Learn about hawks at conservation program
The McHenry County Conservation District will offer these programs for the fall.
Visit 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.
Hawks and Their Habitats:
Learn about hawks and the places they live from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. An outdoor hike in search of resident and migratory hawks is followed by an indoor presentation including a live raptor. Bring binoculars if you have them. Program for adults and families is $2 for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Saturday, Sept. 24.
Story Trail:
A seasonal story is waiting to unfold along the trail for you and your family. Combine an afternoon of hiking through the woods with the delight of reading together from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Rush Creek Conservation Area, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard.
The district has partnered with the Harvard-Diggins Public Library to bring you this special experience in both Spanish and English languages. The story will be appropriate for ages 4 and up, but the whole family is welcome to participate.
Come out to discover a tale along the trail, explore nature, and enjoy an autumn treat. Meet at the picnic shelter. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 27.
The Delightful Decomposers:
Decomposers are the secret workers of the food chain, often misunderstood and underappreciated. Join our search for these delightful and important residents of the woodland community from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo.
Be prepared to get down and dirty on our expedition along the forest floor. Long pants and sleeves are recommended along with proper dress for the weather. Meet at the picnic shelter. Program for adults and families, ages 7 and older, is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Sunset Wetland Watch:
Stop in to watch the sun set over Glacial Park wetlands from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. From the comforts of the Lost Valley Visitor Center we can watch ducks, geese, cranes, muskrats and more preparing to bed down for the night. It's a spectacular view.
No registration is required for this free drop-in program, but be sure to check before you go; cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system. Program is for adults and families.
Amazing Autumn Night of Poetry:
Do you find inspiration in the beauty of nature and the written word? Whether you're feeling creative and wish to share your poetry with like-minded participants or you'd simply like to listen to the works of others in a natural setting, you should celebrate the season on an autumn evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 Route 14, Cary.
Fall holds special treasures and themes of colorful foliage, bountiful harvests and preparation for the winter ahead. Join Raue Center for the Arts Poet-in-Residence Phil Denofrio and a district staff member as they lead the group through poetry readings and reflections on the natural world as dusk settles in.
No registration is required for this free drop-in program, but, check before you go; cancellations may occur due to weather or staff emergencies. Check under Site Advisories at MCCDistrict.org or in the online registration system. Program is just for adults, ages 14 and older.
Sites Seldom Seen-Winding Creek:
Take this opportunity to explore beyond the trails of Winding Creek from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Road, Hebron. Discover the northern reaches of Nippersink Creek as you hike along the banks. This off-trail hike will be approximately 2-3 miles across rugged terrain. Program Just for adults, ages 14 and older, is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Stomp, Tromp and Crunch:
Don't miss the spectacular colors that only autumn trees display. Take a leisurely hike through Coral Woods and discover how and why the leaves produce such magnificent shades of red, orange and yellow from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Each family also creates a themed craft to take home. Program for adults and families is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 4.