Find out about endangered species at McHenry County program

The McHenry County Conservation District will offer a variety of programs. Visit MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter Landscapes. Registration is accepted online, by phone, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779. Preregistration is required.

Endangered Species - Not Far From Home: The program will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Could there be endangered species living right here in McHenry County? Join in for games, stories and find out more about endangered species from far away and close to home. It is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents, ages 8 to 12 accompanied by an adult.

Afternoon Adventures-Bats: The program will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 at Wiedrich Education Center-Glacial Park Conservation Area, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood. Enjoy three hours filled with games, activities, and crafts all based around the theme of bats. Find out where they "hang out" and how they "see" in the dark. A snack is provided. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes, as we will spend much of our time outdoors. Fee is $6 for county residents and $7.50 for nonresidents, for youth, age 6 and 7.

Discovery Days: The program will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard. Enjoy a morning of fun walking from station to station playing games, making a craft, eating a snack and more. All activities are based around the special theme of the day. Free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. It is for ages 2-6 accompanied by an adult.

Dog Days of Summer: The program will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. How many different species of canines call McHenry County home? Do they all howl? Find out more about their lifestyles and eating habits using games and stories. They will go for a short hike. Please wear long pants and long sleeves. It is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. For ages 7 to 10 accompanied by an adult.

Family Fun Free Exploration: The program will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Bring the family out to explore the natural marvels of McHenry County. Staff will be available to provide suggestions, answer questions, and furnish supplies such as binoculars, field guides or magnifiers to help your family create your own exploration experience. It is for adults and families.

Morning Meanders-Bugs for Lunch: The program will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 12 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Enjoy three hours filled with games, activities, and crafts all based around the theme of bugs. Sweep the prairie with a bug net, pretend to be a bird hunting for your lunch or discover what other animals lunch on bugs. A snack is provided. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes, as we will spend much of our time outdoors. Fee is $6 for county residents and $7.50 for nonresidents. It is for youth, ages 6 and 7.

Meteors and Constellations: The program will be from 9 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 S. Route 23, Marengo. Have you ever seen a meteor shower? Would you like to learn more about what meteor showers are and when they occur? This is a good time of the year for watching one of the most well-known meteor showers, the Perseids. Relax under the summer night sky while we wait and watch for meteors. Listen to the stories of heroes such as Hercules and Perseus whose constellations can be seen along with other characters in their adventures. Although the best time of day for seeing the greatest number of meteors at one time will be in the early morning hours, we may still observe the occasional meteor. Come prepared to be outside for the evening and bring a lawn chair or blanket. It is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents, for adults, age 14 and older.