MCCD opens season early on March 4

The McHenry County Conservation District announced that due to warmer temperatures all district conservation sites, restrooms and parking lots will reopen for the season on Wednesday, March 4, the earliest date on record.

"We have already been getting calls and emails from the public hoping to get out on the trails. Ranger staff looked at the long-range forecast and decided we can make that happen as early as this weekend for residents to get outdoors," said Perry Weborg, sites and fleet manager. "Throughout the winter months sites are open to pedestrian traffic, but parking lots and restrooms close for the season at 19 of our 35 sites. Typically sites are scheduled to open April 1."

The early opening of conservation district sites also coincides with this Sunday's Daylight Saving Time change, giving residents even more time to pursue their outdoor recreational pursuits - whether it be biking the Prairie Trail, paddling Nippersink Creek, casting a line at Lake Atwood, or hiking the myriad of trails throughout conservation district sites.

Time to get out and play!

Note: Horse trails still closed due to wet conditions. Dufield Pond and Hickory Grove Riverfront are closed until ice clears.

Sites are open sunrise to sunset. Find hundreds of reasons to get outside at www.MCCDistrict.org.