advertisement

Sign up for springtime fun with MCCD

Fly-Hop-Drop-in for springtime fun at these free McHenry County Conservation District programs. No registration is required but check before you go, cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system.

Visit the district's website at 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.

Woodland Wandering:

6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood; meet in Kettle parking lot. Volunteer bird enthusiast Dave Miller leads this spring evening 2-mile hike through the woods. Catch a glimpse of the birds that are passing through on their migration and search for those that stay as summer or year-round residents. Join the group for discussion and refreshments at the Powers-Walker House following the hike. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. This is a Just for Adults program, for ages 14 and older. Free, Code: 5654.

Woodland Wildflower Walk:

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. April is a time when the forest floor springs to life with the colorful beauty of its woodland wildflowers. A hike through the woods is a wonderful way for the family to enjoy this natural floral show as we share stories and folklore about the beautiful native flowers. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a 1.5 mile hike. This Adults and Families program is free. Code: 5630.

Wetland Birds:

6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Lost Valley Visitor Center - Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Meet volunteer birding enthusiast Dave Miller for an early evening walk along Nippersink Creek and its wetlands. Search for wetland birds along this 2-2.5 mile hike. The program concludes at the Lost Valley Visitor Center for refreshments and to tally up our bird counts. Walking will be over uneven terrain and wet ground. Wear waterproof boots and bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Just for Adults, ages 14 years and older. Free, Code: 5648.

Fabulous Frogs:

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Lost Valley Visitor Center - Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. What kind of frogs live around here? Will a toad give me warts? How long does it take to turn from a tadpole to a frog? Gain some insight into the behavior and characteristics of our amphibian friends during a colorful slideshow. Then hike the trails to hear Glacial Park's amphibian chorus sing, Be prepared for a 1.5-mile hike. Program for adults and families is free. Code: 5647.

Birding Blitz:

8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Glacial Park Conservation Area, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood; meet at Kettle Parking Lot. Are you ready for some serious birding? Join volunteer birding enthusiast Dave Miller as we explore the woodlands and grasslands in search of as many species as possible. Can we break our former record? Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and have your eyes and ears ready for a careful, searching, but steady 2-3 mile hike. The program concludes at the Powers-Walker House to tally up our lists and enjoy some refreshments. Just for Adults, ages 14 and older. Free. Code: 5655.

Spring Wildflower Walk:

1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Facts and folklore are shared as we hike through the woods enjoying the beauty of our favorite spring wildflowers. For adults and families. Free. Code: 5644.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.