McHenry Co. Conversation District Plans 'Summer Adventures'

From the McHenry County Conservation District: Preregistration is required for all programs as noted.

Discovery Days
Friday, June 1 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. 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.

Searching for… Roly Poly
Friday, June 8 from 9:30–11 a.m. at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron. Learn about the creature known as the roly poly, or pill bug and how it is not a bug at all but a terrestrial crustacean. Examine its body parts and behaviors and then enjoy a search for this interesting woodland critter. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Just for Kids ages 5–12. Registration required.

Luminary Bike Ride
Friday, June 8 from 8–10 p.m. at East (Main) Entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Rd., Cary. Let luminaries light your way as you cycle this moderately hilly paved loop, less than one mile long. Ride the trail once or enjoy several laps with candlelight and glorious colors of sunset illuminating your path, and sounds of nature at night entertaining your ears. Relax at the campfire with sweet treats. Don’t forget your helmet. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families. Registration required.

Mudpies!
Saturday, June 9 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake. Join us for an afternoon of playing in the shallow creek, searching for crayfish, making mudpies, and having fun! We will provide exploration equipment like nets and magnifying lenses—you just need to dress to get wet and dirty! Fee: Free. Adults and Families. Registration required.

Build a Butterfly House
Tuesday, June 12 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Learn how to invite butterflies to visit and find what they need in your garden. We will share a story about the ways we can help butterflies find food, shelter and a place to lay eggs. Then build and decorate your own butterfly house to take home. Purchase just one and make it a family project or one for each participant. *Butterfly houses are $12 ea. Please indicate how many houses you wish to purchase at time of registration. Fee: County resident Free*/NR $5.00*. Adults and Families ages 5 and up. Registration required.

Dip and Drip
Saturday, June 16 from 2–4 p.m. at East (Main) Entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Rd., Cary. Get ready to explore the pond and creek! Find out who lives in these watery worlds as we use dip nets to catch and release aquatic creatures. Learn how these creatures can actually tell us about water quality by their presence in the pond or creek! All equipment is provided. Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty. Fee: County resident Free/NR $5.00. Adults and Families ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Visit the District’s website here 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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