Learn how to bring native garden plants to your yard
Get a jump on spring with McHenry County Conservation District. Learn how to bring a native garden to your yard, how to attract butterflies, and find out about sandhill cranes. Visit the district's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes.
Registration is accepted online, by phone (free programs only) at (815) 479-5779, by mail and walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, or walk-in only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.
Native and Natural Landscaping: Spring is here. It's time to start planning and ordering for this year's garden. Find out how using native plants around your home is better for the environment and provides benefits for you as well from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. The presentation will include how the conservation district uses native plantings and members of the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee will share information about their "Native Garden in Your Yard" program. This program encourages and assists homeowners in transforming traditional lawn and garden spaces to native gardens. Applications will be available for the 2014 mentor matchup. Program for adults age 14 and older is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is March 8.
Butterfly Gardening: Learn how to attract butterflies to your backyard from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. In this indoor presentation, staff will cover identification of local butterflies and the native plants they rely on for food. Program for adults age 14 and older is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is March 14.
Welcome Home Cranes!: Join them to welcome the sandhill cranes as they arrive this spring from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Lyons Prairie & Marsh Conservation Area, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary. Find out about their journey north from warmer climes. They will discover more about their life habits and why they choose McHenry County as a place to nest and raise their young. Come prepared for the weather and to listen for their bugling calls. Program for adults and families, age 8 and older, is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is March 15.