Forces that shaped our landscape topic for conservation talk

Dig into the fascinating world beneath our feet and explore the forces that shaped our local landscape and how it affects life above ground today in "Geology and Soil: Glaciers, Mud, Gravel, Sand, Soil, and Other Stuff," part of McHenry County Conservation District's People and Nature Program. It will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Registration is required by Tuesday, Sept. 23.

The prairies and oak savannas of Glacial Park are a beautiful covering on top of an ancient palace built by tropical seas, glaciers, wind, water, and eons of time. Students will examine this underworld both for its own beauty and interest and to understand how this knowledge can help them to be better stewards of our natural heritage. Most of the class will be outdoors; dress for the weather and bring a sack lunch and something to drink.

It is part of McHenry County Conservation District's People and Nature Programs and is one of the workshops required for earning an Ecological Restoration Certificate. The programs are designed to serve the homeowner, volunteer steward, nature educator, or lover of the outdoors, and cover topics on ecological restoration and landscaping with nature.

Designed for adults and interested students, age 14 and older. Registration deadline is Sept. 23. Cost is $40 for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Register online at MCCDistrict.org, or mail in to Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.