Upcoming Outdoor Fun With the McHenry Co. Conservation District

From the McHenry County Conservation District: Pre-registration is required for all programs.

Songs of Spring

Tuesday, May 15 from 6:30–8 p.m. at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron. Would you like to hear the magic of nature’s music? This beginning program will introduce you to the sights and sounds of spring with games, activities, and a short hike. We’ll make our own animal “instrument” so we can join in on the chorus! Fee: County Resident Free (NR $5.00). For Adults and Families. Registration required.

Wild Edibles in Your Backyard

Friday, May 18 from 7–9 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Free food is growing all around us. You do not have to drive to the grocery store or go foraging out in the woods to find edible plants. Many edible native or naturalized plants can be encouraged to grow in your own yard. Even many of the “weeds” that you fight in your gardens can be a source of edible delicacies. Learn how to have a backyard that is full of beauty and food that is beneficial to both you and the native wildlife. Fee: Country resident $5.00 (NR $7.00). Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older.Registration required.

Playtime in the Woods

Saturday, May 19 from 1:30–3 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Bring the family for an off trail woodland adventure where you can explore the hidden wonders of the forest. Staff will guide you to an area where you can search for animal tracks and scat, investigate the hidden life under logs, build a fort and sit and listen to the sounds of nature. Field guides, magnifying glasses and other nature exploration tools will be available to enhance your outdoor exploration experience. Fee: Free. Just for Kids ages 4–13, with chaperone. Registration required.

Discovery Days

Thursday, May 24 from 10–11 a.m. at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. 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 $5.00). Just for Kids ages 2–5, with chaperone. Registration required.

An Evening of Natural Music

Friday, May 25 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, please feel free to bring it. Fee includes two drink tickets for a variety of soft drinks, wine or beer (with valid ID.)Fee: County Resident $15.00/NR $20.00. Just for Adults, ages 21 years and older. Registration required.

Stroller Strut

Thursday, May 31 from 10–11 a.m. at Main Entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Rd., Cary. Explore and enjoy nature on this casual stroller walk. By using our senses and descriptive words, we become more familiar with the natural world around us. Dress for the weather and bring your own water, sunscreen, and/or insect repellent to ensure the comfort of your child. Fee: County Resident Free/NR $2.00 Just for Kids ages Infant–5, with chaperone. 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 Shutterstock.com