Learn about hiking -- near Huntley if not actually within it

Did you ever want to tell someone to "take a hike?"

You'll have a chance this week, when the McHenry County Conservation District hosts Gearing Up For Hiking, an orientation for beginning and experienced hikers, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.

Today is also the start of Illinois' trout fishing season, and 2,200 rainbow trout have been stocked in MCCD's Lake Atwood (Hollows Conservation Area, off Route 14 in Cary) and Piscasaw Creek (Beck's Woods preserve, near Chemung). Anglers ages 16 and older will need a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp.

What do these events have in common? They both are happening far from Huntley.

In fact, there is only one MCCD site in Grafton Township. Exner Marsh, a 229-acre wetland preserve, is sandwiched between subdivisions along Lakewood Road in Lake in the Hills.

If you've never heard of it, that's not surprising. Public programs are rarely held there. The swampy site has four half-mile nature trails, a picnic shelter and a parking lot. Most acreage is reserved for wildlife habitat, which is not a bad thing. But it's the only MCCD site near Huntley, and it's one of the smallest.

With 20,000 acres and 25 sites, including 17 dedicated state nature preserves, MCCD still does not own any property in Huntley. There are five sites in Cary, three in Woodstock, two in Marengo and in tiny Spring Grove -- but none here, in one of the county's fastest-growing communities.

That issue has been a thorn in the side of Huntley residents for years. Saving open space has not exactly been a "prime" priority of local officials, and by now there's not much nature left to preserve.

At a recent forum, I discussed the problem with MCCD board member Nancy Williamson.

"You're right; we don't have much property in Grafton Township," she said. "We would if we could, but there's not much land available. If you know of any possible sites, you should let us know."

That number is (815) 338-MCCD (6223), or you can send an e-mail to MCCD@MCCDistrict.org.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County works with property owners to protect wild habitats. The group also helps local governments plan for open space preservation.

"Anyone who has property they want to preserve should contact us," says director Lisa Haderlein. "We can help and we'll be glad to work with them."

Speaking of … : The Land Conservancy is selling 60-gallon rain barrels at $79 each. Orders must be placed by Monday at its Woodstock office, phone (815) 337-9502, or online at www.conservemc.org. Credit cards are accepted; barrels may be picked up May 9-10.

Rummage sale: Spring cleaning this weekend? You can donate all those gently used "treasures" at Huntley's First Congregational Church, where the ladies' group is getting ready for its spring rummage sale.

Drop-off starts April 13; the semi-annual sale runs April 17-19. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691. First Congregational is at the corner of Church and Main Streets in downtown Huntley.

The Rev. Michelle McNamara, the church's new interim pastor, will conduct services for the first time this Sunday. The Rev. Jonathan Knight of the Fox Valley Association of the United Church of Christ will also attend, to take part in her installation ceremony.

McNamara recently served as interim pastor at the Congregational Church of Algonquin. She will be moving to the Huntley area with her 9-year-old son, Liam. All church members are encouraged to attend this Sunday's services to welcome them to our community.

Dems to dine: Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulis, and Rep. Melissa Bean will be in Huntley April 12, for the McHenry County Democrats' annual Thomas Jefferson Dinner at the Sun City Prairie Lodge. The $85-per-plate gala starts with a reception and social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards ceremony.

Margaret Blackshere, president emeritus of the Illinois AFL-CIO, will accept the group's Thomas Jefferson Award for Lifetime Achievement, and Patrick Murfin of Crystal Lake will receive the Robert McGarry Award for Community Service. The public is invited to attend; for tickets, call Paula Yensen at (815) 404-3918 or visit www.mchenrydems.com.

A lion's feast: The Sun City Lions Club will serve its fifth annual mostaccioli dinner from 5-7 p.m. April 18 at the Huntley High School cafeteria. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children under age 10. The menu includes pasta (with or without meatballs), salad, garlic bread, a beverage, and ice cream for dessert. Last year's fundraiser drew around 500 diners and they're hoping for more this time.

That's a lot of meatballs, and a lot of work, says club president Jerry Darlington.

"We've had a committee working on it since last year. I can tell you that the food is good -- it's very good -- and the money we raise goes for a good cause."

Proceeds support several of the local club's charitable projects. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from any Sun City Lions Club member. For information, call Jerry Darlington at (224) 569-6191.

Jazz it up: The Northern Illinois Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. today in Huntley High School's Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 students and seniors, available at the door. Information: www.district 158.org/pac or call (847) 659-6515.