Winter wanders, holiday hunts with nature at McHenry County Conservation District
Winter wanders and holiday hunts with nature in mind are at McHenry County Conservation District. Visit the district's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Registration is accepted 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.
Discovery Days:
Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and educational activities, all based around the special theme of the day, from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. There will be a short walk if weather allows so please dress for the weather. For ages 2 to 6 accompanied by an adult. Fee is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Saturday, Nov. 28.
Owl Walk:
Search for sights and sounds of the owls that reside at Glacial Park during the winter months from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. First, go for a hike to listen for owls. Next, head inside where a slide presentation and a live owl will introduce hikers to these magnificent creatures. Dress for the weather and for walking one mile over hilly terrain. Program for adults age 14 and older is $3 for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Introduction to Snowshoeing:
Before heading out this season, join us for an indoor lesson on what you need to know to go snowshoeing in McHenry County from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. How should you dress, where can you go, and what equipment do you need? We'll answer these questions and more. If you are ready to hit the trails you can rent snowshoes from the front desk. Staff will give a quick snowshoe lesson before you head out on the trails on your own. Program for adults, age 14 and older is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Saturday, Dec. 5.
Recycled Greetings:
Learn to make your own recycled paper and then turn it into holiday ornaments, decorations and even your own handmade greeting cards from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Dried flowers and other natural materials can provide beautiful textures and patterns. Finishing touches can be added using rubber stamps. Bring some of your own stamps if you have them to add your own unique personal touch. Program for adults age 14 and older, is $5 for county residents and $7 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, Dec. 6.
Frozen Fauna:
Imagine surviving the winter by turning into a living Popsicle. Animals have a variety of ways to deal with the hardships of winter. Some may store food, grow thicker coats, make incredible journeys of migration or go into the deep sleep of hibernation. There are a few that can go beyond hibernation into a state of "frozen animation" in which their bodies will completely shut down during the worst of our winter weather. When the weather warms, these frozen creatures appear to rise from the dead. Learn more about these animals and their amazing feats of winter survival from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Seasonal Story Stroll:
Head out to the great outdoors as they read a story along the trail from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Each stop leads to more of the seasonal story and gives you a chance to explore the winter woods. Bring your boots and bundle up, as they will hike the trail through snow or whatever the day brings. This program is all outdoors. Program for ages 5 to 9 accompanied by an adult is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Make Your Own Wooden Toys:
Learn how to make your own wooden toys from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. You can keep them for yourself or give them as a gift. The wood being used for these projects comes from a nonnative, invasive plant called buckthorn. Learn about this invasive plant and why they are working so hard to remove it from the natural areas. Program for ages 8 to 13 accompanied by an adult is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, Dec. 13.
Santa's Scavenger Hunt:
Santa loves to come to Glacial Park in the winter time! Come out and learn more about the many different animals that call this area home from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Lost Valley Visitor Center Parking Lot in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Follow the tracks and solve the clues to find Santa and your prize. He'll have hot chocolate and cookies for you too. This is an outdoor program. Program for adults and families is $5 for county residents and $7 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 15.