From the Board President— This time of year, as winter slowly releases its icy grip and temperatures warm again, I re昀氀ect on the recent accomplishments made throughout the Conservation District. During 2023 we saw the development of a 昀椀ve-year Strategic Plan, worked with the McHenry County Conservation District Conservation Foundation to establish carbon credits at the former manages over 25,700 acres of open Camp Lakota, celebrated our police department’s accreditation and Destination Zero space graced with woodlands, prairies, Award and applauded sta昀昀’s e昀昀orts toward restoring freshwater mussel populations. wetlands and savannas. Trails and other Additionally, we rallied behind improvements made along the popular Prairie Trail, recreational amenities have been added new native gardens installed at the Lost Valley Visitor Center and enhancements made within 35 conservation areas where to Prairieview Education Center. New programs sparked public interactions as we the public can enjoy hiking, biking, Hiked with Mike (Buehler), Cycled Without Age, interacted with new audiences at the fishing, canoeing, picnicking, horseback Woodstock Farmer’s Market, promoted Pack-In and Pack-Out and encouraged our riding, camping, cross-country residents to Find Their Wild throughout the summer challenge. skiing, snowmobiling and hundreds Building on the momentum of the previous year, I look forward to seeing what we can of opportunities to attend outdoor accomplish as the year unfolds that will guide programming, services and investments. environmental educational programs The Board of Trustees are ready to help sta昀昀 advance strategic plan initiatives that will and events. o昀昀er opportunities for increased ecological health and community vibrancy. We are focused on exploring multiple funding strategies to secure a 昀椀nancially sound future for Our Mission the county’s protected open spaces, water and wildlife habitat. We will also continue to The McHenry County Conservation amplify our local conservation impact by aligning partnerships and o昀昀ering programs District exists to preserve, restore and that expand how our residents understand, connect and interact with nature. manage natural areas and open spaces I never cease to be amazed at how resourceful, creative and knowledgeable our sta昀昀 for their intrinsic value and for the bene昀椀ts are as they carry the torch to advance the District’s mission. We invite you to share in our to present and future generations. excitement and commitment as we tackle this next phase of initiatives – and as always, keeping you posted on our progress. In the meantime, get out and enjoy. Whether Our Vision you’re exploring new outdoor areas or returning to your favorite conservation trails close To ful昀椀ll our promise that McHenry to home, springtime’s promise of renewal and inspiration will soon be all around us. County’s public lands, water, wildlife Yours in Conservation, and way of life will thrive in a rapidly changing world. Where people of all ages, cultures and abilities are engaged and Christopher Dahm— Board President empowered to learn about and contribute to conservation in diverse and impactful Created by a group of ecologically conscientious citizens in 1971 and supported ways. Where wild and scenic places by the Illinois Conservation District Act of 1963, the McHenry County Conservation support thriving native plants and wildlife District began with the mission to preserve open space, and to provide populations and public lands support environmental education programs and resources for recreational opportunities diverse outdoor recreation, educational to the public. Today, McHenry County Conservation District continues as a special and immersive experiences. district governed by a seven member Board of Trustees. Our Values BOARD OF TRUSTEES At McHenry County Conservation District we work as a team, act with integrity, lead Christopher Dahm Reynaldo Gaytan Jr Ron Wieczorek with compassion, operate safely, maintain President Treasurer Trustee a sense of humor, innovate continuously, Lloyd Everard Linda 吀栀omas John Reinert deliver quality, ensure 昀椀scal responsibility, Vice President Trustee County Board Liaison and strive for excellence in all that we do. Patrick Fritz Shawn Zimmerman Elizabeth S. Kessler Secretary Trustee Executive Director Landscapes is a FREE publication. Connect with us: To subscribe or update your contact Sign up for our E-newsletter at MCCD.me/Subscribe info:[email protected] or call (815) 338-6223. Editor: Wendy Kummerer Layout & Design: Sarah Lorenz The publication can also be read Front cover: White Trillium by Linda Gurgone online at MCCDistrict.org. Back cover: Shooting Star by Caitlynn Martinez-McWhorter Photographic Contributors: Weg Thomas, sta昀昀 and others as indicated.