MCCD offers some winter fun programs
The McHenry County Conservation District invites you to join in some winter fun. Visit 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 for 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.
That's Gross:
Did you know that some animals eat their own poop? Come learn about the gross things animals do and why they do them from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Fees of Just For Kids program, ages 5-13 with chaperone, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 17.
A Celebration of Poetry - Stars & Snow:
Enjoy an evening of poetry readings with Phil Denofrio, the poet-in-residence of Crystal Lake's Raue Center for the Arts, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. He and his guest poets honor the season and nature by sharing their own work and other favorites. The microphone will then be open for audience participation - read your own nature inspired works, famous works, not-so-famous works, limericks, lyrics, blank verse, or free verse. "It's about taking the written word and transferring it back into the oral tradition," states Denofrio. Fees for this Just for Adults program, ages 14 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 15.
Winter Bird Hike:
First take a short hike to see what birds visit Glacial Park in the wintertime from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Then from the warmth of the indoors, attendees will watch the birds that visit the feeders and see nearly all local species of woodpeckers and more! Bring your own field guides and binoculars if you have them. No registration is required for this free drop-in program but, Check Before You Go, cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check for the most up-to-date information under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system. This is a Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older.
Discovery Days:
Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. There will be a short walk if weather allows. Dress for the weather. Fees of this Just for Kids Program, ages 2 to 6, with chaperone is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 30.
Winter on the Frontier:
How did the early natives and pioneers survive winters here in the Midwest without all of our modern conveniences? Enjoy stories and winter survival techniques of earlier times from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. This program is appropriate for history buffs, historical re-enactors, or those just curious about winter survival. Fees for this Just for Adults program, ages 14 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 30.
GPS Challenge:
Join a winter GPS challenge from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Navigate a course in small teams hiking throughout Coral Woods. This program requires hiking 3 to 4 miles off trail on rough terrain. After completing the challenge, attendees will gather around a fire for drinks and other refreshments. Meet in the shelter. Fees for this Just for Adults program, ages 14 and older, is $10 for county residents and $12 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Coyote Adventures:
Coyotes live all around us, and yet we rarely catch more than a fleeting glimpse of these shy and elusive creatures. Take an afternoon hike before the big game to look into the lives of these amazing animals from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 5, at The Hollows Conservation Area, 1st parking lot, 3804 Route 14, Cary. Perhaps you will even find some tracks to follow and see where they have been and what they have been up to. Be prepared to hike. Dress for the weather. Fees for this Just for Adults program for ages 14 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 1.