The McHenry County Conservation District is celebrating its 50th year in existence. Wendy Kummerer, the director of marketing and education answers a few questions for this week’s column.
Could you please tell us a bit about the history MCCD?
On April 6, 1971, McHenry County Conservation District was formed by a successful county-wide referendum held in conjunction with the general election 1971 and formally organized in July 1971. The distinctiveness of McHenry County’s natural land was a driving force in the creation of the Conservation District. Early visionaries wanted to preserve the character of their rural paradise of large rolling acres, agricultural fields, equestrian ranches, big red barns and beautiful views.
“During this 50th anniversary year, we celebrate and recognize the milestones achieved, the growth, progress, perseverance, achievements and accomplishments, the many partnerships that help bring projects to life, and most importantly the citizens and taxpayers of McHenry County who placed their trust in the Conservation District to bring into being the conservation dream envisioned by our founders,” said Board President John Henning.
If a resident has 3 hours to spend going for a walk at an MCCD site, which site would you recommend?
Many people choose sites that are close to their home or work. But each of the 35 sites has something unique to offer about them or show their particular splendor in certain seasons. For example spring wildflowers hike favorites are Coral Woods and Marengo Ridge in Marengo as well as High Point in Alden and Boger Bog in Bull Valley. The top two sites that show up in community interest surveys the District has done repeatedly include Glacial Park in Ringwood for its 3,400 acres of wide open space, vast network of trails, scenic beauty and diverse habitat of oak woodlands, wetlands and prairie and Pleasant Valley in Woodstock
MCCD has 31 shelters and picnic areas that are available to be reserved for group or family gatherings. Who may reserve these and how is a reservation made?
McHenry County Conservation District has several shelters and picnic areas available for reservation on a first come, first serve basis for visitor’s casual daily use for groups under 15. Permits are required for Shelters or Picnic Areas when the group is 16 or more people, or by a group that wants to guarantee exclusive use of that area. These can be reserved online thru the District’s website.
Could you please tell me about the type of programming that MCCD offers to participants?
The District’s Education Department develops and delivers hundreds of seasonal natural and cultural history programs for the public, community organizations, youth group and school groups.; provides self-directed educational materials; and manages two (2) educational facilities: Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake and Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Ringwood.
Currently spring and summer programs are kept small and intimate, with social and physical distancing measures in place. In addition to a myriad of interpretive hikes and the new Hike for the Health of It program, we added outdoor yoga programs, kayak trips, Prairie Trail Riders bike ride outings, outdoor concerts with limited seating, promoted geocaching, as well as Outdoor Explorers Club and Century hikers club.
I noticed that there is a program titled ‘Birding Blitz’ that will be held on May 8 at Glacial Park. What will that program include?
Spring Bird Migration lends itself to a number of Birding Enthusiast programs that the Conservation District offers including the Birding Blitz on Saturday, May 8, 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Glacial Park, Kettle Parking Lot, Registration Required – where guests will join our very knowledgeable and enthusiast birding guide volunteer Dave Miller as they explore the woodlands and grasslands in search of as many species as possible along a 2-3 mile hike through the 3,400 protected acres of Glacial Park.
Could you please tell our readers about your Big Woods: Tree Donation program?
The Big Woods tree donation program was created to allow residents a means to honor a loved one, commemorate an anniversary, celebrate a special occasion, or to help restore the oak savannas and woodlands of McHenry County. Those who make donations of $50 go toward the purchase of two (2) oak/hickory/or other native tree, or associated woodland shrub.
Does MCCD have a volunteer program?
The Conservation District offers volunteer opportunities in 14 different areas throughout the District as well as Eagle Scout Projects and Group Projects. District’s volunteers engage in a wide range of activities from restoring habitat, preserving and monitoring ecological diversity, educating people about nature, assisting at special events, promoting public safety and helping to keep local history alive.
No prior experience is needed for most positions. Registered District Volunteers also receive a variety of perks including early registration access to trainings; free educational workshops, discount on Weekend of Restoration, and more!
How might our readers connect with MCCD online?
Visit the Conservation District’s website MCCDistrict.org for information on sites, programs, reservation, special events, publications and trail maps, in depth articles, the latest alerts, and so much more.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
