Learn about McHenry County’s wild areas, wildlife in winter
Submitted by McHenry County Conservation District
Explore the wilds of winter with McHenry County Conservation District. Visit the district’s website at 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 and walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, or walk-in only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.
Arctic Adventures: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Join us for a day full of winter fun over your winter break. We will spend time both indoors and outdoors participating in nature based activities, making crafts and exploring the woods and prairie. If weather permits, we may be able to play in the snow. Bring a lunch, and dress for the weather. Program for youth ages 8 to 11 is free for county residents and $8 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Dec. 22.
Preparing for Winter: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Join us for some fun activities as we learn what different local animals do to prepare for winter. Afterward we will head outside to look for signs of animals as they get ready for the long cold season ahead. Dress for the weather. Program for children, ages 3 to 10, accompanied by an adult is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Dec. 25.
Winter Warmth: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. It’s cold outside, but the animals are still active. Mammals have amazing adaptations that allow them to survive through the cold McHenry County winters. Join us to learn how these creatures cope with the cold, as well as how we mimic their behavior to survive the cold weather ourselves. Program will include an outdoor hike. Dress for the weather. Program for children ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult is free for county residents and $3 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Dec. 28.
An Afternoon with the Short-Eared Owls: 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. The short-eared owl is an Illinois endangered species but we are fortunate to have them visit Glacial Park every winter! Enjoy a winter hike at dusk to search for these special creatures. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress for the weather. We will begin our afternoon with a short indoor presentation at the Lost Valley Visitor Center. Program for adults and families, age 8 and older is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Dec. 31.
Owl Prowl: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Winter is an ideal time to observe owls and owl behavior. Learn more about these elusive creatures of the night. Meet live owls, share stories and folklore, view an owl video, examine owl diets by dissecting an owl pellet, and go for a short hike in search of owls. Be on time and dress for the weather. There is a separate but simultaneous “Owls of McHenry County” program for adults. Program for youth ages 6 to 13 is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Jan. 5.
Owls of McHenry County: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Winter is the ideal time to observe owls and owl behavior. The owls are busy staking claim to territories and seeking a mate to share it with. Learn more about these “tigers of the sky.” Meet live owls, share stories and folklore, and go for a short hike in search of owls. Be on time and dress for the weather. There is a separate but simultaneous “Owl Prowl” program for children ages 6 to 13. Program for adults age 14 and older is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Jan. 5.
Hunting Like a Wolf: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. After looking at the special “Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century” exhibit, kids will form wolf pack teams and set up their home territories in the woods of Glacial Park. They will then attempt to take over other packs’ territories and hunt for food in this fun and educational capture-the-flag style game. This game is played outdoors and off-trail so participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking and/or waterproof boots. Program for youth ages 10 to 13 is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Jan. 6.
Winter Scavenger Hunt: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 Route 14, Cary. Take a break from this busy time of year and gather the family for some outdoor fun and fresh air! Start with an introduction around the campfire at the pavilion and then head out on the scavenger hunt, where we will look at winter plant life and search for signs of animal activity. Program for adults and families is free for all. Registration deadline is Jan. 7.