A Look at MCCD Summer Programs

From MCCD: Campfire Cooking

Sunday, July 15 from 12–1:30 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. IL Rt. 23, Marengo. Learn how to use a variety of tools to cook over an open fire. Try your hand at making foil packets and using pie irons to create delicious meals and treats perfect for your next camping trip. You will not only enjoy the food that we cook but will also take home a recipe booklet so you can continue practicing your new skills. Fee: County resident $5.00/NR $7.00. Adults and Families ages 8 and up. Registration required.

Crafty Crayfish
Wednesday, July 18 from 6:30–8 p.m. at Main (East) Entrance, 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 lifecycles of these relatives of the lobster. We will catch and release, counting how many we catch compared to previous years. All equipment provided. Dress for the weather and getting muddy. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration required.

Barn Full of Bats
Thursday, July 19 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. After a fun and informative indoor presentation participants hike through Glacial Park to observe bats flying out of a barn at dusk. Participants who cannot make the two mile walk may drive their vehicles to the location. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration required.

Family Fun Fungi Hike
Saturday, July 21 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Learn all about the fascinating and often overlooked world of fungus and how it interacts with the environment around us. We’ll start with a short lesson and then play an educational game about fungi. After that we’ll go for a 1-mile hike, exploring the forest floor, logs, and trees for different types of these unique and wildly wonderful life forms. Fee: County resident Free/NR $2.00. Adults and Families. Registration required.

Fantastic Fireflies
Saturday, July 21 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. This opportunity to visit a conservation site after dark is too special to pass up! Come out to learn about the firefly life cycle just before the prairie and woods ‘light up’ for the night! We will play games, share fun facts, hear about new firefly discoveries and share a tasty summer dessert as we learn about these flashy creatures. The last half hour of the program is spent enjoying the light show. Bring a blanket and wear long pants and long sleeves instead of insect repellent. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration required.

Cold Blooded Critters
Wednesday, August 1 from 7–8:30 p.m. 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. Dress for the weather and be prepared to hike on uneven terrain. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Explore Series: Dragonflies
Thursday, August 2 from 2–3 p.m. at Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area, 1606 Dean Street, Woodstock. Come out for a short hike and learn about the predatory and beautiful insects known as dragonflies and damselflies. Fee: County resident Free/NR $2.00. Adults and Families. Registration required.

Being a Butterfly
Saturday, August 4 from 2–3:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. After a short story about butterfly traits and a quick craft, we will set out on our butterfly adventure. This fun introduction to the butterfly world also enhances your observation skills. Dress for a short hike off the trail and games outside. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 5–9, with chaperone. Registration required.

Searching for…Praying Mantis
Tuesday, August 7 from 9:30–11 a.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Learn about the large predator insect known as the praying mantis. Examine its body parts, behaviors and the egg cases it lays, and then enjoy a search for this interesting insect. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 5–12. 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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