Fall Discoveries In Crystal Lake: Nature Events

From McHenry County: Sites Seldom Seen… Goose Lake Saturday, October 6 from 5:30–8 a.m. at North Branch Conservation Area Parking Lot, 11500 North Keystone Rd., Richmond. Travel to a conservation site not usually open to the public. For this adventure, we will get an early start and drive out to Goose Lake, a hotspot for migrating cranes and other birds. We will quietly await the sunrise and the awakening of these magnificent birds, as we sip coffee and enjoy bagels. Space is limited. Fee: County resident $10.00/NR $13.00. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration required.

Delightful Decomposers Sunday, October 7 from 2–3:30 p.m. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Decomposers are the secret workers of the food chain, often misunderstood and under-appreciated. Join our search for these delightful and important residents of the woodland community. Be prepared to get down and dirty on our expedition along the forest floor. Long pants and sleeves are recommended along with proper dress for the weather. Fee: County resident Free/NR $2.00. Adults and Families ages 7 and up. Registration required.

Owl Walk Sunday, October 7 from 5–7 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Search for sights and sounds of the owls that reside in Glacial Park. The evening begins with a guided hike to listen for owls. Then head inside where a slide presentation and a visit from a live owl will introduce you to these magnificent creatures. Dress for the weather and for walking one mile over hilly terrain. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration required.

Discovery Days Thursday, October 11 from 10–11 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. A short hike will be included, weather permitting. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 2–6, with chaperone. Registration required.

Bicycle Adventures & Overnight Camping Saturday, October 20, 3 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, October 21 at North Branch Conservation Area Parking Lot, 11500 North Keystone Rd., Richmond. Enjoy leisurely bike rides and sight-seeing adventures on this overnight experience. Arrive anytime between 3 and 4 p.m. to set up your tent (BYO gear). After setting up camp, we will ride to Richmond along the Prairie Trail and eat dinner at the Richmond Brat Haus. Upon our return to camp, a fireside dessert will be provided as conversation with new friends concludes the evening. Libations are permitted, BYO. In the morning, as the sun rises, we will ride the Hebron Trail to Goose Lake Conservation Area where we will spend some time watching the migratory waterfowl over a light breakfast. Note: Staff will not be present overnight. Program participants will be responsible for paying for their own dinners. Because of the surface of the trail, road bike tires are not recommended for this program. Fee: County resident $15.00/NR $20.00. Just for Adults, ages 21 years and older. Registration required.

Strolling with Spirits Thursday, October 25 from 6:30–8 p.m. at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. These are not Halloween spirits, but rather whiskey, gin, and vodka to sip interspersed with short presentations about the history and ecology of Rush Creek. You will be rewarded with tastes of the outstanding line of spirits from Rush Creek Distilling located in Harvard, IL. A representative will be on hand to talk about each of their seven creations and provide an opportunity to taste each. (Note: entire consumption will be less than 2 ounces of alcohol.) You must provide ID to show that you are at least 21 years of age. Fee: County resident $15.00/NR $20.00. Just for Adults, ages 21 years and older.Registration required.

Fort Building Fun Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at High Point Conservation Area, 10250 Reese Rd., Harvard. Take advantage of this special opportunity! Kids are invited off-trail to use their creativity and ingenuity to build forts using the natural materials around them. A LNCI (Leave No Child Inside) initiative. Fee: Free. Just for Kids ages 6–13.Registration required. Visit the District’s website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view all program and event offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register online, by phone (free programs only) at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Rd. in Ringwood.

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