McHenry County Conservation District notes
For more information, call (815) 479-5779; e-mail to MCCD@MCCDistrict.org.
McHenry County Conservation District has announced March programs. Pre-registration is required online at www.mcccistrict.org or by calling (815) 479-5779
For all
Signs of Spring: Program is set from 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 22 at Brookdale Conservation Area, 18410 Route 14, Woodstock. Participants in this all ages program will enjoy a brisk walk through fields, woods, and by the pond looking for signs of spring. Are any green plants poking out? Are any animals out and about? What should we be seeing soon? Start the season out right with this perfect exploratory hike.
For youth
Conservation Egg Hunt: Hunt is scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. March 15 at Rush Creek, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. This annual favorite leads children ages 3 to 10 on a short hike to various bird habitats, where they "hunt" for eggs of local birds. Everyone finds eggs and everyone gets a prize The program begins promptly at 2 p.m. A $2 per person fee must accompany registration.
Spring To It!: Program will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 19 at Living Land Farm. With the arrival of spring, youth ages 5 to 7 and an accompanying adult can enjoy a short hike and look at animals that have a lot of "spring" in their legs. As we explore we will search for signs of these critters and engage in fun activities along the way. Dress for the weather.
Celebrating the Equinox: Program is from 7 to 8 p.m. March 20 at Marengo Ridge, Shelter 2, 2411 S. Route 23, Marengo.
Youth ages 8 to 10 can join the conservation district for a campfire and celebrate the vernal equinox which marks the official beginning of spring. This special day has been a call for celebration since ancient times. Learn what makes this day special and about some of the traditions associated with it.
Nature Puppet Shows: Shows are from 2 to 4 p.m. March 27 at Glacial Park, Wiedrich Education Center, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood. Puppet shows will entertain your children ages 6 to 10 during their spring break while also teaching lessons and facts about the natural world. After watching several examples, children will be able to make their very own animal puppet.
For adults
Volunteers needed for Festival of the Sugar Maples: Beat the wintertime blues with a dose of maple sunshine! The McHenry County Conservation District is currently seeking volunteers to assist at its annual Festival of the Sugar Maples program held in March at Coral Woods Conservation Area near Marengo. This unique outdoor program offers a step-by-step view of the maple syrup-making process from collecting the sugar maple tree sap to sampling the delicious final product.
Volunteers are needed to lead the public weekend tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1, 2, 8 and 9.
A required training session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset Drive, Marengo. Lunch will be provided. Festival volunteers must be at least 14 years of age or older.
For more information call the District's Volunteer Coordinator at (815) 338-6223, Ext. 229.
Searching for Sandhills: Program is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Glacial Park, Wiedrich Education Center, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood
Sandhill cranes, which have threatened status in the state of Illinois, will be on their migration back from the Gulf of Mexico. This adult program will include a short presentation before we head out to the marsh to try to catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.
Gear up for hiking: Program is planned from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 11 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake
Are you starting to think about the upcoming change of season and all the hikes you're planning? Here's a chance for Century Hikers and anyone interested in hiking to learn about what's needed for a great hiking season. Representatives from REI will be on hand demonstrating proper hiking gear, explain how GPS units work, and discuss other hiking essentials.