Learn how you can help protect the environment

Turn your passion for nature into critical data through McHenry County Conservation District volunteer monitoring programs. Learn more about frog calls or the water quality of the Fox River and how monitoring them helps protect the environment by registering for these upcoming workshops.

Frog Monitoring Workshop: The public, age 18 and older, is welcome to participate in a training session to learn the techniques and protocol for monitoring frogs and toads by their calls from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 1, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. After completing the training, volunteers monitor district areas or their own private wetlands. This program is in conjunction with Chicago Wilderness and the Habitat Project to gather information on the abundance and distribution of frogs and toads throughout the region. For information, call Sara Denham at (815) 728-8307 or visit habitatproject.org/frogs/.

Friends of The Fox River Monitoring Network Training: This training provides individuals with background information on the Fox River, hands-on monitoring training and a Fox River Monitoring Guide. Participants collect physical, biological and chemical data that can be used to assess water quality from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. The morning portion of the workshop will be held indoors, followed by field work at a local stream in the afternoon. No prior experience is necessary. Dress for the weather and bring boots if possible.

Learn more about The Friends of the Fox River and how this training will help the health of the river at friendsofthefoxriver.org or call Mary Kozub at (815) 479-5779. The training is for adults 14 years old and older.

The district also supports monitoring of bluebirds, butterflies, dragonflies and rare plant species through its own programs or in collaboration with other agencies. Further information can be found in the spring issue of Landscapes online at MCCDistrict.org/web/ab-newsletter.htm or call (815) 338-6223 to receive a copy via mail.

Visit the district's Web site at MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter Landscapes. Registration is accepted online, by phone at (815) 479-5779, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center.