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Beck’s Woods/Piscasaw North • • • • •

Boger Bog • •Boone Creek • • •Brookdale • • • • •Coral Woods • • • •County Line Road Access •Dufield PondN=Country Club Rd., S=McConnell Rd.

•N •S

Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site

•

Exner Marsh • • •Fel-Pro RRR • • • • •Fox Bluff • • • •Glacial Park • • • • • • • • •Harrison Benwell • • • •Hickory Grove Highlands/Lyons Prairie & Marsh

• • • • • • •

High Point •The Hollows • • • • • • •Keystone Road Canoe Landing • • • •Kishwaukee Headwaters • • •

Lake in the Hills Fen • • •Lyle C. Thomas Park & Landing • • •

Marengo Ridge • • • • • •Nippersink Canoe Base • • • • •

North Branch • • • • •Pioneer Road Canoe Landing • • •

Pleasant Valley • • • • • •Prairieview Education Center • • • • •

Rush Creek • • • • • • • •Silver Creek • • • •Stickney Run • • • • • •Winding Creek • • •BIKE TRAILSHebron Trail–West: Church St. to Lange Rd. • • • •Hebron Trail–East: Prairie Trail to Lange Rd. • • • •Huntley–Union–Marengo (HUM) Trail • •Prairie Trail: McHenry to Wisconsin • • • • •*

Prairie Trail: Kane Co. to McHenry • • • •

Ridgefield Trace • •Stone Mill Trail • •

* Barnard Mill Road to Route 176 only.

McHenry County Conservation District is home to over 115 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of biking trails, 19 fishing sites, 5 campgrounds,

4 canoe launches, 40 miles of horse trails, and 21 sites with picnic shelters.

(815) 338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

Dufield Pond, 11750 Country Club Road, Woodstock (78 acres) This wetland complex attracts a wide variety of wildlife and the 3-acre pond is a popular fishing location. The McConnell Road entrance, 11418 McConnell Rd, Woodstock features a .75 mile nature trail that winds under the branches of ancient oaks, traverses the site’s steep topography, and offers a different perspective of the woodland, pond and wetland complex.

Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site, 11000 Lakeview Road, Richmond (345 acres) This site features significant natural and archeological features, while 238 acres is a designated Illinois State Nature Preserve. Visitors enjoy a 2 mile interpretive trail and observation deck.

Exner Marsh, 9000 Lakewood Rd. & 9105 Miller Rd., Lake in the Hills (220 acres) Over 100 acres of marshland provides a rich habitat for plants and animals. Roughly 1.36 miles of looped trails wind along the marsh borders.

Fel-Pro RRR, Main: 1520 Crystal Lake Rd., Cary; West: 1900 Crystal Laske Rd., Cary (277 acres) A gift from the Fel-Pro families, this site combines opportunities for both recreation and preservation. Amenities include two small fishing ponds, 2.2 miles of nature trails, a 1 mile paved trail, two picnic shelters, sand volleyball court, basketball court, ball diamond, and a disc-golf course.

Fox Bluff, Cary-Algonquin and Cold Springs Roads, Cary (279 acres) Noted for its rolling hills and spring-fed streams, this site is home to oak woodlands, a sedge meadow, and a half-mile of Fox River frontage. A picnic shelter, .3 mile hiking trail and short .25 mile paved trail that leads to the river are also available for visitors.

Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood (3,412 acres) This remnant of glacial activity contains gravel kames, kettles, restored prairies, oak savannas and wetlands. The Lost Valley Visitor Center, Powers-Walker historic homestead, The Wiedrich Barn and Research Field Station also exist on the site. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound: hike, bike, canoe, horseback ride, picnic, cross-country ski, snowmobile and view ample wildlife.

Harrison Benwell, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake (75 acres) The oak and hickory woodland and meandering stream make this a favorite site for hikers or cross-country skiers along 1.7 miles of looped trails.

Hickory Grove Highlands & Riverfront/Lyons Prairie & Marsh, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary (401/411 acres) This site offers an unusual diversity of habitats and is home to an Illinois State Nature Preserve. The Highlands serves as a refuge for northern Illinois wildlife, while the Riverfront provides bank fishing along the Fox River. Camping, horseback riding, three picnic shelters and 4.75 miles of hiking trails are featured.

High Point, 10250 Reese Road, Harvard (253 acres) Notably, this site contains the highest glaciated point above sea level in the state. A 1 mile looped nature trail provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape as it travels through an oak and hickory woodland.

