How endangered animals help humans

McHenry County Conservation District will host the traveling educational exhibit "Saving Endangered Species: Saving Ourselves?" Jan. 5-Feb. 17 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.

This interactive exhibit uses photo-murals, maps, colorful panels and pop-up storybooks to explain the delicate relationship between endangered species and the human species.

By using federally listed species in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, the exhibit explores how endangered species can provide warning signs of environmental problems that can harm many other species, including humans.

"Saving Endangered Species: Saving Ourselves?" concludes with case studies of how people are helping to save endangered species through proper land management, healthy lifestyles, and consumer activism.

This exhibit is free and open for public viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Individuals and small groups are welcome to tour any time; however, groups of 15 or more must have a reservation.

"Saving Endangered Species: Saving Ourselves?" was developed by the Bell Museum for Natural History and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 Division of Endangered Species.

McHenry County Conservation District also is hosting an open house in conjunction with the exhibit.

The public is invited to "A Celebration of Conservation" from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Prairieview Education Center.

Visitors can tour the exhibit, watch a National Geographic video on endangered species, view a display of items confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, learn about Midwest success stories, create a children's craft, and more.

Registration is encouraged, but not required.

For information or to register for this program, call Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or visit www.MCCDistrict.org.