History
Created by a group of ecologically conscientious citizens in 1971 and supported by the Illinois Conservation District Act of 1963, the McHenry County Conservation District began with the mission to preserve open space, and to provide environmental education programs and resources for recreational opportunities to the public.
The District was established by a successful countywide referendum held in conjunction with the general election of April 1971 and formally organized in July 1971. The original Board of Trustees were appointed by the County Board Chairman and included:
Mr. Arthur Baker - President,
served 1971 - 1974
Dr. George Buehler - Treasurer,
served 1971 - 1977
Mr. Frank Fabbri - Secretary,
served 1971 - 1975
Mr. Robert Fritz - Trustee,
served 1971 - 1977
Dr. William Howenstine - Trustee,
served 1971 - 1979; 1996 - 2001
Thirty-five years later, the McHenry County Conservation District continues as a special district governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees. The trustees serve a five-year term without compensation and at least one new trustee is appointed each year.
The first land purchase was made in 1973 when 50 acres that make up a portion of Beck’s Woods Conservation Area in Chemung were acquired. Since that time, thousands of acres have been added to the preservation securities of MCCD from the 74-acre Harrison Benwell to the 3,000 acre Glacial Park which features wetlands, prairie, glacial kames and the newly remeandered Nippersink Creek.
The distinctiveness of McHenry County’s natural land was a driving force in the creation of the Conservation District. That desire for preservation has continued to inspire land purchases. Throughout the 1970s the District added 2,167 acres. The 80s added 2,353 acres. The rapid growth of the 90s increased the value of land preservation and the District acquired 7,144 acres.