The Hollows, 3804 U.S. Highway 14, Cary (478 acres) More than 50 years of sand and gravel mining have given the Hollows its unusual landscape. Lake Atwood provides clear, deep water for non-motorized boats, canoes and kayaks. Fishing, group camping, and 5.5 miles of looped trails for hikers and cross-country skiers make this a popular spot.

Kishwaukee Headwaters, 1606 Dean St., Woodstock (153 acres) This wetland, sedge meadow and savanna complex offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore where the Kishwaukee River begins its journey. A 1.75 mile mowed path and boardwalk are featured.

Lake In the Hills Fen, 1500 Jefferson St., Lake In the Hills (408 acres) A unique blend of dry gravel prairie, sedge meadow, wetlands, Crystal Creek, and a rare hanging graminoid fen make up this diverse habitat. A 1.3 mile mowed hiking trail, picnic shelter, and scenic vistas are appreciated by all who visit. Twenty-seven acres are dedicated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve.

Marengo Ridge, 2411 N IL Route 23, Marengo (818 acres) The oak and hickory woodlands and restored prairie dominate this site. Five miles of looped hiking and cross-country ski trails, large picnic shelter, group camping, and Thomas Woods Campground are featured.

Nippersink Canoe Base , 400 E. Route 12, Spring Grove (377 acres) This site provides visitors with canoeing and fishing access to Nippersink Creek. A gallant oak and hickory grove with interpretive signage, picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking fountain and a short .35 mile wooded nature trail are featured.

North Branch, 11500 N. Keystone Rd., Richmond (521 acres) The 1.5 mile multi-purpose trail winds through prairie and savanna, over Nippersink Creek, and links the Prairie Trail to the Hebron Trail. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling opportunities exist as well as access to picnicking, wildlife observation, and overnight camping for cyclists.

Pleasant Valley, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock (2,080 acres) A mosaic of natural areas highlight this site including an oak savanna, high-quality stream, restored wetland, and prairie. Recreational opportunities include over 5 miles of hiking, a 1.3 mile horse trail, a 2-acre pond for fishing, and an outdoor amphitheater. Two picnic shelters with grills and a lighted cross-country ski trail for evening hours are also available.

Rush Creek, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard (726 acres) Rush Creek incorporates a mixture of flood plain, upland forest, and grassy meadows. Recreational opportunities include 2.5 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, a 5 mile horse trail, a 4-acre pond for fishing, and group campground facilities.

Silver Creek, 1009 Block Rawson Bridge Road, Cary (840 acres) This site takes its name from the stream that threads its way through the site. Over 5 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails take visitors over a boardwalk through woodlands and wetlands. A small, 1-acre pond for fishing is also featured. Prairieview Education Center is located on the north side of the site.

Stickney Run, 3216 West State Park Road, McHenry (629 acres) Hikers and cross-country skiers can explore two, .5 mile trail loops through the woods. A picnic shelter and a 3-acre pond for fishing are also available.

Winding Creek, 8415 Johnson Rd., Hebron (631 acres) This site protects an ancient oak grove and a high-quality portion of Nippersink Creek. A 1.7 mile looped nature trail, 1-acre pond for fishing, bike rack and picnic shelter with grill are also available.

Trails Canoe LandingsPrairie Trail The 26-mile Prairie Trail travels from Algonquin to the Wisconsin State Line. The former Chicago and Northwestern railroad line, takes cyclists and hikers through prairie, woodlands and alongside residential areas. The trail connects eight McHenry County communities allowing for a safe and convenient means of travel.

Hebron Trail Constructed on the former K.D. railroad line, this multi-use trail runs from Church St. in Hebron eastbound to just before the unguarded railroad tracks where it dead ends. In Richmond, the trail connects from the Prairie Trail, thru North Branch Conservation area and westbound where it dead ends at Lange Road. A camp-by-bike area is located in North Branch for the convenience of bikers on longer trips.

HUM Trail (Huntley-Union-Marengo) The Huntley-Union- Marengo trail runs from East Street in Marengo to Vine Street in Union. This 3.5 mile paved trail provides a recreational amenity for bikers, rollerbladers, runners and dog walkers alike. The trail links the neighborhoods of Marengo and Union.

Ridgefield Trace Ridgefield Trace is a paved trail that offer residents a safe mode of travel whether by foot, bike or rollerblade. The trail extends primarily along Route 14, for 7.5 miles from Lake Ave. in Woodstock to Walkup Ave. in Crystal Lake. Route 14 was originally an Indian trail (also known as a trace) and Ridgefield was one of the first towns in the area.

