MCC partners with The Land Conservancy to offer outdoor classes
Learn to help save the oak trees in McHenry County, explore the different species of trees and shrubs in a woodland and hear the story of a restoration ecologist's efforts to save a woodland. These are some of the topics featured in ecology classes offered this spring by McHenry County College's Continuing Education Department, in partnership with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Classes can be taken individually or as a series.
These classes are available. To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 or register online at www.mchenry.edu/myMCC. For more information, call Tracy Berry at (815) 455-8758 or Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782.
Oak Keepers Workshop Series:
McHenry County's oak ecosystems have declined by 87 percent since 1837. Learn hands-on restoration techniques to ensure that oak trees will always be a part of the local landscape. Benefits to becoming an Oak Keeper: Receive a six-month membership to The Land Conservancy, get invited to informal gatherings throughout the year and participate in restoration workdays and educational workshops. Attend at least three of the four MCC classes to receive an official Oak Keeper certification and a hat or T-shirt. Classes take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, April 8, 22 and May 6, and 10 a.m. to noon May 13. Students will be notified of the location prior to class. Cost is $37. Use course code NPG S09 001 when registering.
Site Assessment Workshop:
Learn about the soils, trees, topography, and the potential your site holds. The class takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at an off-campus location; student will be notified prior to class. Cost is $12. Use course code NPG S05 001 when registering.
Tree & Shrub ID Workshop:
Learn to identify some of the most common native and nonnative species found in a woodland. The class will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at an off-campus location; students will be notified prior to class. Cost is $12. Use course code NPG S06 001 when registering.
Explore a Healthy Woodland Workshop:
While exploring the beauty of a restored woodland, hear the story of a restoration ecologist's 15-year journey to save this site. The class will be 10 to11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, at an off-campus location; students will be notified prior to class. Cost is $12. Use course code NPG S07 001 when registering.
Work-A-Woodland Workshop:
Practice the skills of restoration with safety education, cutting, proper herbicide practices, and brush pile management. The class will be 10 to noon Saturday, May 13, at an off-campus location; students will be notified prior to class. Cost is $12. Use course code NPG S08 001 when registering.