McHenry Co. Conservation District Summer Programs

From McHenry County: Explore Series: Birds

Thursday, June 28 from 2–3 p.m. at Harts Road Shelter – Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Join us for this fun-filled short hike on the Prairie Trail. We will search for birds and other wildlife as we hike along this stroller friendly trail. Binoculars will be provided so we can take a closer look at some of the birds we will see while hiking. Fee: County resident Free/NR $2.00. For Adults and Families. Registration required.

Family Fishing Fun

Saturday, June 30 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Brookdale Conservation Area, Paulson Rd. Shelter, 2105 Paulson Rd, Woodstock. Join us for an afternoon of fishing fun with your whole family! We will provide the bait and basic fishing instruction. You can bring your own properly working equipment or borrow ours. If you would like to reserve a fishing pole, please indicate so at registration. Participants 16 years of age and older must have a valid Illinois fishing license in order to fish. Fee: County resident $3.00/NR $5.00. For Adults and Families. Registration required by June 27.

Nature’s Play Time

Monday, July 2 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron. Nature provides an ideal place where children can learn and grow. In nature’s classroom children participate in activity stations, identifying and sorting shapes and colors, practicing fine and gross motor skills, and working with various textures and patterns using natural materials. A snack is provided. Don’t forget a water bottle, sunscreen, and long sleeves and pants if bugs are bad. Children/siblings age 6-13 can attend a simultaneous program, Nature’s Trail Time, without an adult chaperone. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages Infant–5, with chaperone. Registration required.

Nature’s Trail Time

Monday, July 2 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron. Join us on a guided hike along the trails, exploring and finding nature’s treasures. Younger children/siblings under 6 can enjoy a separate but simultaneous program, “Nature's Play Time” with an adult chaperone. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 6–13. Registration required.

Family Adventure Hikes —

Pond Dipping on Tuesday, July 3 from 10–11 a.m. at Riverfront – Hickory Grove Conservation Area, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary; AND Bug Netting on Thursday, July 5 from 10–11 a.m. at Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Area, 1500 Jefferson Street, Lake in the Hills. Get the children out of the house and create your own adventure exploring the natural marvels of McHenry County. We provide collection equipment, field guides and magnifiers, and a brief lesson on the use of the equipment. Each family may borrow a collection kit to use during their visit to help create their own exploration experience. Fee: Free. For Adults and Families. Registration required.

Discovery Days

Friday, July 6 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Stickney Run Conservation Area, 3216 West State Park Road, McHenry. Enjoy an hour and a half of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. A short hike is included. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 2–6, with chaperone. Registration required.

Family Campout

Saturday, July 7–Sunday, July 8, 3 p.m.–10 a.m. at The Hollows Conservation Area –Group Campground & Shelter, 3804 U.S. Hwy 14, Cary. Create lasting memories on a camping trip full of fun. Campers of all experience levels are welcome. The campground opens at 3:00 p.m. District staff will be on site to greet you, help you choose a good area and assist in tent setup. Together we will cook a campfire dinner. Following dinner, take a hike to Lake Atwood for a sunset canoe. Canoes and instruction are provided. After exploring the lake, listen to stories around the fire while enjoying a sweet treat. District staff will be on site until 9:30 p.m. but will not be on site overnight or in the morning. You will be on your own to clean up and break camp. No pets please! Fee: County resident $10.00/NR $13.00. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration required by July 3.

Searching for… Ants

Tuesday, July 10 from 9:30–11 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. Learn about the common but fascinating world of ants. Observe their social behaviors 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.

Image Via Shuttershock