McHenry County Conservation District to offer Research Roundup 2018

The McHenry County Conservation District will host a panel of regional wildlife and ecology experts for a unique presentation on current research being conducted on Conservation District sites. The "Research Roundup" program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

The protected lands within McHenry County conservation areas preserve our native ecosystems. These areas also provide a wide variety of research opportunities for universities, community colleges, state agencies and regional zoos. Having access to the results of research projects increases our wealth of knowledge on a county, state and bio-regional scale. These projects can also help direct resources, future management practices, and potentially improve the health of McHenry County residents.

Get a glimpse of a few of these projects as the scientists give presentations about their studies: "Bobcats in Illinois" by Dr. C.N. Jacque of Western Illinois University; "Smooth Green Snake Study" by Cindi Jablonski, wildlife ecologist; "Women in Farming: Learning Circles" by Linda Balek at TLC; "Using Non-invasive Methods to Compare Stress Levels in Bats" by Matt Mulligan, Lincoln Park Zoo.

Anyone interested in the interrelationships of nature, science and how human influences can affect change will enjoy these presentations that take an in-depth look at how minor occurrences in one species can have a greater affect on an entire natural community.

The program is for adults 14 years and older. Registration and fee required by Thursday, Feb. 15. County residents can attend for free. It is $5 for nonresidents. 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.