Outdoor Adventure Awaits Kids at McHenry Co. Forest Preserve

RINGWOOD, IL -- A McHenry County Conservation District forest preserve is all ready to help visitors get outdoors and explore. Starting in June, visitors can become Lost Valley Nature detectives and go on an outdoor adventure at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, which is located at Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood. Indoor displays and activities will get you ready for an outdoor exploration and each month features a new topic, according to a news release.

You can check out the free exploration backpack to borrow binoculars and field guides and grab a scavenger hunt to help you search the wild spaces of Glacial Park, according to the press release.

In June, the topic for exploration will be turtles. Visitors can read a story about turtles, look at shells and skulls of turtle species found around Glacial Park and then go for a hike to look for them at the marsh overlook. Visitors can also play a game about the endangered Blanding’s turtle as well.

In July, the topic will be predators prey and in August, the topic will be insects.

The Lost Valley Visitor Center is open daily fro m9 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Visitors who wish to borrow items to take out for a hike must leave a drivers license and must return items 30 minutes before closing.

For more information, call Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779.