Signs Of Spring: Conservation District Sites Open Early

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – Who isn't ready for warmer weather? Spring is right around the corner and the McHenry County Conservation District announced Thursday that due to warmer temperatures, all district conservation sites, restrooms and parking lots will reopen for the season. The March 9 opening date will be the earliest date on record that the conservation district sites have opened.

“We have already been getting calls and e-mails from the public hoping to get out on the trails. Ranger staff looked at the long-range forecast and decided we can make that happen as early as this weekend for residents to get outdoors,” said Perry Weborg, Sites and Fleet Manager. “Throughout the winter months sites are open to pedestrian traffic, but parking lots and restrooms close for the season at 19 of our 33 sites. Typically sites are scheduled to open April 1.”

The early opening of conservation district sites also coincides with Sunday’s daylight savings time change, giving residents even more time to pursue their outdoor recreational pursuits ― whether it be biking the Prairie Trail, paddling Nippersink Creek, casting a line at Lake Atwood, or hiking the myriad of trails throughout Conservation District sites.

Sites are open from sunrise to sunset.

Horse trails still closed due to wet conditions. Becks Woods/Piscasaw North in Chemung are also still closed.

More via www.MCCDistrict.org.

Photo via the McHenry County Conservation District