McHenry County Conservation District notes

McHenry County Conservation District For more information, call (815) 479-5779.

Gardening

Spring is just around the corner and it's time to get those green thumbs geared up for a great gardening season.

McHenry County Conservation District is offering Thursday evening gardening programs for the month of April.

These adult interest programs will assist homeowners in selecting native, low maintenance plants, how to recognize invasive species or how to start a compost, and enjoy herb gardening.

Sign up for one program or for the entire series. Programs are free but registration is required by calling Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or online at www.MCCDistrict.org

Native and Natural Landscaping: Program is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.

Spring is here. It is time to start planning and ordering for this year's gardens and landscaping. Using native plants in your landscaping is better for the local environment and provides benefits for you as well.

See how the Conservation District is working to beautify our sites with native plants and natural management techniques. Get tips on what, where, and how to use these natives in your own yards and gardens.

Meet the Invaders: Program is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.

Learn which invasive species are common in Northeast Illinois and McHenry County. We will identify the major culprits and examine how these plants harm our native ecosystems. Learn tips for eliminating invaders from your yard.

Dirty Deeds: Using Worms to Compost: Program is from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17 Glacial Park, Wiedrich Education Center, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood.

Renters and homeowners can put food scraps to use. Learn how to compost year-round in your closet or garage using worms. Feeding the worms can be an enjoyable practice that reduces waste and creates potting or garden soil "dirt cheap" and with no smell.

Herb Gardening: Program is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.

Herbs are good companions in your garden as well as flavorful additions to your cooking. Learn how to use herbs to decrease insect problems in the garden and improve the flavor and growth habits of some vegetables. We will also look at some herbal folklore and other uses for herbs in and around the home.