Explore nature with MCCD biking programs
Follow up National Biking Month by rolling in June with these nature-by-bike programs offered by the McHenry County Conservation District.
Rare Birds of McHenry County: This "Hike & Bike" will be 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at North Branch Conservation Area, 11500 N. Keystone Road, Richmond. Explore North Branch Conservation Area, home to bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows, dickcissels and other grassland birds. Then travel the crushed limestone Hebron trail by bike to Goose Lake, home to black terns, yellow-headed blackbirds, moorhens and more. Total trip is 1 to 1.5 miles hiking or six miles biking. Bring binoculars and your bicycle. Program for adults, age 14 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 31.
Luminary Bike Ride: Let luminaries light your way as you cycle this moderately hilly paved loop, less than one-mile long, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 9, at main entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary. Ride the trail once or enjoy several laps with candlelight and glorious colors of sunset illuminating your path, and the sounds of nature at night entertaining your ears. Relax at the campfire with sweet treats. Don't forget your helmet. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, June 4.
Summer Cycle Scavenger Hunt: Pack up your bike and helmet, and join us for a three-mile scavenger hunt by bike along the Prairie Trail from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Prairie Trail-Hillside, 5275 E. Hillside Road, Crystal Lake. Families receive a scavenger hunt work sheet and instructions for the ride. Activities, nature exploration and scavenger hunt answers are found along the trail. Once all stations are completed, each family is awarded a prize. Program for adults and families, age 8 or older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 14.
Register online at www.MCCDistrict.org, 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.