Stone Mill Trail This 1.5-mile trail takes users from Maxon Road in Chemung, along Ramer Road to Lawrence Road near Milky Way Park in Harvard. Stone Mill Trail is an additional recreational amenity for local residents to walk, bike or rollerblade, connecting two rural towns, and providing a safe means of travel.

Paddle the waters of the Nippersink Creek, a high-quality water corridor, one of the finest waterways in Illinois. The creek and its wetlands support a thriving diversity of fish, frogs, turtles and other aquatic creatures. Water fowl and other wading birds can be seen along the banks, as well as a myriad of native wetland plants and prairie flowers.

NIPPERSINK CANOE TRAILKeystone Road Canoe Landing/Nippersink Canoe Base/Pioneer Road Canoe Landing — These sites provide a put-in/take-out point for paddlers coming down Nippersink Creek or continuing into the Fox River or Chain of Lakes.

Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park & Landing, Spring Grove (13 acres) Owned by the Village of Spring Grove, this site is managed by the Conservation District and serves as another put-in/take-out location for paddling trips on Nippersink Creek.

NIPPERSINK CANOE TRAIL

Bunker Hill Rd.

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North BranchNorth Branch

Boger BogBoger Bog

Ridge�eld T race

12

14

KishwaukeeHeadwatersKishwaukeeHeadwaters

Ln.

Park

Zimmerman Rd.

Lange Rd.

Pioneer Rd. LandingPioneer Rd. Landing

Keystone Rd. LandingKeystone Rd. Landing

Winding CreekWinding Creek

High PointHigh Point

Lake in the Hills FenLake in the Hills Fen

O’Brien Rd.

Vanderkarr

Rd.

Boone CreekBoone Creek

McConnell Rd

Streit Rd.

Community Research ForestCommunity Research Forest

Alden GapAlden Gap

Download trail maps at MCCDistrict.org

Site Features

Discover the District

Feet above Sea Level

700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 110 115 1200

Bunker Hill Rd.

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Boger BogBoger Bog

Ridge�eld T race

KishwaukeeHeadwaters

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12Pioneer Rd. LandingPioneer Rd. Landing

Keystone Rd. LandingKeystone Rd. Landing

Winding CreekWinding Creek

High PointHigh Point

Lake in the Hills FenLake in the Hills Fen

O’Brien Rd.

Vanderkarr

Rd.

Estimated Paddling Times (subject to water level and experience)

Keystone Landing to Pioneer Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2½–4 hours (6.7 miles)

Pioneer Landing to Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park . . . . . . . . 2 hours (4.42 miles)

Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park to Nippersink Canoe Base . . .2 hours (4.36 miles)

Check real-time water levels link on the District’s website paddle page, MCCD.me/Paddle.

Beck’s Woods, 5940 N. Pagles Rd., Chemung (283 acres) The Piscasaw River runs through this site and provides abundant fishing opportunity for anglers. A .5 mile trail, group camping and a picnic shelter are also featured.

Boger Bog, 2100 Cherry Valley Rd., Bull Valley (38 acres) This intimate site features a 1 mile nature trail with boardwalk, council ring, and picnic shelter. Not truly a bog but a graminoid fen, the site is comprised of numerous natural communities including a silt-loam prairie, calcareous seep and spring, an oak woodland and sedge meadow.

Boone Creek, 916 Cold Springs Rd, Bull Valley (608 acres) The site protects the 13 mile Boone Creek headwaters, wetlands, recharge areas, and stream corridor. Explore a 1.5 mile hiking trail, and enjoy picnicking, birding, and a local horseback riding trail.

Brookdale, 18410 U.S. Hwy. 14, Woodstock (1,645 acres) The location of the District’s Administrative Offices (open Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The site also features an 11-acre fishing pond, a 1 mile looped nature trail, wildlife observation deck, picnic shelter and 4.2 mile equestrian and pedestrian, multi-use trail.

Coral Woods, 7400 Somerset, Marengo (775 acres) This sugar maple forest provides the sweet sap necessary for the annual maple syrup program. The site is also known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers and amazing fall colors. Visitors can hike or cross-country ski on 2.8 miles of looped trails or enjoy lunch at the picnic shelter.

County Line Road Access, 4700 County Line Road, Marengo (10 acres) A parking lot and short .3 mile trail provides anglers access to the Kishwaukee River.

