WHAT'S INSIDE 2 | News & noteworthy 4 | Year in Review Financial Highlights 6 | Strategic Plan 8 | Foundation News 10 | Volunteer Opportunities 11 | Seasonal Sightings 12 | Special Events 13 | Powers-Walker House Events & Programs 16 | Outdoor Explorations 20 | Special Interest 22 | Picnic/Camping Guides 23 | At-a-Glance Calendar 25 | All Sites Map Visit us online to learn more about current happenings, programs and opportunities at MCCDistrict.org. Conservation Champion Nominations — Do you know someone who deserves recognition for a special achievement or significant contributions to the field of conservation? McHenry County Conservation District is seeking nominations of individals who are and have been Conservation Champions for the Public Open Space of McHenry County. The two awards, Conservation Champion and Conservation Legacy, will recognize exceptional contri - butions of individuals who have made extraordinary impacts to the conservation movement through their continued dedication and support of the mission of the Conservation District. The Conservation Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made one or more contributions of extraordinary significance or impact to the conservation movement through their continued dedication and support of the mission of the Conservation District. Significant contributions can include leadership, innovation, environmental legislation, community building, restoration fieldwork, community science and volunteering, donations of money and land. The Conservation Legacy Award recognizes contributions that transcend time. Whether the award winner dedicated ten or fifty years towards the local environment, their work should live on well past their earthly lifetime. Their legacy should be a gift to their community, as well as the plant life and wildlife within it. Regardless of how many lives they touched, Conservation Legacy Award winners need to have inspired others to become stewards of the land. To nominate someone for a Conservation Champion or Legacy Award, download and submit an electronic nomination form from the District’s website (www.MCCDistrict.org). Nominations will be accepted through December 31, 2023. Stop by and Visit Us at our Booth at these Community Events Sat., November 4 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. McHenry County College, Crystal Lake Northern Illinois' biggest sustainability event! September 12 & 16 and October 14 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Woodstock Square September 10 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Woodstock Square September 2 1 -5 p.m. Lake In the Hills Landscapes | Fall 2023