McHenry County Conservation District

Preservation

Education

Recreation

McHenry County Conservation District manages over 23,000 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. Twenty-eight sites are open to the public to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, nature viewing, camping, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Spring Break Escape

Saturday, April 3, 2:00–5:00p.m.
Prairieview Education Center

Welcome spring back and "escape" right here in McHenry County!
Meet Herman the Worm and his earthworm family • Learn to start your own garden in the Kinder Garden Classroom • Compete in the Flower Power team game • Enjoy refreshments and outdoor exploration (weather permitting)

Also check out the popular Conservation Egg Hunt, 1:00–2:00 p.m. prior to this event (registration and fee required).

CELEBRATE THE EARTH!

Join the Conservation District and
the Environmental Defenders of
McHenry County —

Saturday, April 17,
11:00a.m.–4:00p.m.
Prairieview Education Center

The event is held both indoors and out and will go on rain or shine!

Special performances, live music, puppet shows, guided nature hikes, restoration service project, hands-on games, crafts and environmental exhibitors.

HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING DROP OFF: A variety of items will be accepted for recycling, visit the Special Events page for more details.

Seasonal Site Closings

The following sites are closed for the season:
Thomas Woods at Marengo Ridge, Marengo
Nippersink Canoe Base, Spring Grove
Pioneer Canoe Landing, Richmond
Piscasaw North at Beck’s Woods, Chemung

For a complete list of site closings, click here.

Download Spring Landscapes
The District's quarterly newsletter is filled with
news, events and programs. Three previous issues are also available online.

Spring Issue
(March-April-May)

For employment opportunities, click here.

the new Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park

Opening August, 2010

The Lost Valley Visitor Center will feature exhibits, a resource center, environmental education classrooms, conference center, office space and multipurpose rooms. Click here for additional information.

Upcoming Events

Sustainability 101: Native and Natural Landscaping at Prairieview Education Center
3/10/2010
Spring is here! It's time to start planning and ordering for this year's garden. Find out how using native plants around your home is better for the environment and provides benefits for you as well. (more...)

Friends of The Fox River Monitoring Network Training at Prairieview Education Center
3/13/2010
This training provides individuals with background information on the Fox River, hands-on monitoring training, and a Fox River Monitoring Guide. Participants collect physical, biological and chemical (more...)

Nature Tales at Prairieview Education Center
3/13/2010
Come listen together to stories about the world of nature. These stories will serve as a backdrop for other activities including a walk, so dress for the weather. (more...)

Century Hikers: Coast to Coast at Prairieview Education Center
3/15/2010
Gather with other hikers to hear local hiker and artist Barbara Schneider share stories about one of the world’s great hikes, the Coast to Coast walk across England - from the Irish Sea to the North S (more...)

Nature+Fitness=Good Health at Pleasant Valley, Shelter #2
3/15/2010
If you’ve been wanting to find a different way to get your exercise and wishing you could spend more time outside, then this program is designed for you! We are pleased to join with a certified person (more...)

Greening of the Land at Stickney Run
3/17/2010
Yes it’s St Patrick’s Day, but have you noticed what is happening outside? Bring along your young ones as we search Stickney Run for all things green and learn why all this greening is going on. Dres (more...)

Saturday, April 3, 2:00–5:00p.m. Prairieview Education Center

Saturday, April 3, 2:00–5:00p.m.
Prairieview Education Center