See 'The Artistic Side of District Staff' at special MCCD exhibit

McHenry County Conservation District invites you to view a special exhibit "The Artistic Side of District Staff" on display now through Feb. 26 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. This exhibit is free and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Enjoy a selection of nature-related works of art as diverse as the staff members themselves. The art on display ranges from paintings and prints to hand-knit scarves and carved flutes. There are also baskets and a mosaic, jewelry and ceramics. Imagery includes landscapes, great horned owl, great blue heron, yellow-headed blackbirds, oak tree. Also on display are tools and supplies used created the art.

McHenry County Conservation District staff members have responsibilities that range widely, from visitor safety to financial oversight, communication to seed collection, directing day camps to raising and releasing threatened or endangered wildlife and so much more. One thing that they all have in common however, is a belief in the district's mission and a strong connection to nature.

Many foster that connection through artistic endeavors outside of their work life. This exhibit gives the staff a chance to share the results of these endeavors with members of the public, who might otherwise know them only as the person who assists them with online reservations, maintains the trails on which they hike, or produces the publications they read.

For more information contact Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or visit MCCDistrict.org.