Learn about toads, owls and fall colors with MCCD
The McHenry County Conservation District offers fall discoveries. Visit 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.
Totally Toads:
Are toads the same as frogs? Can toads really give you warts? Join them as they sort fact from fiction about these wee beasts from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. Dress for the weather; wear long pants and long sleeves, and bring a pair of old gloves. This Just for Kids program is for children ages 7 to 11 with chaperone. Fee for county residents is free; nonresident fee is $5. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 26.
Discovery Days:
Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Brookdale Conservation Area, Paulson Road Shelter, 2105 Paulson Road, Woodstock. This Just For Kids with chaperone program free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 2.
Owl Walk:
Search for sights and sounds of the owls that reside at Glacial Park from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. First, they will go for a hike to listen for owls. Next, participants will 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. This Just for Adults program ages 14 and older is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Stomp, Tramp, and Crunch:
Don't miss the spectacular colors that only autumn trees display. Join a leisurely walk through Coral Woods as the leaves change color, crunching over fallen leaves as we hike the trail from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Participants will pick up assorted leaves and other natural materials along the way that we'll use to make a mosaic at the end of the hike. Program is for adults and families and is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Yoga on the Trail - Prairie & Pond:
Join a hike learning about the natural world that surrounds you while enhancing your love of nature through the practice of yoga from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at West Entrance of Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area, 1900 Crystal Lake Road., Cary. The yoga portion of the program is suitable for most experience levels. Bring a yoga mat and drinking water. Program is Just for Adults, ages 14 and older. Fee is $5 for county residents and $7 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 14.
Craft Brew Crawl:
Join a beer-tasting hike through the beautiful landscape of Glacial Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. They will make several stops to taste different microbrews from local breweries. While you taste your beer, they will share some educational snippets to keep your brain and taste buds invigorated. Valid ID is required. Program is Just for Adults, age 21 and older. Fee is $15 for county residents and $20 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 17.