Family Fun Through The McHenry Co. Conservation District

From the McHenry County Conservation District: Enjoy a summer of exploration with McHenry County Conservation District!

Editor’s Note: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED for all programs as noted – please print at least five days in advance.

Sundae Afternoon Bike Ride

Sunday, June 23 from 1:30–4 pm at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Celebrate bicycle week by joining us for a roughly 15 mile bike ride on the Prairie Trail. We will begin at Glacial Park, and head north to North Branch Conservation Area, stopping there to observe this biologically diverse site. After taking a look at the summer blooms and watching for wildlife, we will ride back to the Lost Valley Visitor Center where you will build your own ice cream sundaes as a sweet treat after the ride. Don't forget your helmet. Fee: County resident $5.00/NR $7.00. Adults and Families ages 10 and up. Registration required.

Crafty Crayfish

Saturday, June 29 from 4–5:30 pm at Main Entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Rd., Cary. Crayfish are also known as crawfish or crawdads, with four species common to this part of Northern Illinois. Join us by the ponds to find out more and dig deeper into the lifestyles of these relatives of the lobster. Dress for the weather and getting muddy. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration required.

Cold Blooded Critters

Monday, July 1 from 7–8:30 pm at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Staff from the District’s Wildlife Resource Center will deliver an indoor presentation on reptiles and amphibians, with a live animal guest. Afterward participants take a hike to explore reptile and amphibian habitat and play some active games. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Creature Feature: Painted Turtle

Tuesday, July 2 from 9 am–12 pm at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. A live animal is our featured creature during three hours filled with games, activities, and crafts all based around the creature of the day. A snack is provided. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes, as most of the time is spent outdoors. Fee: County resident $6.00/NR $8.00. Just for Kids ages 5–7. Registration required.

Suncatchers

Saturday, July 13 from 3–4:30 pm at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Join us to play a sun game, listen to sun poetry, do a few sun experiments as we celebrate the sun! We will also make a suncatcher to grab some summer sunshine to save for the winter months! Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Explore: Butterflies

Tuesday, July 16 from 2–3 pm at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron. Join us for this fun filled short hike to look for butterflies. Fee: County resident Free/NR $2.00. For Adults and Families. 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.