Free family program at Glacial Park

Submitted by McHenry County Conservation District

If you are looking for something the whole family can do for free on a Saturday afternoon, join a “Lost Valley Venture” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, April 7, 14 or 28 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

This family exploration program includes a nature lesson, game, and activity based around this month’s topic: “Life in a Log.”

If the weather allows, guests also will go for a short outdoor exploratory hike with staff, so dress for the weather and walking. No registration is required. All ages are welcome.

Topics change monthly. In May, the topic will be frogs. This program is intended for families and cannot accommodate organized groups. Youth groups should call Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 to schedule a program for their group.

Lost Valley Visitor Center is located in Glacial Park Conservation Area, a few miles north of McHenry. The center has an information desk, indoor and outdoor programming space, washroom facilities, exhibits, and a nature library. Glacial Park encompasses more than 3,000 acres and is home to various ecosystems. Hiking trails allow visitors to view prairies, oak savannas, marshes, a bog, creek and glacial kames.