The Land Conservancy’s Annual Celebration is Sunday, April 6

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) will host its 2025 Annual Celebration on Sunday, April 6 from 2-5:00 p.m. at Smith’s Central Events, 3315 Pearl St. in McHenry.

This year’s guest speaker is Mark Shepard, award-winning author of the book Restoration Agriculture. Mark and his wife Jen founded New Forest Farm in southwestern WI in 1994. It’s now one of the most developed and productive perennial farms in North America – trees, shrubs, vines, canes, perennial plants, and fungi are planted in association to produce food (for humans and animals), fuel, medicines and beauty. Cattle, pigs, lambs, turkeys, and chickens also roam on the farm’s restored savannas. This model of farming demonstrates how integrating trees and shrubs into farms can improve soil health and water quality.

The event begins at 2:00 p.m. with socializing and a silent auction. A “high tea,” including sandwiches, pastries and desserts will be served at 2:30 p.m.The silent auction will include a variety of exciting items up for bid including a foraging outing, event tickets, local experiences, gift baskets and much more.

At the event, TLC will present Tom Simpson with the Conservation Champion Award for his long-time educational role at the McHenry County Conservation District. He has inspired hundreds of local residents to understand, appreciate and care for the natural features of McHenry County’s ecologically rich landscape.

Early bird-tickets are available at ConserveMC.org/Annual-Celebration until March 6 at $55 for TLC members and $65 for nonmembers. On March 7 tickets will increase to $65 for TLC members and $75 for nonmembers. The Annual Celebration is a great opportunity for people with an interest in conservation to gather and learn more about the work TLC and its many volunteers have accomplished over the past year.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land.