Learn about an early nature educator at MCCD program
Join McHenry County Conservation District for a "Weekend of Restoration Women in Conservation - A Personal Story," on April 28-30, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.
Examine the life and career of May Theilgaard Watts, one of the great nature educators of the first 100 years of conservation.
Born in Chicago, she was an artist, author, poet, and consummate educator.
Threads from her life lead back to Dr. Henry C. Cowles, a principal author of the theory of plant succession at the dawn of the 20th century; they connect her to the accomplishments of many other women of her day, and then reach forward to the first rails-to-trails conversions and the first prairie restorations in the 1960s and '70s.
Watts worked at Morton Arboretum in Lisle as a staff naturalist until 1961. She led efforts to establish the Illinois Prairie Path along unused rail lines.
In addition, participants will spend most of the weekend outdoors planting oak and hazel seedlings and scattering prairie seed while restoring an oak savanna.
Group size limited to 30. Registration deadline is Friday, April 21.
Register online at MCCDistrict.org, use Code 5418.
It is open to ages 16 and older. Cost is $75; $55 for seniors age 60 and older or $40 for students age 16 and older. Register with a Friend Discount: receive $20 off second registration. The fee includes meals.
Participants also have the option to camp at Glacial Park for free, exclusively for this event. Indoor restrooms and showers are available; bring your own camping equipment.
Life is busy, so if you can only be there for part of the weekend you should still come. There is no prorate, but there is a discount to register with a friend.
For additional information, contact Tom Simpson at (815) 678-4532, ext. 8218 or tsimpson@mccdistrict.org.
Witness the activities and results of prior Weekends of Restoration on on.fb.me/WkndofRstor.