With more than 22,600 acres of open space and 27 conservation areas, McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD) has an abundance of opportunities for families to get outdoors all year round.
This August and September, there are so many fun and educational programs and events, the hardest part will be choosing which ones to check out.
Here are some exciting outdoor activities coming up soon:
Cycle the ‘Tour de North’
Why not start your day with a morning ride? All ages are encouraged to join MCCD for a 13-mile ride along the crushed limestone Prairie Trail North, which links to the Nippersink North Branch Conservation Area where cyclists will travel through savanna and prairie. MCCD will have folks patrolling bike routes to provide assistance, plus there will be rest stops at both ends with snacks and beverages.
When: Saturday, August 22, 9 a.m.-noon.
Where: Meet at Glacial Park, Harts Road Shelter at 6316 Harts Road in Ringwood.
Be a Trailblazer
Join MCCD for a ribbon cutting followed by a ride/walk on the district’s newest trail. Light refreshments, giveaways and regional trail information will be on hand. The trail extends from Lawrence Road in Harvard to Maxon Road in Chemung. This section of the trail represents Phase 1 of a conceptual trail that will eventually connect Milky Way Park in Harvard to Boone County Conservation District’s Long Prairie Trail. The trail is being funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Bikeway Program. No registration required.
When: Wednesday, August 12, noon-1:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at Maxon Road north of South Oak Grove Road in Harvard.
See Stars
Have you ever seen a meteor shower? Would you like to learn more about what meteor showers are, when they occur, and how to increase your chance of seeing one? This is a good time of the year for watching one of the most well-known meteor showers, the Perseids. All ages are invited to relax under the summer night sky while we wait and watch for meteors. Listen to stories of heroes such as Hercules and Perseus whose constellations can be seen along with other characters in their adventures. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
When: Saturday, August 8, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Marengo Ridge, Shelter No. 2 in Marengo.
A New Spin on "Dinner and a Movie"
Join MCCD for an old-fashioned campfire cookout followed by a big-screen outdoor theater presentation of the 1997 live action movie “Wild America.” A $5 fee will cover the purchase of hotdogs, grilled sandwiches, side dishes, dessert and beverages. Participants will cook their own food. Payment and registration must be received no later than Friday, August 7. Make it a family weekend and camp out at Thomas Woods at Marengo Ridge campground.
When: Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: Marengo Ridge, Shelter No. 1 in Marengo.
On the Hunt
Bring the family out for a scavenger hunt adventure. Check in for instructions, then explore the park and search for the answers to the scavenger hunt questions. Bring the completed worksheet back to the education center for a prize.
When: Saturday, September 5, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: Glacial Park, Wiedrich Education Center, 6316 Harts Road in Ringwood.
Canoe Under a Full Moon
Do you enjoy hiking under a full moon? Like canoeing? Join MCCD staff for an evening paddle under the full moon. Meet at Lake Atwood in the Hollows just before sunset and watch the full moon rise while paddling around the lake. Listen to stories and lore of the season, the night and the moon. MCCD will provide canoes, paddles and life vests. No flashlights please – we will let the moon light our way.
When: Friday, September 4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: The Hollows, Lake Atwood Shelter in Cary.
Get Fit Outdoors
If you’ve been wanting to find a different way to get your exercise and wishing you could spend more time outside with your family, then this program is designed for you. People ages 6 and older are invited to join a Centegra HealthBridge Fitness Center certified personal trainer to help you get more out of your nature walks health-wise. The Pleasant Valley Conservation Area will be the backdrop for our hike together while MCCD staff offers you the special nature insights of the season. Come dressed for the weather and ready to hike and learn more about this excellent combination for good health.
When: Saturday, September 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Where: Pleasant Valley, Shelter No. 2, just west of routes 47 and 176.
Totally Toads
Do you know a 7- to 12-year-old toad enthusiast? Toads and frogs are very closely related, but toads – those “warty” wonders – are not the same as frogs. Join MCCD to find out the facts and fiction about toads. Don’t forget to dress for the weather and elements.
When: Saturday, September 19, 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Valley, Shelter No. 1, just west of routes 47 and 176.
Migratory Madness
Join local bird enthusiasts on a search for migratory birds stopping over at Glacial Park. After the hike, head back to the house to share notes and refreshments. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.
When: Sunday, September 13, 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Powers-Walker parking lot north of Harts Road in Glacial Park.
Camp Out
Imagine a night sky so full of twinkling stars that you can point out the constellations; marshmallows on sticks roasting over a campfire; and the chocolaty, gooey-goodness of a real s’mores. It’s easy to envision the ideal camping experience – but not everyone has actually experienced it. Here in McHenry County, there’s no excuse not to share this experience with family and friends with plenty of campgrounds to choose from – some even featuring cross-country skiing, fishing, picnicking, hiking and horse trails.
Sustainability 101: Worm Farming
Local worm farmer Dean Allen of the Soil Exchange will be here to help us better understand why raising red wigglers is sustainable and good for the environment. This worm farm has redirected six tons of coffee shop coffee grounds from the landfill and turned them into something that gardeners want. Allen will give a general overview of worm farming and will show off some of his worms and their “final product.”
When: Tuesday, September 15, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Where: Prairieview Education Center at 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.
>>For more, call 815-338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.
