McHenry County Conservation District cancels programs, trails remain open

The McHenry County Conservation District has cancelled or rescheduled all programs and volunteer/stewardship workday activities for the next three weeks, through Dec. 4, following recent guidelines that urge residents to stay home for a three-week time frame in an effort to decrease the spread of the coronavirus.

This includes the closure of Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Ringwood and Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake.

For those who find comfort and solace in getting outdoors, Conservation Areas trails and restrooms will stay open.

However, there are some seasonal closures in place and visitors should check the alerts/closures list on the front page of the district's website MCCDistrict.org.

In addition, the Conservation District has two solar-lit trails that open until 9 p.m. for hiking or cross-country skiing through March 13.

The first is a half-mile loop at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area 13315 Pleasant Valley Road in Woodstock; and the second is a 1-mile loop trail through restored savanna at Hickory Grove Highlands, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane in Cary, (trail head located at shelter 2).

The Conservation District encourages residents and many visitors to keep physically distanced from others on the trail and to where a mask despite begin outdoors.

Additional changes and new announcements may come in response to the circumstances in the days to come. MCCD staff will communicate as quickly as they can.

The district's website MCCDistrict.org is the best location for the most up-to-date information on site openings/closing, as well as our Facebook page @DiscoverMCCD. Staff will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our residents' best interests, health and safety in mind.