Upcoming McHeney County Conservation District Programs

CRYSTAL LAKE-CARY, IL - From McHenry County Conservation District:

An Evening of Natural Music

Friday, April 5 from 7–9 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Music has always been a part of every human culture, even during prehistoric times. Our earliest instruments were made from natural materials. Drums, rattles, flutes, didgeridoos, even early stringed instruments were made from items found in nature. Some of these, specifically designed to imitate the beautiful sounds of nature. Enjoy a combination of flute circle, drum circle and celebration of “natural music,” both live and recorded. Hear a Native American legend of the origins of music. If you have a natural instrument or recording to share, feel free to bring it. Light snacks and soft drinks provided. Alcohol permitted, BYOB. Fee: County Resident $15/NR $20. Just for Adults, ages 21 years and older. Registration required.

Grow Your Own Mushrooms

Saturday, April 6 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of fungi, from learning about their biology and use to how to grow your own mushrooms. In the hands-on portion of the program we’ll inoculate oyster mushroom cultures into logs that you’ll get to take home, along with instructions on how to get them to fruit mushrooms! Fee: County Resident $10/NR $13. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration required.

Geocaching 101

Saturday, April 6 from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. Here’s your chance to be introduced to all the fun you can have with geocaching, a high tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world! All you need is a smart phone or a GPS unit, and you can locate hidden containers called “geocaches” anywhere. In this introductory course we will spend some time inside learning about the different types of geocaches and the language and etiquette for finding and hiding geocaches. You’ll also have time to download the app and sign up for the required account at geocaching.com. Once you have the basics down, we’ll head outside and split into groups. Each group will work with an experienced guide to locate caches hidden near the visitor center. Bring your smart phone or GPS unit and dress for the weather. Fee: County Resident Free/NR $5. For adults and Families. Registration required.

Native and Natural Landscaping

Tuesday, April 9 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Spring is here! It’s time to start planning and ordering for this year’s garden. Learn how using native plants around your home is better for the environment and provides benefits for you as well. The presentation by members of the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee includes examples of their “Native Garden in Your Yard” program. This program encourages and assists homeowners in transforming traditional lawn and garden spaces to native plant splendor. Applications will be available for the 2019 mentor match up. Using native plants on a larger scale, such as with McHenry County Conservation District, will also be discussed. Fee: County Resident Free/NR $5. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Registration required.

Nature Play Open House

Wednesday, April 10 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Parents and tots are invited to experience the fun and learning available at Prairieview Education Center. Play with nature puzzles, games, puppets and more. There is a guided hike at 11 a.m. and a craft table open throughout the program. If you plan to join the hike, dress for the weather. Fee: County Resident Free/NR $5. Just for Kids ages Infant–5, with chaperone. Registration required.

Discovery Days

Friday, April 12 from 10–11 a.m. at Main Entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Rd., Cary. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. Fee: County Resident Free/NR $5. Just for Kids ages 2–6, with chaperone. Registration required.

Conservation Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 13 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. A short hike leads kids to various bird habitats where they search for “eggs” of local birds. Everyone finds eggs and everyone gets a prize! Fee: County Resident $4/NR $5. Just for Kids ages Infant–13, with chaperone. Registration required.

Dance of the Woodcock

Tuesday, April 16 from 7:15–8:45 p.m. at The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 U.S. Hwy 14, Cary. The woodcock is normally a very shy and elusive bird. In the spring however, the male performs a courtship display that is a joy to behold. The performance, which we will most likely hear more than see, includes acrobatic flight, beautiful song and a floorshow. Dress for the weather and don’t be late, as he is very particular about the time and place of his performance! Meet at the first parking lot. Fee: County Resident Free/NR $5. Adults and Families ages 10 and up. Registration required.

Critter Crawl

Friday, April 19 from 2–3 p.m. at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. Leave No Child Inside! Drop your kids off with us to search for insects and other critters under leaf litter, logs, and dirt. We provide magnifying glasses and bug boxes. Kids should wear old clothes and sturdy shoes and be prepared to get dirty! Fee: Free. Just for Kids ages 5–13. 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.