MCCD Hosts Aquatic Animals Program

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL -- The McHenry County Conservation District has a handful of events planned for the coming weeks as winter starts to draw to an end. Pre-registration is required for all of the events. You can find more information below:

Aquatic Mammals in Winter

The program will be held on Saturday, February 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Kids can learn more about the amazing adaptations aquatic mammals have not only to survive winter temperatures but to survive living in the water in winter. Attendees will get to play games, build a muskrat and/or beaver lodge, and play a trivia game. The event is free for county residents and $5 for non-residents. The program is meant for children ages 6 to 12 years old.

Full Moon Pizza Party

The full moon pizza party will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake. Don’t let the winter weather stop you from enjoying the beauty of the full moon. Come out and enjoy a pizza dinner as we watch the moon rise from the warmth and comfort of Prairieview Education Center’s vista room. As we dine, we will share stories and lore of the season, the night and the moon. If weather permits, we will go out for an optional moonlight hike. The cost is $5 for McHenry Co. residents and $7 for non-residents. The pizza party is meant for adults and families.

Discovery Days

Discovery Days will be held on Thursday, February 21 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. The event is free for county residents and $5 for non-residents. Discovery Days is for kids ages 2 to 6 years old with chaperone.

Tapping Into Nature

Sunday, February 24 from 9–10:30 a.m. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. The Festival of the Sugar Maples is an annual event that teaches historical and current methods of sap collection and maple syrup making. Each year maple trees are carefully selected and tapped by Conservation District staff for this event that draws over 1,500 visitors. This program is a unique opportunity for the public to assist in the tree tapping process. Over a light continental breakfast, staff will provide a short lesson on tree selection, how to correctly place a tap in a tree, and the proper equipment used to complete the process. Under staff supervision, participants will work together to tap some of the trees for the public special event being held March 2–3 and March 9–10. Dress for the weather. Fee: County Resident $5.00/NR $7.00. Adults and Families ages 10 and up.

Winter Woods Walk

A winter woods walk will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road in Woodstock. Enjoy a walk in the crisp, cool air! Along the way enjoy some activities and watch for winter wonders. Dress for the weather and be prepared for wintry trail conditions. The woods walk is free for residents and $2 for non-residents. The woods walk is meant for adults and families.

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.

PHOTO VIA MCHENRY COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT