2024-25 Winter Landscapes

McHenry County Conservation District Landscapes Winter 2024-25

From the Board President— Dear Friends of Conservation, On November 5, McHenry County voters will have the opportunity to help shape the future of conservation in our county. As a long-time resident of McHenry County, I have seen the growth and expansion of our communities. Through those periods of development, one thing that has always inspired McHenry County Conservation District manages me is the availability and access to natural spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. over 25,800 acres of open space graced with McHenry County residents have a deep appreciation for our environment and a profound woodlands, prairies, wetlands and savannas. Trails understanding of the importance of protecting it. I serve on the Conservation District Board and other recreational amenities have been added of Trustees because nature has been important to myself and my family, and I hope my within 35 conservation areas where the public can grandchildren and future generations will get to experience the beauty of our landscape for enjoy hiking, biking, 昀椀shing, canoeing, picnicking, years to come. horseback riding, camping, cross-country skiing, The Conservation District Board has worked diligently on a plan to protect our open spaces, snowmobiling and hundreds of opportunities preserve vital wildlife habitats and create more outdoor recreation opportunities for all. to attend outdoor environmental educational That plan has involved placing a proposition on the November ballot. This limiting rate programs and events. proposition will increase the District’s tax levy rate just 0.027%. This is something that by law can only be done with voter approval. If the proposition passes, the Conservation District will have a regular and reoccurring funding source to maintain our natural areas and Our Mission trails while also restoring land and updating or installing new recreation amenities. Due to The McHenry County Conservation District exists the retirement of general obligation bonds, taxpayers will still see a 45% decrease in taxes to preserve, restore and manage natural areas and paid to the Conservation District with the passage of this ballot measure. open spaces for their intrinsic value and for the Without the passage of this proposition, our drinking water will be threatened. The water bene昀椀ts to present and future generations. quality of our rivers, lakes and streams will degrade. Wildlife habitat and natural areas will be irrevocably impacted. Critical habitat will be lost to development. Our trails and Our Vision recreation amenities will deteriorate. Our families will have fewer opportunities for access to To ful昀椀ll our promise that McHenry County’s public healthy outdoor spaces and environmental programming. lands, water, wildlife and way of life will thrive in a To many of us, being a McHenry County resident means access to clean water, air and rapidly changing world. Where people of all ages, opportunities for outdoor recreation. If the proposition passes, it will provide a funding cultures and abilities are engaged and empowered source to maintain these valuable resources that bene昀椀t our community. to learn about and contribute to conservation in Your vote impacts the Conservation District’s ability to continue to sustain and improve the diverse and impactful ways. Where wild and scenic things about this county that make you choose to live, work and explore here. Please learn places support thriving native plants and wildlife more at MCCD.me/Proposition2024 so you can make an informed decision on November 5. populations and public lands support diverse Yours in Conservation, outdoor recreation, educational and immersive experiences. Board of Trustees Christopher Dahm Created by a group of ecologically conscientious citizens in 1971 and supported by the Illinois LLEEAARRNN M MOORREE A ABBOOUTUT T THHEE P PROROPPOOSSIITTIIOONN Conservation District Act of 1963, the McHenry TTOO I INNCCRREEAASESE TH THEE L LIIMMIITITINGNG R RAATETE T TOO County Conservation District began with the mission to preserve open space, and to provide PPrroottecect Wt WAATTEER QR QUUAALLIITTYY environmental education programs and resources PPrreesseerrveve W WILILDDLLIFIFEE H HAABIBITTAATT for recreational opportunities to the public. Today, McHenry County Conservation District continues IImmpprroovve Oe OUUTTDOODOORR as a special district governed by a seven member RRECECRREEAATTIIOONN A ACCCCEESSSS FO FORR A ALLLL Board of Trustees. Christopher Dahm Mike Szurek President Trustee Landscapes is a FREE publication. Lloyd Everard Nora Lee Zeller To subscribe or update your contact info, email Vice President Trustee [email protected] or call (815) 338-6223. Shawn Zimmerman John Reinert Connect with us: Treasurer County Board Liaison Sign up for our E-newsletter at MCCD.me/Subscribe. Ron Wieczorek Elizabeth S. Kessler Secretary Executive Director Editorial & Design: Sarah Lorenz and Caitlynn Martinez-McWhorter Bonnie Leahy Front Cover: Coyote in the Snow by Cynthia Smith Trustee Back Cover: Snowy Nippersink Creek by Shav Ancog Photographic Contributors: Weg Thomas, sta昀昀 and others as noted

n a m e Seeking Conservation Champion Award Nominations . L h D t i e McHenry County Conservation District is seeking nominations of K individuals who have been Conservation Champions for the public lands of McHenry County! The Conservation Champion and Conservation Legacy awards recognize individuals who have made extraordinary impacts to conservation through their continued dedication to and support of the Conservation District. Make a Nomination at MCCD.me/ConservationAwards. Nominations will be accepted through December 31, 2024. k a v o N t ber Ro If You Build It, They Will Come! This summer, three young osprey 昀氀edged their nest in Glacial Park. The nest was built atop one of the platforms installed in 2018 by ComEd and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This nesting pair of osprey 昀椀rst established this nest in 2022, where they hatched and 昀氀edged one o昀昀spring. They returned in 2023 and 昀氀edged two more. It is only 昀椀tting that in their third year, in 2024, they successfully 昀氀edged three! Osprey are an Illinois state-threatened species, and this was the 昀椀rst nesting pair on a Conservation District site. Osprey feed primarily on 昀椀sh, so access to a healthy lake, river or stream is a necessity. This is just one of many wildlife success stories the Conservation District has seen in recent years thanks to decades of habitat restoration e昀昀orts. Tell Your Story! Request for Photographs & Oral Histories Help us document local history by sharing your memories and stories IN THIS ISSUE about District sites before they were conservation areas! McHenry County News & Noteworthy Conservation District is collecting oral interviews, photographs, 昀椀lms, local 1 history books, postcards and magazines about activities on properties now 2 Ed Collins Retirement held by the District (including places like Camp Algonquin, Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area and Pleasant Valley Conservation Area). 4 Proposition 2024 Contact District Archivist Bailey Rewoldt at [email protected] or leave a message at the Lost Valley Visitor Center: (815) 338-6223. 6 Foundation News 8 Seasonal Sightings 9 Volunteer 10 Special Events 12 Programs 18 Calendars Landscapes | Winter 2024-25

News & Noteworthy Painting the Future Through Conservation Congratulations to Ed Collins On His Retirement Picture this: It is 1986, and a young Ranger in his late twenties stands atop one of the last remaining kames in Glacial Park Conservation Area. It has rained for several days straight and the area is facing one of the most severe flooding events it has seen in years. The Ranger is hoping from this height he might be able to see and later retrieve lost picnic tables that were swept away in the floods. From this vantage point atop the kame, he finds something he wasn’t looking for. He realizes he can make out the old meanders of Nippersink Creek, prior to it being channelized in the 1950s. The flood waters fill in the landscape, drawing a map of the creek’s history and showing the Ranger what it remembers and what it wants to become again. t would take the young man over a decade to get to the go on to present these ideas at a Chicago Wilderness Ipoint in his career where he could begin developing Conference, and eventually it evolved into the District’s a plan to de-channelize the creek and restore the 昀椀rst comprehensive land protection plan. “But the 昀椀rst surrounding wetlands. It took another fourteen years version of it was produced in an old hog shed in 1986 on before the entire fourteen-mile stretch of creek that runs a 4x8 sheet of secondhand plywood,” Collins says with a through Glacial Park was also restored. During that time, smile, half playfully but wholly heartfelt. District sta昀昀 completed a seven-mile section between This concept of connecting pieces of preserved land was 1998 and 2002, and in 2012 the Army Corps of Engineers part of the inspiration for the creation of Hackmatack completed another seven miles as part of a 206 grant. National Wildlife Refuge in 2012. Located in Northern The Ranger at the Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, this is the 昀椀rst refuge of top of the hill looking its kind to use a “cores and corridors concept” for growth. for those lost picnic Collins is credited with bringing the many partner groups tables was a young Ed together to create the refuge. He was honored with both Collins during his 昀椀rst the Partners in Conservation Award in 2012 by the U.S. year with McHenry Department of the Interior and the Silver Eagle Award in County Conservation 2024 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the role he District. Collins would played in helping to establish the refuge. grow alongside the His message to his sta昀昀 and colleagues has always been Conservation District, that conservation is best achieved through collaboration later taking on roles as and that partnerships achieve far more than any one Vegetation Specialist, agency or organization can on their own. “One of the Restoration Ecologist, most meaningful partnerships has been the Hackmatack Natural Resources Land Protection partnership. It has augmented the work Ed working as a Restoration Ecologist for the District. Manager and 昀椀nally that the District has Director of Land done in multiple areas. Every morning... Preservation and Natural Resources, before retiring in And the partnership September. And while the Nippersink Creek remeander is actually twelve you work for the for most would be a career-de昀椀ning project of a lifetime, organizations, so Conservation District, for Ed Collins it is just one of many. “The Nippersink Creek there's really a lot of you get a brand new Project changed our perspective about what we could di昀昀erent players that canvas, and that accomplish,” Collins says. “And from that point forward are bringing di昀昀erent there wasn’t a project too big to take on.” things to it. That's how canvas is the future... The same year he climbed the kame to look for those you get conservation picnic tables, Collins also created the District’s 昀椀rst land done—you form partnerships,” Collins says. protection plan, albeit uno昀케cially. On a large piece of And when speaking to Collins about these large projects plywood he garbage-picked, Collins taped photocopies over his career, he seems to be able to point to each from a plat book of the entire county. Research was one’s origin. Each of these great achievements and beginning to show the bene昀椀t of larger preserved areas successes have emerged out of a small seed of an idea connected by smaller preserved parcels. that was planted and tended and later grew. Looking Today, this concept has become widely practiced in at conservation in this way makes one begin to feel conservation and is the basis for wildlife corridors, but that anything is achievable, and no dream is too big in the 1980s it was cutting edge. “At the time, ecologists if you start small and stay tenacious. Collins says he is were beginning to understand that just setting aside a frequently asked how we even begin to repair lands park and putting a fence around it wasn't going to do it. when they have been so greatly impacted or damaged. They realized plants and animals moved, and that there He responds, “You do it the same way it happened. You were all kinds of issues if they were stuck in these little do it one project at a time, over the course of several postage stamps,” Collins says. With three colored pencils, generations, and that's how you repair it. Because 2 he began shading in areas of the map. He would later conservation is all about intergenerational equity. It's

...what I envision for the future of conservation is that it is integrated into every aspect of our life. That we don't make decisions for the next seven generations, we make decisions for the next seventy." Nippersink Creek after District de-channelization e昀昀orts. David Bradburn/Fork the Man Productions about not owning the future, but understanding that became “Trail of History.” The event ran for 25 years you're borrowing it, and if you're any kind of person, you and focused on historical human relationships with the return it in better shape than you borrowed it.” land, looking at history through a conservation lens Collins has always been a visionary with a knack for and showing the public what could be lost if a road creative problem solving and an eye on the future. was built through Glacial Park. When asked what he 昀椀nds so special about a place like • Through work to preserve Powers-Walker House and McHenry County Conservation District that would inspire Wiedrich Barn, Collins formed a close bond with the him to stay at the organization for the entirety of his Wiedrich sisters, who returned to Glacial Park weekly, career he says, “Painting. Every morning, when you get preferring the well water they grew up on to the “city up and you work for the Conservation District, you get a water.” As he learned about the history of Glacial brand-new canvas, and that canvas is the future, and you Park from them, he began to realize the necessity of get to paint the future with the work that you do, and preserving these stories and this history. He helped that’s something you don’t get out of most jobs. Here, to formalize the District’s historical archives program, the palette of your colors is limited only by your own capturing oral history from those who knew the land imagination and your own passion for the work that you before it became a Conservation District site. do. So, I've been fortunate. I've had a blank canvas every And while Collins likes to learn from the past, he is always morning I get up and it says the same thing: what are you looking to the future. “I am excited about the future going to paint today?” of conservation because conservation is no longer the And if his work is paintings, then Collins has a museum’s purview of just the hunter and the 昀椀sherman and the worth. His brush has touched innumerable canvases. hiker and the bird watcher. Conservation—the land, the Here are just a few more notable works to admire in his earth—it belongs to all of us. And what's happening in gallery: conservation is two generations of teaching and bringing • In 1986, he 昀椀rst knowledge to people and having environmental saw the need for education in the schools. It's made people understand more native seed to that they live within a much larger system and it not only complete restoration belongs to them, but they have a responsibility for its projects. When survival. So what I envision for the future of conservation suppliers could not is that it is integrated into every aspect of our life. That provide what was we don't make decisions for the next seven generations, needed, he began we make decisions for the next seventy,” he says. the District’s seed Ed, second from the left, in the District seed nursery. Although he believes the outlook is positive, it doesn’t nursery, which later evolved into the seed collection mean the work is done. He shares advice for those program as the District restored and preserved prairies following him, and for future conservationists yet to throughout the county. enter the 昀椀eld: “You have to give a voice to the voiceless, • When the Natural Resources Department was formed, and that voice is stronger than I've ever heard it before. Collins was responsible for documenting the species It's especially strong with young people, and that's what present on District land. Later, in the early 2000s, it makes me really encouraged. Your became clear to Collins that if these inventories were generation is smarter, faster and renro digitized they could be accessed more quickly and harder to fool and that bodes well H niv e昀케ciently, and that databases were the future. for all living things.” eK • In 1989, when plans resurfaced to run an interstate highway through Glacial Park, Collins helped organize an event called the “Kames Rendezvous,” which later 3

ue Bitler S Proposition 2024 r le t Bi e u S PROPOSITION TO INCREASE THE LIMITING RATE TO Protect WATER QUALITY • Preserve WILDLIFE HABITAT Improve OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESS FOR ALL YOUR VOTE IMPACTS OUR ABILITY TO: Protect Water Quality • Safeguard and restore areas that 昀椀lter and store McHenry County’s drinking water, ensuring clean and safe water for you and your family. s a m o • Preserve and rehabilitate natural areas along our rivers, lakes and streams, securing our h T g vital drinking water sources. We Preserve Wildlife Habitat • Preserve and restore essential habitats for plants and animals, such as wetlands, woodlands and prairies, ensuring the protection of species like the sandhill crane, bald eagle, river otter, osprey, monarch butter昀氀y and bobcat. m • Protect additional natural areas throughout the county, contributing to the a enh conservation of wildlife habitats that enhance our quality of life and overall well-being. D a r a S Improve Outdoor Recreation Access for All • Improve trails, enhance parks and natural areas, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors, including people with disabilities, promoting the physical and mental health bene昀椀ts of being outdoors. s • Provide opportunities for children and adults to enjoy natural areas and disconnect a m o h from technology and social media, fostering a deeper connection with nature. T g We 4 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25

ue Bitler S Proposition 2024 McHenry County Conservation District Proposition to Increase the Limiting Rate Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.027% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purposes of protecting drinking Voter Information water sources, protecting the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, providing The general election will park access for people with disabilities, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting be held on forests and planting trees, improving and maintaining existing conservation areas, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 and other lawful purposes of the Conservation District, and be equal to 0.109660% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024? Polling places will be open YES 6:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. NO (1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is Visit the McHenry County $9,250,889, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is Clerk's O昀케ce at $12,272,592. 667 Ware Rd, Suite 107 (2) For the 2024 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against Woodstock, IL 60098 property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the or visit their website at PROPOSITION TO INCREASE THE LIMITING RATE TOreferendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $9. MCHENRYCOUNTYIL.GOV (3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2024 will be determined by the to learn more about the Protect WATER QUALITY • Preserve WILDLIFE HABITAT limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as general election and Improve OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESS FOR ALLthe Property Tax Cap Law). how to vote. t d r a H e n n i r Co OOnn N Noovveemmbberer 5 5 YYOOUURR V VOOTETE M MAATTTETERRSS MCCD.me/Proposi琀椀on2024 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 5

FFoouunnddaattionion NeNewwss Baltimore Checkerspot Reintroduction Update This past summer, District sta昀昀 happened upon several nests of young Baltimore checkerspot caterpillars on turtlehead (Chelone glabra) while out in the 昀椀eld. This larval host plant, which is critical to the Baltimore Checkerspot life cycle, was planted as part of a donor-supported reintroduction e昀昀ort of the species in 2021 and 2022. Unlike many butter昀氀ies—which overwinter as eggs, pupae or sometimes adults—Baltimore Checkerspot caterpillars overwinter as caterpillars. The caterpillars spotted this summer left their nests in the fall and are currently burrowed beneath leaf litter or dead vegetation, poised to reemerge this spring as adult butter昀氀ies. Baltimore checkerspot butter昀氀ies are rare in the entire Chicago region, due in large part to fragmentation of their wetland habitat and lack of plant species like turtlehead (Chelone glabra), hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolate), which are the only known plants where Baltimore Checkerspot eggs are laid and their caterpillars eat. Previous donor support gave us the resources necessary to purchase more than 4,000 turtlehead plants. Volunteers then supported the Conservation District’s reintroduction e昀昀orts by planting them on 135 acres across seven District sites between 2021 and 2022. As with any reintroduction or restoration project, it takes time for nature to rebound and we look forward to sharing future updates on the long-term response to this e昀昀ort. PHOTO CREDITS: Baltimore Checkerspot Caterpillars by Jeremy Caseltine | Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly by Robert Novak Union Paci昀椀c Foundation Awards $15,000 for Glacial Park Restoration A Community Ties Giving Program Local Grant from the Union Paci昀椀c Foundation will support the District’s current restoration e昀昀orts at Glacial Park Conservation Area and improve habitat connectivity across the Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin border. With this $15,000 grant, the Conservation District will purchase a portion of the high-quality native seed necessary to restore more than 125 acres of native habitat within Glacial Park and connect nearly 235 acres from Illinois to Wisconsin for pollinators, birds and herptiles living in the area. These species include the federally endangered Rusty-patched bumblebee, Monarch butter昀氀y, Henslow’s sparrow, Blanding’s turtle and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need identi昀椀ed in the Illinois and Wisconsin State Wildlife Action Plans. “Local grants have the power to create meaningful change within the communities our tracks touch,“ said Beth Whited, Union Paci昀椀c President and Union Paci昀椀c Foundation President. “We are proud to partner with nonpro昀椀t organizations who are making an impact on the future—creating safer places for children and families; bringing economic prosperity to communities; building vibrant, inclusive areas for people to thrive; and instilling sustainable practices.” Union Paci昀椀c’s Community Ties Giving Program provides small and medium-sized grants that align with the railroad’s priority cause areas in safety, workforce development, community vitality and environmental sustainability. Previous support for this work was received from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program. Join Us On the Prairie Trail! Saturday, November 9 & Saturday, December 14 | 9 –11 a.m. Meet at the Mitchard Way parking lot in Algonquin Join us for the last Prairie Trail Clean Ups before we go into hibernation until April! Help us beautify the Prairie Trail and meet some new people. Bring gloves and hand sanitizer. Long-handled trash pickers provided. Sign up online at www.mchenryconservation.org/PrairieTrail OR email [email protected]. 6 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25

FFoouunnddaattionion NeNewwss From the McHenry County Conservation Foundation Executive Director—We are Thankful for You As we rapidly approach the end of 2024 and wind down on our twenty 昀椀fth anniversary celebrations, we are all excited and eager to welcome the possibilities that lay before us in 2025. But, before we do that, we want to take a minute to look back on what your donations made possible for the Conservation District and its partner organizations this year. In 2024, donors were the reason we were able to: • Partner with Openlands, The Conservation Fund, the Illinois Audubon Society and several others to purchase 985 acres in Richmond, Illinois, which now links Glacial Park and North Branch Conservation Areas and creates the largest contiguous natural land area in Northern Illinois, and the third largest in the Chicago metro region. • Fund the Conservation District’s very 昀椀rst Artist in Residence. • Complete a 昀椀ve-year restoration project at Elizabeth Lake Natural Area focused on invasive species removal, which included in- house buckthorn removal and hiring a contractor with the appropriate equipment to apply herbicide to purple loosestrife and phragmites, two extremely invasive species that threaten the health of the site’s critical wetland. • Purchase a portable 昀椀re昀椀ghting unit, which is being used by the Conservation District’s prescribed 昀椀re team to support the restoration of conservation areas countywide. • Sow more than 585 pounds of native seeds and transform 25 acres at Glacial Park from working land back into native prairie. • Protect 40 acres of land in Hartland Township that links with Brookdale Conservation Area and neighboring conservation easements to create over 1,875 acres of natural landscape. • Plant more than 1,522 trees at sites across the county with Big Woods donations and volunteer help. • In partnership with Youth and Family Center, host multiple free camping trips focused on connecting families, particularly those with little to no camping experience, with nature. And all of this was accomplished thanks to supporters like you: people who are passionate about conservation, public lands and the future we leave for the next generation. Of the 635 annual gifts we received in the last year, over 81% of those donations were for $100 or less. This is a testament to how, when we all work together, we are able to make a huge impact on the spaces we care about and the world around us. Whether you give on Giving Tuesday, make a last-minute contribution on December 31 or give monthly, please know that you are the reason we are able to protect our prairies, revitalize our rivers, restore our woodlands, 昀椀ght climate change and so much more. We look forward to what you make possible in 2025! Sincerely, Shawna Flavell Executive Director, McHenry County Conservation Foundation Tamarack Farms in Richmond, Illinois for Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge / The Conservation Fund BECOME A CONSERVATION CHAMPION MAKE A GIFT Every dollar donated to the McHenry Online at mchenryconservation.org/Donate County Conservation Foundation supports By Check Issued and Mailed to: the vital work of the McHenry County McHenry County Conservation Foundation Conservation District and its partners Lost Valley Visitor Center while also enhancing our community. 7210 Keystone Road, Richmond, IL 60071 LEARN MORE: McHenryConservation.org Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 7

Seasonal Sightings Patterns in Nature by Kim Compton, Education and Visitor Center Services Coordinator The amazing array of patterns in nature can be Meanders seen year round, but in winter, when the leaves are Look for a dead tree that has areas of bark missing. down from the trees and the 昀氀owers have gone Often these snags will be covered in what appear to to seed, you may be able to see some of these be carved lines. They are actually the meandering patterns more clearly. paths of bark beetles or other borers. Symmetry In some places you will see where a Many leaves are bilaterally straight line is surrounded by radial symmetrical, where the left and lines heading in every direction— right sides are mirror images of that is where the eggs were laid each other. Try picking a leaf o昀昀 and then the larvae spread out. the ground and folding it in half You may even see some general to see the symmetry. wavy lines from the larvae feeding on the tissue of the tree. Snow昀氀akes are also symmetrical, but in six ways. Each of the arms of a Fractals snow昀氀ake are identical due If you look up into a lea昀氀ess tree, you will see to the freezing pattern in the twisting branching of an in昀椀nitely complex our atmosphere. pattern called a fractal. Notice how di昀昀erent types Spirals of trees have di昀昀erent growth patterns. A pine A spiral is the most e昀케cient tree’s branches are whorled way to pack as many seeds around and all the way up into a seed head as possible. the trunk. This type of spiral is visible on both the larger pale A bur oak, on the other purple cone昀氀ower and the hand, has a more uneven oval grey-headed cone昀氀ower. growth pattern as its Plants in the sun昀氀ower, or Silphium, family all branches search for the have spiral seed patterns as well. Look for cup most sunlight possible. plant, prairie dock or compass plant that haven’t yet shed their seeds to see if you can make out the spiral patterns in their centers. Many patterns in nature follow basic mathematical Pine cones also form in principles and algorithms. It is believed that a a spiral. If the squirrels human’s brain is comforted by these mathematically haven’t shredded them all, stable patterns because they represent balance and 昀椀nd one on the trail and harmony. Research shows nature’s patterns in昀氀uence look for that familiar spiral. our well-being, reduce stress and relax us. Stop by a conservation area this winter to experience these Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 patterns for yourself. 8

Volunteer Opportunities Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Crew Training Ages 18+ Friday, February 7 & Saturday, February 8 | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood Fee: $75.00* Code: 9499 RESTORATION DAYS Based on the National Wild昀椀re Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) S-130 and S-190 courses, this two-day training covers the basics of topics such as 昀椀re behavior, controlled burn techniques and smoke management. The objective is to provide participants with the background necessary to safely participate on the crew of a controlled burn. *A discount is provided for District registered volunteers. Email [email protected] if you have Help District site stewards not received the discount code. with seasonal tasks at habitat restoration days! Phenology Plant Monitor Orientation Ages 18+ Thursday, February 20, 6:30–8 p.m. LEARN MORE Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood Fee: Free Code: 9550 MCCD.me/Restoration If you like to watch our natural areas come alive in the spring and summer, consider joining our phenology program. Volunteers visit the site of their choice every other week to record which plants are blooming from May through September. This data will be used for an ongoing research study with Research Ecologist Tom Simpson. A moderate knowledge of plant ID is necessary. Introduction to Volunteering Ages 18+ Wednesday, February 26, 6:30–8 p.m. Brookdale Conservation Area, Administrative O昀케ces, Woodstock Fee: Free Code: 9552 Learn about the many ways you can volunteer with the District, including habitat restoration, education, public safety, local history and more! At this introductory meeting, you will meet District volunteer liaisons and watch a short orientation presentation giving an overview of all the programs available. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the perks of being a volunteer, how to register, drop-in programs and important dates. VOLUNTEER AT Festival of the Sugar Maples VOLUNTEER TRAINING WORKSHOP VOLUNTEER SHIFTS Saturday, February 22 @ 9 a.m.–Noon 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. daily Coral Woods Conservation Area, Marengo Saturday, March 8 Take an introductory tour of the Coral Woods trail Sunday, March 9 while learning the history and techniques of maple Saturday, March 15 sugaring and tree-tapping, as well as what each Sunday, March 16 station entails. Then choose your preferred dates and station assignments! CONTACT: [email protected] or (815) 338-6223 9

Special Events DROP IN ALL Get Your Jingle On! AGES FREE Saturday, December 14, Noon–4 p.m. Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood Holiday at Grandma's House Powers-Walker House Step back in time and watch volunteers in historical attire at the Powers-Walker House prepare for the winter and the holidays! Nature's Ornaments Lost Valley Visitor Center Join us to create one-of-a-kind historical pioneer ornaments using materials from nature to hang in your home! Holly Jolly Scavenger Hunt r Lost Valley Visitor Center e rn o Pick up a self-guided scavenger hunt and H n i ev return it for a prize! K Primitive Sports: Archery & Tomahawk Throw Ages 7+ Registration Required Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m.–Noon Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood Fee: R $5 / NR $7 Code: 9501 Join us for a morning of testing our outdoor survival skills as we try our hand at shooting archery and throwing tomahawks! In Search of Eagles All Ages Free Drop In Saturday, February 1, 8–10 a.m. McHenry Dam, Algonquin Dam, Carpentersville Dam, Lake Geneva Representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of Hackmatack Wildlife Refuge, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Lakeland Society will be at locations along the Fox River in Illinois and at the Williams Bay boat launch on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin to help you search for eagles. There will be scopes and binoculars available for use at each location, along with guided activities for children. Visit the site closest to you or visit them all! Find a map of participating locations at www.hackmatacknwr.org. Eagles of Illinois All Ages Registration Required Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: Free Code: 9543 Meet a Bald Eagle and a Golden Eagle, as well as other birds of prey that are commonly misidenti昀椀ed as eagles! Cynthia Smith Presented by the Illinois Raptor Center | Sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 10

n a m f f Ho e ik Festival of the Sugar Maples M MMaarrcch 8h 8, 9 & M, 9 & Maarrcch 1h 155, 1, 166 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Coral Woods Conservation Area 7400 Somerset, Marengo Register online to save a time or date. Walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability. • Hear how maple syrup was made hundreds of years ago • Learn how sap is collected from maple trees • Discover how maple trees produce sap each spring • See how maple syrup is made at the evaporator house Welcome Winter Celebration Saturday, December 28, Noon–3 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood All Ages Registration Required FREE Code: 9357 Learn about indigenous peoples' connections to the winter solstice in this multi-cultural celebration with special guests from Trickster Cultural Center. Enjoy traditional indigenous music, dancing, storytelling, arts and crafts and light refreshments. 11

Youth & Family Programs Winter Cake Decorating Ages 10+ DDIISSCOCOVVERERYY D DAAYYSS Ages 2-6 with adult Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m.–Noon Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $3.00/NR $6.00 Fee: R $50.00/NR $63.00 Code: 9502 Enjoy a morning of fun educational games, lessons and Design a two layer 6-inch round winter-themed cake perfect other hands-on experiences focused on our special theme for holiday sharing! Our instructor will go over the design and of the day. take you step-by-step from layering to the finishing touches. RRABABBBIITTSS You will leave with your cake and decorating supplies so you Tuesday, December 10, 10–11 a.m. can recreate your designs at home! Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Code: 9503 PPEEEERR F FOORR D DEEEERR Thursday, January 23, 10–11 a.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Code: 9523 LLOOVVE IE IS IS IN TN THHE AE AIIRR Friday, February 14, 10–11 a.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Code: 9545 Fort Building Fun Ages 7+ Skulls and Skins Ages 6+ Saturday, December 7, 9–11 a.m. Monday, December 30, 10–11 a.m. Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, Wonder Lake Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9530 Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9534 Could you survive the natural elements if you were stranded Join us for an indoor presentation about the fascinating in the woods? Participants are invited off-trail to use their adaptations of local wildlife. We will use skulls, furs and an creativity and ingenuity to build forts and shelters using the interactive activity to examine each animal's traits. natural materials around them. We will discuss the importance of "Leave No Trace" as we disassemble our creations. Mammals of Illinois Ages 2-6 with adult Friday, January 3, 11 a.m.–Noon Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9521 Learn about mammals of Illinois like raccoons, coyotes, beavers, skunks and more! Through fun activities and discussions, you'll discover how these animals impact our environment. STORIES AND EXPLORE Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Ages 2-6 with adult Enjoy stories about winter life and what the new year may bring while relaxing indoors. Bring a blanket or a pillow! New Year Wonders Saturday, January 4, 11 a.m.–Noon Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Code: 9516 Make Your Own Paper Ages 5+ Winter Magic Saturday, December 7, 2–3:30 p.m. Monday, January 20, 11 a.m.–Noon Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9531 Code: 9517 Making your own paper is easy, fun and environmentally Frozen Waters friendly! Discover how you can reduce, reuse and recycle all in Monday, February 17, 11 a.m.–Noon one afternoon. Take your paper samples home to show your Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake family and friends! This is considered a beginner class. Code: 9518 12 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 Youth 13 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at MCCDistrict.org.

An Afternoon with the Short-Eared Owls Ages 8+ Youth & Family Programs Sunday, January 5, 3:30–5 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Nature's Preschool: Winter Birds Ages 3⼀挀–6 Drop Off Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9539 Tuesday, January 14–Friday, January 17 The short-eared owl is an Illinois endangered species, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Daily but we are fortunate to have them visit Glacial Park Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood every winter! Learn more about these owls Fee: R $15.00/NR $19.00 Code: 9528 while driving through the park to look Send your little one off to Nature's Preschool for learning for them at dusk. centered around a daily theme, outdoor exploration and crafts, all under the supervision of experienced Conservation District educators. Children must be 3 ½ years old by the start of the program and must be toilet-trained. This is a drop-off program. Children should bring a water bottle and dress in layers Sheryl Mayhew for activities indoors and out. Owl Pellet Dissection Ages 8+ Storytime on the Trail Ages 2–6 with adult Saturday, January 11, 10:30 a.m.–Noon Saturday, January 25, 10–11 a.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, Marengo Fee: R $5.00/NR $7.00 Code: 9504 Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9505 Participants will uncover the secrets of owl Join us for an adventure on the trail as characters from diets by dissecting a real owl pellet in this Who's Been Here? A Tale in Tracks guide us as we discover hands-on program! Identify and analyze the who left behind footprints in the snow. The hike includes bones and remains of small animals while learning exploration activities and wildlife observation. about predator-prey relationships and ecological dynamics. Upcycled Crafts: Ages 10+ Mixed Media Nature Notebook Scat Science Ages 6+ Saturday, January 11, 1:30–3 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Saturday, February 1, 2–3 p.m. Fee: R $8.00/NR $10.00 Code: 9527 Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Decorate a notebook with native seeds, nature Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9533 magazine clippings and more! You will be guided Everybody does it! Learn the science of "scat"—the through the Mixed Media Nature Notebook collage scientific word used for animal poop—and what it can process by Kris Findley, who has taught at places teach us about the animal it came from. Participants will like the Studio Art School in McHenry, Antioch Fine then "make" their own scat from oatmeal, cocoa powder Arts Foundation and Volo Bog. and water! Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 13

Youth & Family Programs Bird Beak Buffet Ages 5-10 Frog Ecology and Dissection Ages 11+ Saturday, February 15, 10–11:30 a.m. Monday, February 17, 1–3 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $3.00/NR $6.00 Code: 9506 Ringwood Birds come in all shapes and sizes, Fee: R $12.00/NR $15.00 Code: 9540 and their beaks do, too! Some birds Explore frog ecology and their anatomy eat seeds, while others eat meat. in a lab-like scenario while learning about er v We'll get hands-on as we discover local frogs of the county. Registration is r a F h the special functions of bird beaks in required for all attending this program. t e Registration covers tools to borrow and a enn this program. K specimen for the dissection. Nature Play Open House Ages Infant-6 with adult Adult Observers Ages 21+ Monday, February 17, 9–11 a.m. (Guided Hike @ 10 a.m.!) Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9541 Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9508 This is for adults who wish to NOT dissect a frog, Experience the fun and learning available at Prairieview Education but observe as their younger one is dissecting. Center! Nature puzzles, games and a craft table will be available Registration is required for all attending this program. throughout the program. A guided hike leaves at 10 a.m. Lost Valley Nature Detectives Check out a free exploration backpack complete with a pair of binoculars, 昀椀eld guides and self-guided activities to explore Glacial Park! DECEMBER: WINTER SURVIVAL Animals must adapt to survive the colder months. What animals hibernate, migrate or tough out the winter months? Check out activities about these unique adaptations and then go on a scavenger hunt through Glacial Park! JANUARY: SNOWFLAKES Did you know that no two snow昀氀akes are the same? How can that be? Learn the science behind snow昀氀akes and go on a snow昀氀ake scavenger hunt! FEBRUARY: OWLS Learn about the di昀昀erent species of owls that live here—and some that just come for a visit—through fun activities. Then make an owl craft so you can have your very own owl friend at home! 14 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 Youth 13 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at MCCDistrict.org.

Adult (age 14+) Programs Forest Bathing Ages 18+ Bison Ranch Stories - VIRTUAL Ages 14+ Thursday, December 12, 3–4:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, Noon–1:30 p.m. Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, Cary Online program. Access information will be sent to Fee: R $20.00/NR $25.00 Code: 9548 registrants via email. Join certified Forest Therapy Guide Jennifer Boudart on Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9546 a guided walk through Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area. McHenry County Conservation District is using Participants will learn about forest bathing and the Fel-Pro regenerative grazing by bison to restore and manage site itself before concluding with tea and water. soil health and wildlife habitat in prairie and savanna ecosystems at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. The Enchanting Evergreens Ages 14+ District's Agricultural Ecologist, along with a special guest, will talk about how bison are perfectly suited Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. to create the right structure and conditions that allow Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, Marengo these ecosystems to flourish. Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9511 Join a Certified Arborist on a hike to view evergreens planted at Marengo Ridge by former landowner, Dr. Emerson Kunde. Learn more about the history of this site while discovering what makes these evergreen species unique. Sites Seldom Seen: Larsen Prairie Ages 14+ Friday, January 3, 1–3 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9525 Larsen Prairie, a gravel hill prairie tucked away on the southeast side of the county, is booming with ecological value. Join District Ecologists for an indoor presentation about the management, history and ecology of Larsen Prairie before driving over to Lake in the Hills to experience n the winter prairie firsthand. a m 昀昀 o e H k i M Tree and Shrub Bud ID Ages 14+ Tuesday, February 4, 2–3:30 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9537 What better way to understand winter trees than through an identification class taught by District Research Ecologist Tom Simpson? Enjoy an indoor presentation and hands-on learning before exploring the wooded trails of Glacial Park to identify tree species. Fresh Air, Fresh Minds: Ages 14+ The Outdoor Advantage – VIRTUAL Wednesday, February 12, 7–8 p.m. Online program. Access information will be sent to registrants via email. Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9509 Playing in nature offers more to kids than just getting History Hike: Glacial Park Ages 14+ the wiggles out! It also supports their physical, mental, Sunday, January 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m. social and emotional development. Join us on Zoom Wiedrich Barn, Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood as we discuss research about the benefits that outdoor Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9538 play provides children. Learn about the former inhabitants of the diverse areas of Glacial Park. Participants will visit the Wiedrich Barn, the kettle marsh, the Thomas cemetery and more. Meet at the Wiedrich Barn Parking Lot. Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 15

All Ages Programs Indigenous Stories by the Fire All Ages Tuesday, December 17, 6–7 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9526 Listen to captivating indigenous stories from our friends at Trickster Cultural Center while enjoying warm beverages around a campfire. Winter Solstice Soiree All Ages Saturday, December 21, 4–5:30 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Fee: R $2.00/NR $6.00 Code: 9512 The winter solstice brings our longest, darkest night of the year. We will investigate old ways of celebrating this celestial event while creating new traditions, including a 1-mile starlit night hike ending at a warm campfire with light refreshments. Leave the flashlights at home so the stars can light our way. Family Scavenger Hunt All Ages Winter Sowing All Ages Thursday, January 2, 10–11:30 a.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Ringwood Saturday, January 4, 9–10 a.m. | Code: 9519 Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9536 - OR - Bring the whole family out for a winter Saturday, February 8, 1–2 p.m. | Code: 9520 scavenger hunt adventure! Meet at Winter sowing is an easy, low maintenance seed starting the visitor center for an introduction, process that allows you to start plants outside during the a map and a scavenger hunt sheet winter months. We will go over a step-by-step process of before hitting the trails for self-guided creating gallon jug greenhouses before sowing native seed exploration. Bring your completed collected by District staff and volunteers. Soil, tools, tape sheet back to the program leader and and plant markers supplied. get a prize—or use your phone and try the Goosechase version! Please bring a clean gallon jug to use during the program. Natural Valentine All Ages Saturday, February 8, 9:30–11 a.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood Fee: R Free/NR $5.00 Code: 9544 Have your family's picture taken outdoors in beautiful Glacial Park and make a "natural" picture frame to complete a Valentine's Day gift. 16 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 Youth 13 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at MCCDistrict.org.

Self-Guided Opportunities Glacial Park Snowshoe Rental 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (last rental 2:30 p.m.) Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Ringwood (Credit card or check accepted. You will be required to leave a driver's license.) Fee: $10/person for the entire day Once there is 5" of snow or more, stop in at the Lost Valley Visitor Center to rent a pair of snowshoes. Adult and children sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hike or Ski on Solar Lit Trails ON YOUR OWN November 5 – March 10 Trails close at 9 p.m. Pleasant Valley 13315 Pleasant Valley Rd., Woodstock (Use the first parking area.) This half-mile looped trail located on the east side of the entrance drive is fairly flat terrain, perfect for beginners or shorter outings. Hickory Grove Highlands (Note: Closed Nov. 1–3 ) 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary The 0.79 mile looped trail travels through a restored savanna, offering a longer scenic route suitable for intermediate skiers. Candlelight Ski/Hikes SPECIAL EVENT Fridays and Saturdays, 5 – 9 p.m. Hike or ski on trails lit only by candlelight! December 13 & 14 Boone Creek Conservation Area, Bull Valley January 10 & 11 Rush Creek Conservation Area, Harvard February 7 & 8 Coral Woods Conservation Area, Marengo No pets, please. Bring your own skis. Trails are groomed when there is 4"+ of snow. Cancellations may occur if trails are icy or hazardous, or if wind chill drops below -20°. WINTER TRAIL ETIQUETTE: When there is snow, hikers and leashed dogs are asked to walk on the OUTSIDE of the ski tracks. 17

Go Make Tracks—Your Winter Fun Guide d. * ) R * s l d il h n M / rs la er d ch a ns igh t arnar ne e M yo e H PLEASE NOTE: ) en ) B y li ran ) ) ) iri ss L ov ) ow C ow o nt h B ow now ‡ ow ra cce r ow n n n 6 t u t n n y G n 7 o r f s ; a r ** Temporary closures f s io f s 1 f s n f s s P o f s ) s o t s o t. o c No l s o s o e s o n ow ick ing he a he : R h t / rai he he s F he o n ell es o ‡ Open for walk-in traffic * i c c th t th c e c l c y f s h H ch u l L * * * n duc n r o r n T n n i n g w * n ‡ sk / o o o ley " o u * * e * E N . s r l dg s e o n ◊ Ice fishing/ice skating k at h 4 i d a h 4 i v h 4 r e k R h s * un e ek ith 4 i it l– l N eb V ith 4 i it w ith 4 i o it h B th 4 i R rs * R sk t R o Ri he H o r ar i a e e r e iew ai t ai H l h t n ood when 4"+ ice present y Cr fo d w v d w r yo r nt d w ed w n t l d w d w rs o P d w o R ne d Cr e ie e e T P e T sa e ng e ry G e a is al e r r M W dal k er e h m ir m i : ri a m re om e i m o m r i m P l k Visit MCCD.me/Closures c k o a oo r h o a o k o k oo ie M r ac o l- ne ra o i lv ac us o r r ai ut ai le o r a he Hoo r r l o t i r r r r c i r x o o S P R G P G r P G M G L T G i G a Ha G G Fe E r S ( ( ( P So P ( ( ( H ( Pr ( C B                Hiking  †                 Cross-Country                 (N) 1 mi. 4 mi. Skiing 1 mi. 1.3 mi. 3 mi. Beg. 4 mi. 10 mi. 2.7 mi. 2.2 mi. 1.5 mi. Beg. 4.5 mi. 2 mi. Beg. 2 mi. 1.5 mi. 1.5 mi. 4.5 mi. Int. Beg. Beg. Beg./Int. Beg. Beg. Beg. Beg. Beg. Beg. Beg. Beg. Beg. Multi-use trail † (S) ( Skate Skiing) 4.5 mi. 2.3 mi. 1.75 mi. 2 mi. Beg. Int. Int. Adv. Sledding /  Snow Tubing                Snow Shoeing     Ice Fishing / ◊ Ice Skating   Snowmobiling  DECEMBER Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Fort Building Fun, p. 12 Make Your Own Paper, p. 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Winter Cake Decorating, p. 12 Discovery Days: Rabbits, p. 12 Forest Bathing, p. 15 Candlelight Ski/Hike: Get Your Jingle On, p. 14 Boone Creek, p. 17 Holiday at Grandma's House Nature's Ornaments Holly Jolly Scavenger Hunt Archery & Tomahawk Throw, p. 14 Candlelight Ski/Hike: 15 16 17 18 19 20 Boone Creek, p. 17 21 Indigenous Stories by Enchanting Evergreens, p. 15 the Fire, p. 16 Winter Solstice Soiree, p. 16 22 23 24 Christmas Day 25 26 27 28 Welcome Winter Celebration, p. 16 29 30 New Year's Eve 31 Skulls & Skins, p. 12 18 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25

JANUARY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday   New Year's Day 1 2 3 4 Family Scavenger Hunt, p. 16 Mammals of Illinois, p. 12 Winter Sowing, p. 16 Sites Seldom Seen: Stories and Explore: Larsen Prairie, p. 15 New Year Wonders, p. 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 History Hike: Glacial Park, p. 15 Bison Ranch Stories, p. 15 Candlelight Ski/Hike: Owl Pellet Dissection, p. 13 An Afternoon with the (VIRTUAL PROGRAM) Rush Creek, p. 17 Upcycled Crafts: Mixed Media Short-Eared Owls, p. 13 Nature Notebook, p. 13 Candlelight Ski/Hike: Rush Creek, p. 17 12 Martin Luther 13 14 15 16 17 18 King Jr. Day Nature's Preschool, p. 13 Nature's Preschool, p. 13 Nature's Preschool, p. 13 Nature's Preschool, p. 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Stories and Explore: Discovery Days: Storytime on the Trail, p. 13 Winter Magic, p. 12 Peer for Deer, p. 12 26 27 28 29 30 31 FEBRUARY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 In Search of Eagles, p. 10 Eagles of Illinois, p. 10 Scat Science, p. 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tree & Shrub Bud ID, p. 15 Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Crew Training, p. 9 Burn Crew Training, p. 9 Candlelight Ski/Hike: Bird Beak Buffet, p. 14 Coral Woods, p. 17 Natural Valentine, p. 16 Winter Sowing, p. 16 Candlelight Ski/Hike: Coral Woods, p. 17 9 10 11 12 13 Valentines Day 14 15 Fresh Air Fresh Minds: Discovery Days: Bird Beak Buffet, p. 14 The Outdoor Advantage, p. 15 Love is in the Air, p. 12 (VIRTUAL PROGRAM) 16 Presidents Day  17 18 19 20 21 22 Stories and Explore: Phenology Plant Monitor Festival of the Sugar Maples Frozen Waters, p. 12 Orientation, p. 9 Volunteer Training, p. 9 Nature Play Open House, p. 14 Frog Ecology & Dissection, p. 14 Adult Observers, p. 14 23 24 25 26 27 28 Introduction to Volunteering, p. 9 Landscapes | Winter 2024-25 1919

Education Program Registration Procedures Choose one of the following convenient ways to complete your registration. Payment must accompany your registration. 8 Online: 'Phone: TipSign up for multiple people/programs at once MCCD.me/Programs (815) 338-6223 to incur only one $2.00 transaction fee. (Fee programs only). Winter Registration Dates Withdrawal/Cancellation If you need to withdraw from a class, Registration is processed 昀椀rst come, 昀椀rst served. contact Prairieview Education Center at (815) 338-6223 or email Registration begins on the following dates: [email protected] as soon as possible. Unless otherwise Residents N on-residents noted, advance notice of 昀椀ve business days is required to receive a November 10 N ovember 20 refund. Cancellations may occur if there are an insu昀케cient number of people registered or in the event of severe weather in the forecast. SITE & SEASONAL CLOSURES Hunting — Seasonal site closures to ensure maximum safety for our visitors. October 1, 2024–January 19, 2025 (Then parking lots remains closed as weather conditions dictate.) Community Research Forest, Harvard (Exception: trail remains open 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. daily.) County Line Road Access, Marengo (Parking lot remains open for canoe launch access, then closes as weather conditions dictate.) Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, West Loop Trail and west of power lines, Cary Silver Creek Conservation Area, East Loop Trail South of Behan Rd., Crystal Lake (Open for 昀椀shing) Winding Creek Conservation Area, Hebron (Exception: early morning lot remains open.) October 25–27, November 1–3, and November 8–10 Fox Blu昀昀 Conservation Area, Cary (Then parking lot remains closed as weather conditions dictate.) Silver Creek, Crystal Lake • Stickney Run, McHenry • Hickory Grove Highlands & Lyon's Prairie Marsh & Riverfront, Cary (Open for 昀椀shing until 昀椀rst ice.) November 1, 2024 - January 14, 2025 Brookdale Conservation Area, Paulson Rd. Multi-Use Trail, Woodstock (Then parking lot remains closed as weather conditions dictate.) November 5 - 8 Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, Marengo • Rush Creek Conservation Area, Harvard November 22–24 Pioneer Road Canoe Landing, Richmond (Then as weather conditions dictate closure.) November 22–24; Dec. 13–15, Dec. 26–29, and Jan. 17–19 All of Glacial Park Conservation Area including Lost Valley Visitor Center • Prairie Trail from W. Solon Rd. south to School Rd. Weather Related – Sites reopen mid to late March. Parking lots close with 2"+ of snowfall and reopen with mild weather but trails remain open to walk-in tra昀케c. After January 2, parking lots close for the season. Beck's Woods & Piscasaw North, Chemung Elizabeth Lake NP Varga Archaeological Site, Richmond Prairie Trail Mitchard Way Lot, Algonquin Boger Bog, Bull Valley Exner Marsh/Lakewood & Miller Road, LITH Prairie Trail Hillside Lot, Algonquin Brookdale, Paulson Rd. Entrance, Woodstock High Point, Harvard Lake in The Hills Fen, LITH Community Research Forest, Harvard Huntley-Union-Marengo (HUM) Trail, Marengo North Branch, Richmond Du昀椀eld South, Woodstock Kishwaukee Headwaters, Woodstock Seasonal Closures or Special Conditions: Coral Woods, Marengo - Closed for Festival of the Sugar Maples, March 8-10 and March 15-16, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Du昀椀eld Pond: Pond, N., Woodstock - North Lot & Pond Close at 昀椀rst ice & stays closed. Hickory Grove Riverfront, Cary - Closed at 昀椀rst ice; trails open to walk-in tra昀케c, except hunting weekends: Oct. 25–27, Nov. 1–3, Nov. 8–10. Nippersink Canoe Base, Spring Grove - As conditions dictate. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Check MCCD.me/Alerts for site updates before heading out. 20

North Branch North Branch 12 47 14 173 High Point Lange Rd. High Point 173 Alden Gap Alden Gap Winding Creek Winding Creek 31 O’Brien Rd. 12 V ande W. Solon Rd. rkar 173 r Rd. Pioneer Rd. Pioneer Rd. Landing Landing Queen Anne Rd. 12 173 Keystone Rd. Keystone Rd. Landing Landing Streit Rd. 23 Community Community 14 Research Forest Research Forest Raycraft Rd. 47 31 Bunker Hill Rd. 120 Boone Creek Boone Creek 120 Brookdale Rd. Queen Anne Rd.120 120 Rd. alley V Cherry Mason Hill Rd. Boger Bog 31 Zim Boger Bog m e Kishwaukee rm M Kishwaukee a cCo n nn e Headwaters R ll R Headwaters d. d alley Rd. Cherry V 176 23 14 47 Ridgeeld T race 176 20 176 176 31 14 FIND A SITE Lake in the Hills Fen Lake in the Hills Fen 22 47 14 90 20 23 62 31 Brookdale Administrative O昀케ce Prairieview Education Center McHenry County Conservation District manages over 25,800 acres 18410 US Highway 14 2112 Behan Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 of open space graced with woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Woodstock, IL 60098 September–May: Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Trails and other outdoor recreational amenities exist within 35 June–August: Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. conservation areas where the public can enjoy hiking, biking, Lost Valley Visitor Center 昀椀shing, paddling, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, cross- Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood, IL Wildlife Resource Center country skiing, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing and hundreds of April–October: Daily, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. opportunities to attend environmental educational programs. Wonder Lake, IL 60097 November–March: Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Phone Directory Main O昀케ce: 815.338.6223 Police: 815.338.6223 Wildlife Resource Center: 815.728.8307 Police after hours: 815.338.2144 LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT To many Indigenous groups and Tribal Nations, including the Ho-Chunk, Kickapoo, Lakota Dakota, Mascouten, Miami, Peoria, Potawatomi, Sauk and Meskwaki, McHenry County is part of their traditional homeland. We invite you to join us in o昀昀ering respect to the Indigenous peoples living here today, and their ancestors’ stewardship of the land. Together, we celebrate these special places, seek to learn and honor the history of those who came before us, and strive to forge meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities to deepen our collective connection to the land.

18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock, IL 60098 815.338.6223  MCCDistrict.org Winter Registration Dates Residents: November 10 Non-residents: November 20 @DiscoverMCCD In Home Delivery Requested Before November 6 OOnn N Noovveemmbberer 5 5 YYOOUURR V VOOTETE M MAATTTETERRSS MCCD.me/Proposi琀椀on2024