Hike to see, draw Marengo’s Coral Woods wild flowers

Submitted by McHenry County Conservation District

Spring is a time of great natural beauty. This is especially evident throughout the woodlands of Coral Woods.

Join McHenry County Conservation District from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29 for an afternoon of outdoor exploration and artistic activities centered around spring wildflowers at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset Road, off Coral West Road, located between routes 20 and 23 in Marengo.

Hike the woodlands and witness local plein air artists — a French expression referring to painting “in the open air” — along the trails capturing the fleeting beauty of the native spring wildflowers.

Children can make their own piece of “petite plein air” wildflower art in the “Woodland Art Studio” set up along the trail.

Guided wildflower hikes will be held at 12:30 p.m. with a 1.5-mile hike over hilly, uneven terrain or 2 p.m. with a half-mile hike over hilly terrain.

Ongoing activities include information on landscaping with native plants, children’s crafts, storytelling, food, music and more.

Previously completed artwork by the plein air artists will be for sale throughout the day.

Works completed that day will be for sale on-site between 3 and 4 p.m. For more information, call Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or visit www.MCCDistrict.org.