McHenry County Conservation District notes
McHenry County Conservation District has announced March programs. Registration is required online at www.mcccistrict.org or by calling (815) 479-5779
For all
Signs of Spring: It is set from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Brookdale Conservation Area, 18410 Route 14, Woodstock. Participants in this all ages program will enjoy a brisk walk through fields, woods, and by the pond looking for signs of spring. Are any green plants poking out? Are any animals out and about? What should we be seeing soon? Start the season out right with this perfect exploratory hike.
For youth
Spring To It!: It will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Living Land Farm. With the arrival of spring, ages 5 to 7 and an accompanying adult can enjoy a short hike and look at animals that have a lot of "spring" in their legs. As we explore we will search for signs of these critters and engage in fun activities along the way. Dress for the weather.
Celebrating the Equinox: It will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Marengo Ridge, Shelter 2, 2411 S. Route 23, Marengo. Ages 8 to 10, can join the conservation district for a campfire and celebrate the vernal equinox which marks the official beginning of spring. This special day has been a call for celebration since ancient times. Learn what makes this day special and about some of the traditions associated with it.
For adults
Night Fire: The program for ages 12 and older will be from 7 to 9 p.m. March 28 at Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood. Join conservation district staff for a special treat as they demonstrate a prescribed prairie and savanna burn at nighttime when the flames can dazzle you with colors. In pre-settlement times, wildfires did not simply go out at the end of the day. Today most prescribed burns are conducted during daylight hours only.
The evening begins indoors for a discussion on the benefits of fire to ecosystems and how the conservation district goes about the business of burning. It will finish outdoors, watching the fire and fire crews at work. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a short hike. A rain date is scheduled for April 4.