Watch Nature take flight, day or night, with McHenry County Conservation District
The McHenry County Conservation District will offer fun and informative programs this summer. Register online at www.mccdistrict.org, 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.
Discovery Days:
10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 18, at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo. Enjoy an hour and a half of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking. This Just for Kids program for kids ages 2 to 6 with an adult is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Barn Full of Bats:
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. After a fun and informative indoor presentation participants hike through Glacial Park to observe bats flying out of a barn at dusk. Participants who cannot make the walk may drive their vehicles to the location. This Adults and Families, program, age 5 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Fantastic Fireflies:
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. This opportunity to visit a conservation area after dark is too special to pass up. Learn about the firefly life cycle just before the prairie and woods "light up" for the night. We will play games, share fun facts, hear about new firefly discoveries and share a tasty summer dessert as we learn about these flashy creatures. The last half-hour of the program is spent enjoying the light show. Bring a blanket and wear long pants and long sleeves instead of insect repellent. This Adults and Families program for ages 5 or older is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
In the Park After Dark:
8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Discover Coral Woods after dark on this sensory hike through the park. We will use our eyes, ears and nose to explore our surroundings after the sun has set, even comparing our senses to those of some of the animals that make this forest their home. Following our evening explorations, a sweet treat will be available for everyone to enjoy around a campfire. The Adults and Families program for ages 5 or older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Dragonflies and Damselflies:
7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. 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. This requires exploration of both the prairie and the pond. This Adults and Families program is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Nature's Play Time:
10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 25, at Fox Bluff Conservation Area, 1300 Cold Springs Road, Cary. Nature provides an ideal place where children can learn and grow. In nature's classroom children participate in activity stations, identifying and sorting shapes and colors, practicing fine and gross motor skills, and working with various textures and patterns using natural materials. A snack is provided. Don't forget a water bottle, sunscreen, and long sleeves and pants if bugs are bad. Children ages 6-13 can attend a simultaneous program, Nature's Trail Time, without an adult. This Just for Kids program, ages infant through age 5, is free for county residents with adult and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Nature's Trail Time:
10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 25. at Fox Bluff Conservation Area, 1300 Cold Springs Road, Cary. Children ages 6 through 13 are invited to join us on a guided hike along the trails, exploring and finding nature's treasures. Do you have younger children who would enjoy exploring nature with you? Younger children/siblings can enjoy a separate but simultaneous program, Nature's Play Time with an adult. This Just for Kids program, ages 6-13, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Being a Butterfly:
2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. After a short story about butterfly traits and a quick craft we will set out on our butterfly adventure. This fun introduction to the butterfly world also enhances your observation skills. Dress for a short hike off the trail and games outside. This Just for Kids program for ages 5-9 with an adult is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.