Foundation News McHenry County Conservation Foundation Celebrates 25 Years! For 25 years McHenry County Conservation Early accomplishments - At this time a key McHenry County’s four primary streams: Foundation has had a front row seat component in the Foundation’s mission the Fox River, the Kishwaukee River, to the incredible work being done in was to establish a Natural Resources and Nippersink Creek, and Boone Creek. conservation right here in McHenry Conservation Grant Program to help Early success realized - All told, the County. protect McHenry County’s unique natural organization awarded $55,000 in grants With this milestone we celebrate the resources. Through that program, the during its 昀椀rst year and put in place the success stories, people and donors who Foundation funded its 昀椀rst ever regional building blocks of the conservation work made the Foundation's work possible. environmental education opportunity: The that the Conservation Foundation and it's From habitat restoration to environmental Nature Conservancy’s Fall Festival, hosted partners focus on today. education, from outdoor recreation at Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area. In that Our appreciation - We thank all the enhancements to key land acquisitions, same year, the Foundation also supported individuals who dedicated their time and it has truly been a group e昀昀ort that has programs ranging from research to habitat resources to the Conservation Foundation made a di昀昀erence for our public lands development including: Nippersink Creek during those early years that set our course and open spaces. headwater stream restoration located in and paved the way for numerous projects, In the beginning - Created in October Glacial Park, known as “Cow Pie Creek”; partnerships and grant opportunities. 1999, the 昀椀rst meeting of the McHenry Illinois Audubon Society’s partnership County Conservation Foundation’s Board with the Boone Creek Watershed Alliance This work continues today because of the of Directors took place in January 2000. to restore natural areas along the dedication and passion for our natural This group of seven dedicated community scenic waterway; the McGraw Wildlife world embraced by board leadership, members worked hard formulating Foundation’s study of the state’s largest District sta昀昀, and numerous donors and policies, strategies and long-range goals nesting colonies of little brown bats; and volunteers. We look forward to new for the organization. the Friends of the Fox River’s educational initiatives that will enhance the vibrancy brochure on stream management along of our community and all its residents. For 25 years, McHenry County Conservation Foundation has dedicated its time, talents and 昀椀nancial resources to the conservation and preservation of the county's landscape and its cultural heritage. A sampling of their e昀昀orts pictured above include: Protecting the best of the last most vulnerable natural resources; funding multiple research studies including bird banding and brown bats; aiding in key land acquisitions like Elizabeth Lake; and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities. 2255 Celebrate this Important Milestone! Support the Conservation Foundation by Becoming a Monthly Donor! YYeeaarsrs!! Sign up to donate a recurring $25 a month gift and help sustain our work and directly support on-the-ground e昀昀orts to protect our prairies, revitalize our rivers, restore our woodlands, 昀椀ght climate change and so much more. Our work to champion our natural world is not possible without your generous support. Glacial Park Lost Valley Visitor Center Every dollar donated to the McHenry County Conservation Foundation supports the 7210 Keystone Road, Richmond, IL 60071 vital work of the McHenry County Conservation District and its partners, while also enhancing the health and vibrancy of our community and its residents. Learn More: McHenryConservation.org Visit: McHenryConservation.org/Monthly Landscapes | Spring 2024 3