McHenry County Conservation District opening trail sites earlier due to warmer weather

McHenry County Conservation District to reopen all District Conservation Sites, restrooms and parking lots for the season on Friday, Feb. 23, due to warmer temperatures; the earliest date on record.

“After last week’s warm temperatures, we know the public is ready to get out and enjoy the trails. Typically, sites are scheduled to open April 1, but looking at the long-range forecast, we have re-opened all sites a full five weeks early,” said Perry Weborg, parks and fleet manager.

While many conservation areas remain open all winter long for cold-weather fun, there are a few that are only open to walk-in visitors in the colder months.

The parking lots of these sites usually remain closed until April 1 or significant periods of mild weather. These sites have previously been opened in March, but never as early as February.

The early opening of Conservation District sites provides the perfect opportunity to get out and play, whether it be biking the Prairie Trail, paddling Nippersink Creek, casting a line at Lake Atwood, or hiking the myriad of District trails. Sites are open sunrise to sunset. Horse trails remain closed.

Find hundreds of reasons to get outside at www.MCCDistrict.org.

McHenry County Conservation District currently owns and protects over 25,700 acres of open space which provides wildlife habitat preservation, educational opportunities and recreational amenities for the citizens of McHenry County to enjoy.