Take a hike or kayak trip to learn about nature with MCCD
The McHenry County Conservation District will offer a variety of late summer fun, including a "Lunch and Learn Kayak Trip," "Cooking with the Sun," and "Summer Sunset Family Campfire."
Barn Full of Bats:
After a fun and informative indoor presentation, participants hike through Glacial Park to observe bats flying out of a barn at dusk from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Participants who cannot make the two-mile walk may drive their vehicles to the location. Program for adults and kids, age 5 or older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, July 16.
Summer Sunset Family Campfire:
Gather the family for an evening campfire program from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo. Activities include stories, songs, snacks and educational fun for the whole family. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, July 17.
Lunch and Learn Kayak Trip:
Learn about the diversity of wildlife that depend upon Nippersink Creek for survival while enjoying a catered lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at Keystone Road Landing in Glacial Park, 6500 Keystone Road, Richmond. Then set out on your own and explore the creek by kayak for a seven mile meandering course to Pioneer Landing. Note: kayaks are singles only. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes that strap to your feet. All kayaking equipment is provided. This Just for Adults program for those age 14 and older, is $30 for county residents and $38 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 19.
Marvelous Moths:
Learn about these amazing nocturnal pollinators and then head out to find various species in the park from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 28, at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, July 24.
Creature Features - Screech Owl:
A live animal is the featured creature during three hours filled with games, activities, and crafts all based around the creature of the day from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 3, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. A snack is provided. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes, as most of the time is spent outdoors. This Just for Kids program for age 5 to 7 is $6 for county residents and $8 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, July 30.
Monarchs and Milkweeds:
It is almost time for the majestic monarch butterflies to begin their mass migrations south. A brief overview of monarchs, their life-cycle, migration patterns, and programs that track their migrations will be presented from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Afterward we will walk the trails through the summer prairie in search of monarchs and their larvae, and learn more about their host plants and migration challenges. Program for adults and kids, age 6 or older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Dragonflies and Damselflies:
Learn about the life cycles of these marvelous winged wonders and set out to find, catch, examine, and release both adult insects and their nymphs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. This requires exploration of both the prairie and the pond. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Sunday, Aug. 6.
Everybody Loves a Rock:
"Everybody Needs a Rock" author Byrd Baylor will lead you with her poetic prose and gives you 10 rules for picking special rocks from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo. After we read the book, we will use her rules to examine rocks, looking for their special qualities, play rock games, go on a rock hunt and make our own rock art. This Just for Kids program for age 5 to 9, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Aug. 7.
Cooking with the Sun:
Harness the sun's energy to cook food by making a pizza box solar cooker and tasting treats cooked using the sun's energy from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. The program for adults and kids, age 7 or older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Visit the district's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view all program and event offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register 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.