Monarch mania: Learn all about butterflies
August is "Monarch Mania" with McHenry County Conservation District.
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.
Being A Butterfly: A fun introduction to the butterfly world, which also enhances your observation skills, will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. After a short story about butterfly traits and a quick craft, they will set out on a butterfly adventure. Dress for a short hike off the trail and games outside. Just for Kids program, ages 4 to 7, is free for county residents; and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Monarchs and Milkweed: 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. Sunday, Aug. 14, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Afterward, they will hike 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 families, age 6 or older, is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 12.
Dwindling Numbers for an Iconic Insect: Monarch butterfly expert Karen Oberhauser will give a special presentation on this iconic insect from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. She will share her knowledge and expertise on this fascinating insect and provide information on its dwindling numbers and how you can help. Oberhauser is a professor/extension specialist in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. She has been studying monarchs since 1984 and is the director of the University of Minnesota's Monarch Lab, which provides multiple opportunities for formal and nonformal educators to engage and instruct students, as well as opportunities for citizen scientists to help monitor monarch populations. Just for Adults program, for ages 14 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration deadline is Thursday, Aug. 18.
Monarch Family Fun Fair: Learn how you can help the monarch butterflies and their miraculous migration across the North American continent from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Crystal Lake Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. It is sponsored by Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It will include activities, games, face painting, arts, nature trunks, info on planting butterfly gardens and numerous partner booths sharing the work to support monarchs. Admission is free.