Get valentine ideas from MCCD nature program
Rediscover nature in winter with McHenry County Conservation District programs, including a "Paint & Sip Party," "Natural Valentine," and "Secrets of Snow." Visit www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in detail or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register online, by phone for free programs only at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.
Paint & Sip Party:
"Capture a Live Owl on Canvas" from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Join a local artist from Muse Art for a sip and paint experience as you capture the image of a live owl on canvas. After a presentation about the bird by district staff, participants paint per the instruction of the artist. All supplies and step by step instruction are provided for you to create your own artwork to take home. No experience is necessary. Each participant also receives two drink tickets at the beginning of the program that can be exchanged for a variety of soft drinks, wine or beer (with valid I.D.). Program Just for Adults, age 21 and older, is $40 for county residents and $50 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 6.
Natural Valentine:
1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Do you need a Valentine's Day gift idea? Come enjoy a short hike, have your family's picture taken, and then make a "natural" picture frame to complete your Valentine's Day gift. Program for adults and families is $3 for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Secrets of Snow:
1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area - Lake Shelter, 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary. In this program the group will explore the many mysteries of snow. How does it form? Why is every snowflake different? How is artificial snow made? We will make our own snow crystal catchers and other snow crafts. If weather conditions are right we will explore for tracks in the snow, build a snow fort, or try to make a little bit of snow of our own. Program for adults and families age 5 and older is $3 for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Nature Play Open House:
10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Parents and tots are invited to experience the fun and learning available at Prairieview Education Center. Play with nature puzzles, games, puppets and more. There will be a guided hike at 11 a.m. A craft table will be set up throughout the program. If you plan to join the hike, dress for the weather and think snow, Program is Just for Kids, age infant through age 5 with chaperone is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Saturday, Feb. 11.