MCCD Hosts Winter Break Adventures

Here is a look at upcoming events hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District that will keep your kids busy over the upcoming winter break.

Nature at Night Pajama Party & Family Game Night

• Friday, December 28 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake

Get into some comfy pajamas and join us for an evening of games and activities all about local nocturnal animals. Discover who is out and about on cold, snowy winter nights under the moonlit skies, while you are usually tucked under the warm blankets of your bed. The entire program will take place indoors. Dessert and hot chocolate provided. Fee: County resident $3.00/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 5–13, with chaperone. Registration required.

Nature Puppet Shows and Tea Party

• Thursday, January 3 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood

Bring your favorite puppet or stuffed animal along as you enjoy tea and snacks while watching various puppet shows about the wildlife of McHenry County Conservation Areas. Afterwards you and your stuffed animal or puppet may use the puppet stage to create a show, or make your very own sock puppet with materials provided. Fee: County resident $3.00/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages Infant–8, with chaperone. Registration required.

Nature Play Open House

• Friday, January 4 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake

Experience the fun and learning available at Prairieview Education Center. Play with nature puzzles, games puppets and more. Take a guided hike at 11 a.m. A craft table will be set up throughout the program. If you plan to hike, dress for the weather and think snow! Have an older child that you want to bring along? Register for the separate but simultaneous program “Nature Explorations Open House”. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages Infant–5, with chaperone. Registration required.

Nature Explorations Open House

• Friday, January 4 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake

Join us for a morning of nature exploration!! Indoor and outdoor activities planned, but be prepared to go outside.Younger siblings can attend the separate but simultaneous program with parent “Nature's Play Open House”. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 6 –12. Registration required.

Nature Preschool: Tracks in the Wild

• Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 and February 1 from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood

Is your little one ready to explore the outdoors in a preschool-style setting, away from mom and dad? Then send them off to learn about our theme for the day, have outdoor exploration time, eat a snack, and work on a craft, all under the supervision of experienced Conservation District educators. Children must be 3 ½ years by the start of the program and must be toilet-trained. This is a drop-off program. A healthy snack is provided but bring a water bottle and have the kids dress in layers for indoors and out. Fee: County resident $12.00/NR $15.00. Just for Kids ages 3½ –5. Registration required.

Winter Constellations

• Friday, January 11 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake

Who is Orion and what is his story? Have you heard of the Seven Sisters? Just how are their stories intertwined? Under a hushed winter sky learn to identify a few major constellations and the stories behind them. Dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside for part of the program. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00 For Adults and Families. Registration required.

Nest Investigations

• Saturday, January 12 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock

The leafless times of winter provide an opportunity to find bird nests that were completely concealed by summer foliage. Learn about bird nest construction and the great variety of materials and techniques that birds use. Then take a hike in the winter woods to find the nests that were hidden from us in the summer. Fee: County resident Free/NR $2.00 For Adults and Families. Registration required.

Winter Scavenger Hunt

• Sunday, January 13 from 1:30–3 p.m. at The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 U.S. Hwy 14, Cary.

Suffering from a case of cabin fever or the winter blues? Gather the family for some outdoor fun and fresh air! We’ll start with an introduction around the campfire at the pavilion. Then head out on a scavenger hunt, looking at winter plant life and searching for signs of animal activity. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. 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.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK