Do you know a Conservation Champion? Nominations Due December 31st for Conservation Champion and Conservation Legacy Awards— McHenry County Conservation District is seeking nominations of individuals who are and have been Conservation Champions for the Public Open Space Conservation District Awarded of McHenry County. The two inaugural $200,000 Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Conservation Awards, Conservation Champion and Conservation The Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Legacy, will recognize exceptional Natural Resources, selected the Conservation District's Prairie Trail project for funding. contributions of individuals who have In Spring of 2024 the District will resurface an existing 1.25 mile section of the Prairie made extraordinary impacts to the Trail, between Hillside and Edgewood Roads in Crystal Lake, and will include restoring conservation movement through their the turf shoulders for better drainage and implementing detectable warnings at continued dedication and support of the intersections. mission of the Conservation District. Funding for the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant program comes from a percentage of the The Conservation Legacy Award motor vehicle title fees with the aim to provide 昀椀nancial aid to eligible local units of will acknowledge the signi昀椀cant past government to assist in acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of public o昀昀-road, contributions of an individual who non-motorized bicycle paths and related facilities. “The Illinois Department of Natural exempli昀椀ed the Conservation Ethic and Resources is pleased to provide funding to help local communities encourage families in昀氀uenced the growth and awareness and individuals to get outside, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce their carbon footprint of the Conservation District whether with more biking and less driving,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. it be through leadership, innovation, With a population of nearly 308,000 McHenry County has a vibrant bicycle community. environmental legislation, community The trail provides access and a safe and convenient route for cyclists to bike to work, building, restoration 昀椀eldwork, run errands or go out to lunch. Numerous businesses cater to the bicycle community by citizen science and volunteering, or employing people and purchasing goods/services which is an economic driver for the donations of money and land. local communities. The Conservation Champion Award The entire Prairie Trail provides access to nearly 100 miles of trails, linking to the District's will be awarded to a person who Ridge昀椀eld Trace (Crystal Lake to Woodstock) and to Kane County's Fox River Trail which embodies the passion for our local also connects to DuPage County's Prairie Path. It is also serves as a section of the Grand environment and has shared their Illinois Trail which, at 575 miles in length, is the longest multipurpose recreational trail in inspiration with others by preserving, the state of Illinois. restoring, and/or teaching about McHenry County’s beautiful natural landscapes. To nominate a Conservation Champion or Legacy Award, download and submit an electronic nomination from the District’s website (MCCD.me/ ConservationAwards). Nominations will be accepted through December 31, 2023. SAVE THE DATE Bring the Past to Life—We Want Your story! Intro to Volunteering Old Photographs & Oral History Interview Requests with the Conservation District Contact Bailey at [email protected] or leave a message at the Lost Valley Visitor Center (815) 338-6223. Do you have memories of farms, day camps or other activities on properties the Saturday, February 10 Conservation District now owns? The Conservation District collects the history of what 1 – 2:30 p.m. occurred on these lands through the past 100+ years. This captured history helps tell the Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood story of life in McHenry County. If you have photos/movies to share, or would like to set up Fee: Free Code: 8245 an oral history interview—we would love to talk to you! Come learn about the di昀昀erent volunteer These stories anchor us in a larger whole, connecting us to the past, giving us a sense of opportunities available throughout identity, roots and belonging. the year. No prior experience needed In every community—families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools—there are for most positions, just a willingness to people, “bearers of tradition” who have knowledge to share; these persons become learn. Give back, get outdoors, meet new primary sources of culture and history. As folklorist Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett writes, people, learn new skills, preserve nature, “they are living links in the historical chain, eye witnesses to history, shapers of a vital and build community, enrich your life, and indigenous way of life. They are unparalleled in the vividness and authenticity they can pay it forward! bring to the study of local history and culture.” 3