Conservation district offers winter program
Discover nature in winter with the McHenry County Conservation District. They will offer programs on the winter sky, surviving as a prairie pioneer, nature open houses and more.
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-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.
Winter Constellations: It will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Who is Orion and what is his story? Have you heard of the Seven Sisters? Just how are their stories intertwined? Under a hushed winter sky learn to identify a few major constellations and listen to the stories behind them. Dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside for part of the program. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 19.
Discovery Days: Join in "Discovery Days" fro 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. Program for children ages 2 to 5 accompanied by an adult is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 29.
Nature Play Open House: Parents and tots are invited to experience the fun and learning available from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 5, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Play with nature puzzles, games, puppets and more. There will be a guided hike at 11 a.m. A craft table will be set up throughout the program. If you plan to join the hike, please dress for the weather, and think "Snow!" Program for children infant age five, is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, Feb. 1.
Winter on the Frontier: Come hear stories and winter survival techniques of earlier times from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Learn how the early natives and pioneers survive winters here in the Midwest without all of the modern conveniences. This program is appropriate for history buffs, historical re-enactors, or those just curious about winter survival. Note: There is a separate but simultaneous "Prairie Pioneers" program for children ages 6 to 13. Program for adults age 14 and older is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 2.
Prairie Pioneers: Learn what it would have been like to be an early settler in McHenry County from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Experience life in Illinois from the perspective of prairie pioneers through chores, crafts and other activities. This program will be held indoors. Note: There is a separate but simultaneous program for adults called "Winter on the Frontier." Program for youth ages 6 to 13 is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 2.
That's Gross: It will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Did you know that some animals eat their own poop? That's Gross! Come learn about the gross things animals do and why they do them. Program for youth ages 5 to 13 is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Natural Valentine: Do you need a Valentine's Day gift idea? Come enjoy a short hike, have your family's picture taken, and then make a "natural" picture frame to complete your Valentine's Day gift from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Picture frames are limited to one per family. Note: Pictures will be emailed to participants after the program. Program for adults and families is $3 for county residents and $4 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 4.