Learn about 'Fascinating Fall Fungus,' 'prairie wolves' and more with MCCD
Explore autumn with McHenry County Conservation District. Visit www.MCCDistrict.org to view all program and event offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register 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.
Fascinating Fall Fungus:
While hiking forests in the fall, you may overlook some of their most colorful and interesting inhabitants.
The beauty of the changing trees often overshadows this peak time for finding fascinating fungus on the forest floor.
Join district staff and local members of the Wisconsin Mycological Society in seeking out and learning about these hidden forest gems from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo.
Dress for the weather and for potentially rugged, off-trail hiking.
Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Nature Play Open House:
Parents and tots are invited to experience the fun and learning available at Prairieview Education Center.
Play with nature puzzles, games, puppets and more from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.
There is a guided hike at 11 a.m. and a craft table open throughout the program.
If you plan to join the hike, dress for the weather. This Just for Kids, infant through age 5 with chaperon, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents.
Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 27.
Coyote Campfire:
Gather around the campfire to find out more about the adaptations and social life of the "prairie wolf" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. The group will hike to listening spots and return to enjoy a favorite campfire snack. Dress for the weather. Program for adults and families ages 8 or older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents.
Registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 30.
Make Your Own Paper:
Learning to make your own paper is easy, fun and environmentally friendly.
Discover how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle all in one afternoon from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.
Take your samples home and amaze your family and friends!
This is a beginner class for adults and families, age 5 or older. Class is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31.
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. Thursday, Nov. 9, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.
This Just for Kids program for ages 2 to 6 with chaperon, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents.
Registration deadline is Saturday, Nov. 4.