Experience the Great Outdoors with McHenry County Conservation District

Animal Homes

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Winding Creek Conservation Area, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron. Join MCCD for a short hike at the newly opened Winding Creek Conservation Area. Look for signs of animals while learning where they live, what they eat, and what they need to survive. Try to catch a glimpse of animals too! Fee: $0 County Resident/ $2 Non-resident. For adults and families. Pre-registration by Sept. 19 is required.

Pre-schoolers and the Prairie

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. Bring your favorite youngster to explore the tallgrass prairie in all its fall beauty. Dress for the weather and a hike. Fee: $0 County Resident/ $3 Non-resident. Ages 3–5, accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration by Sept. 19 is required.

Nature+Fitness=Good Health

Saturday, Sept. 24 from 1–2:30 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock. This is a program for those looking for a different way to get exercise and wishing to spend more time outside. A certified personal trainer from Centegra’s Healthbridge Fitness Center will help participants get more out of nature walks health-wise, while MCCD staff offers insight into nature’s seasonal occurrences. Dress for the weather and be ready to hike and learn more about this excellent combination for your “good health”. Fee: $0 County Resident/ $2 Non-resident. Adults 14 years and older. Pre-registration by Sept. 19 is required.

A Walk in the Dark

Monday, Sept. 26 from 6:45–8 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 S. Rte. 23, Marengo. Learn to explore the dark without the use of lights. Use your senses to discover the mysteries of the night along the trail. The dark is fun and exciting and nothing to fear! Fee: $0 County Resident/ $2 Non-resident. Adults and families ages 6 and up. Pre-registration by September 21 is required.

Sunset from the Kames

Friday, September 30 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Kettle Lot − Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood. One of the highest points in McHenry County offers a wondrous view of the sunset over Nippersink Creek and a place to relax after a guided hike through the beauty of Glacial Park. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Fee: $0 County Resident/ $2 Non-resident. Adults 14 years and older. Pre-registration by September 25 is required.

Visit the McHenry County Conservation District’s website at  to view the programs in greater detail or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter Landscapes.  Registration is accepted online, by phone, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, (815) 479-5779.

This information was provided by a press release from McHenry County Conservation District.