstock
The acquisition and protection of the 153-acre wetland, sedge meadow and savanna complex that makes up the Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area was a collaborative partnership between McHenry County Conservation District, the City of Woodstock, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Join us as we recognize and applaud their vision. A brief history of the site and the significance of its protection as a natural resource will be presented, as well details on the restoration and development of the site. A hike down the 1.75 mile nature trail will follow. Note: Gates will open daily starting Labor Day weekend.[Top]
Saturday, September 11, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park
Drop in to see flintknappers, stone grinders, cordage makers and other people demonstrating prehistoric skills. You will be able to try your hand at throwing an atlatl while pretending you are on a prehistoric big game hunt. A mounted cavalryman will also be on hand to explain archaeology of the Little Big Horn site. Archaeologists will be present to describe how prehistoric technologies are discovered and interpreted and to share a time line of the prehistoric past. Examples of artifacts will be on display, including those found at the Powers-Walker House. You may bring your own arrowheads or prehistoric tools for identification by professional archaeologists.[Top]
Celebrate the Grand Reopening of Nippersink Canoe Base
Saturday, September 18, 1–4 p.m.
400 E. Route 12, Spring Grove
• Discover the area’s past with costumed living history interpreters
• Take a guided nature hike • Enjoy light refreshments
Note: On-site parking is limited. A shuttle will run continuously from the American Legion parking lot, 1 mile east at 703 N. Route 12, Fox Lake.
Once overgrown and choked by invasive brush, it now boasts a gallant oak and hickory grove where sun dapples the woodland floor. A small shelter provides a brief respite and lunch spot after a morning canoe ride, and a creekside fire pit allows for an intimate gathering while enjoying the outdoors. A .25 mile nature trail is completed now, which will be part of a future, 3-mile trail system.
Drive in, walk in, or better yet launch your canoe or kayak upstream and finish your trip with a landing at Nippersink Canoe Base and join us in celebrating the reopening of this site. No canoe? Check our canoe access page for rental information.[Top]
Northwest Suburban Astronomers Star Party
Saturday, September 18, 7 p.m.– Midnight
Pleasant Valley
Join members of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers to search the skies for stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus should also be visible as well as some distant objects such as M11, M2, M15, M27 and M57. Members will have their telescopes. Bring a telescope or binoculars if you have them and a flashlight covered with red cellophane or plastic. (Red light preserves your night vision.) Also, bring a blanket or lawn chair and dress for the chilly night air.[Top]
In conjunction with National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 25, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center
Join us at Glacial Park for National Public Lands Day, a nationwide volunteer effort to give back to nature and our parks, conservation areas, and other public lands. Start at the Lost Valley Visitor Center to learn about the Conservation District's restoration efforts for prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats. Tour exhibits, watch a video, or visit the children's craft table, then head out to one of our ongoing projects: clear invasive woodland brush, collect prairie seed, or learn to monitor the quality of our wetlands.
Some projects are not suitable for all ages, call (815) 479-5779 for details. To participate in a work project, please arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and bring a water bottle. Safety equipment will be provided—bring work gloves and safety glasses if you have them. Don't forget to stop back at the visitor center afterwards for some well-deserved refreshments! [Top]
Sunday, November 7, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Powers-Walker House, Glacial Park
Step back in time at the 1850s Powers-Walker House at harvest time. Try your hand at corn shelling, grinding corn into flour, or making a corn husk or yarn doll. Learn how integral the use of corn and other natural fibers was to the everyday lives of early settlers. Other harvest activities include baking corn bread in the wood-burning cookstove. Tour the historic farmhouse and learn more about its restoration, or visit with a Cavalry sergeant and his horse as they demonstrate the weapons of the era used to protect the frontier lands. [Top]
Capturing the Beauty of Land in Paint
Special exhibit: by McHenry County Plein Air Painters
November 1–30
Prairieview Education Center
Karyl Shields, artist and educator, has led a handful of local, talented painters to discover the beauty of our Conservation District sites as they painted "plein air" (in the open air). Careful thought was given in choosing each painting area to best capture it’s individual uniqueness and sense of place. Feel nature’s heartbeat through the eyes of a painter as you experience each work of art.[Top]
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