From the Board President— As I complete my fourth year as a Trustee, I consider this opportunity to be a privilege to volunteer my time and work on behalf of our residents and visitors. From day one, I have been amazed by the knowledge and passion of the entire organization! McHenry County Conservation District As the District enters its 53rd year of protecting and promoting the long-term viability of the manages over 25,800 acres of open county’s biodiversity, I am encouraged by sta昀昀’s resilience to change and adapt and by the space graced with woodlands, prairies, continued support we receive from our residents, community leaders, and conservation- wetlands and savannas. Trails and other minded partners. We continue to focus on promoting our best assets to build our visitor base, recreational amenities have been added get residents outdoors and create awareness of the true value of our open spaces. within 35 conservation areas where The Conservation District is a key partner in both local and regional environmental e昀昀orts. But the public can enjoy hiking, biking, we recognize that moving forward involves continuing to focus our attention on solidifying fishing, canoeing, picnicking, horseback relationships in the communities and municipalities we serve, and by creating the “big picture” riding, camping, cross-country of the bene昀椀ts and protection of our natural resources. The Board of Trustees has been focused skiing, snowmobiling and hundreds on securing funding sources which would safeguard the future of our natural areas and outdoor of opportunities to attend outdoor recreation amenities for generations to come, while not burdening current taxpayers. environmental educational programs McHenry County would not be the same without the McHenry County Conservation District. and events. Conservation sites not only provide people a chance to relax, be engaged with nature and spend time outdoors with friends and family, they protect wildlife habitats for plants Our Mission and animals, including birds and pollinators. Add to that the carbon sequestration and the The McHenry County Conservation groundwater storage capacity of District properties, and the values of these protected lands are District exists to preserve, restore and immeasurable. manage natural areas and open spaces My hope is that all residents will take a moment to stop and appreciate all the services the for their intrinsic value and for the bene昀椀ts Conservation District provides, and know that the District’s dedicated sta昀昀 and trustees work to present and future generations. diligently to improve the quality of life in McHenry County for all its citizens; because too often we take these local treasures for granted. There are few places better to enjoy an afternoon Our Vision than hiking the trails of a local conservation site. This summer, take a hike, toss in a 昀椀shing To ful昀椀ll our promise that McHenry line, paddle the creek, pedal the prairie, take in a concert, camp under the stars and enjoy an County’s public lands, water, wildlife afternoon picnic. and way of life will thrive in a rapidly Yours in Conservation, changing world. Where people of all ages, cultures and abilities are engaged and empowered to learn about and contribute Christopher Dahm— Board President 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: Swallowtail Butter昀氀y and Monarda by Cynthia Smith online at MCCDistrict.org. Back cover: Monarch Butter昀氀y and Liatris by Ken Wick Photographic Contributors: Weg Thomas, sta昀昀 and others as indicated