Open Sites

Protected Areas

Canoe Trail Recreational Trails

ELEVATION

700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 1100 1150 1200Feet above Sea Level

Chorus Frogphoto by Bob Williams

Eastern Bluebird photo by Stephen Baird

Kevi

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Pages: @DiscoverMCCD; Main Page, @GlacialParkLVVC; Lost Valley Visitor Center, @MCCDWEOR; A Weekend of Restoration. Groups: MCCD Nature Photography, Sense of Place: The History of District Land, Cache Your Way Across McHenry County, Volunteers (Natural Resources)

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Download — Prairie State Hiking App features: Glacial Park; A Paddle down Nippersink Creek; The Changing Views of Prairieview; and other sites in Illinois.

Volunteer

Ecosystem Services

History

Explore

Preserve

Connect

Support

Brookdale Administrative Office18410 U.S. Highway 14, Woodstock, IL 60098

(815) 338-6223Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park Route 31 & Harts Rd., Ringwood, IL 60072

(815) 678-4532April–October: Daily 9 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.

November–March: Daily 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Prairieview Education Center in Silver Creek Conservation Area

2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014(815) 479-5779

Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Saturday, 12:30– 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Closed

Wildlife Resource Center (815) 728-8307

Research Field Station in Glacial ParkRingwood, IL 60072

(815) 678-4532

McHenry Conservation District Police —report suspicious activity:

(815) 338-6223 • if no answer (815) 338-2144

Discover McHenry County

Conservation District

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

03/2016 10K (RG) rev. 07/2020 Printed on recycled stock with soy ink.

Recreation & Public Safety — S.W.E.E.P. (Safety Watch Education & Environmental Program) volunteers tour the Prairie Trail by bike or hike the trails at various conservation areas. Glacial Park Ski Patrol members (trained by National Ski Patrol) assist cross country skiers.

Citizen Science Plant Monitoring — After training, volunteers go out into the field to collect data on native plants. Native prairie plant seed is collected in fall.

Citizen Science Wildlife Monitoring — After training, volunteers go out into the field to collect data on bluebirds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and/or birds.

Historical Volunteers — Keep local history alive through historical interpretation at programs, special events and historical open houses. Or assist in the restoration of the historic Powers-Walker House in Glacial Park and the McConnell Farmstead in Richmond.

Scout & Group Service — Outdoor projects vary each year and are geared to adult and youth groups, including Eagle Scouts.

Prescription burns and brush clearing help remove invasive plant species like purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, and European buckthorn.

By using proven

restoration methods,

native species have

the nutrients and

space needed to return

to their natural glory.

Blanding’s turtles, an Illinois endangered species, find protected habitat at District sites.

Explore McHenry County Conservation District’s 25,000 acres of protected open space and discover the treasures and natural beauty of our oak woodlands, scenic vistas, and thriving wetlands. Hike glacial kames, traverse under the branches of ancient oaks, wander along glistening streams

and linger in dazzling prairies filled with wildflowers, songbirds and fluttering insects. Venture out to 33 conservation areas that highlight high-quality wildlife habitat and great places to experience the great outdoors all year long.

Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in District sites and along regional trails to enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, camping, canoeing, picnicking and fishing.

A wide variety of environmental education programs and outdoor experiences are offered for all ages. From nature scavenger hunts to canoe clinics, adventures abound for individuals and families to connect with their natural, cultural, and historical surroundings.

Summer camps allow youth to discover and enjoy the outdoors in greater depth, while outreach program to schools, civic groups and other community venues invite residents to discover the great outdoors locally.

A variety of special events, as well as outdoor concerts enrich the lives of thousands of visitors each year, while interpretive trails, changing exhibits, and exploration backpacks allow for self-guided learning and discovery.

There are hundreds of reasons to get outside — let the adventures begin at McHenry County Conservation District.

The Conservation District preserves and manages over 25,000 acres including 16 Illinois State Nature Preserves. These wetlands, savannas and prairies contain hundreds of native plants and animals that flourish in the wildlife habitat protected within conservation areas, including numerous threatened and endangered species like prairie bush clover and the short-eared owl.

Restoration efforts are designed to protect the county’s natural heritage by restoring the biological character of the county’s last remaining high-quality ecosystems. Large Macrosites of native and restored ecosystems linked by greenway corridors are two of the key tenets that underpin the philosophy of land protection efforts of the District.

Natural area management efforts focus on restoring these larger core preserves and smaller high-quality natural areas within McHenry County’s major watersheds—the Fox River/Nippersink Creek and Kishwaukee River systems.

District staff and dedicated volunteers focus on the removal and control of invasive, non-native species like common reed, garlic mustard and European buckthorn. By conducting controlled burns, removing brush, and collecting and spreading native seed, great strides have been made in restoring the land to a healthier and more sustainable condition.

Renewed areas have supported successful reintroduction of several native species like orangethroat darters, smooth green snakes, wild turkeys and the Aphrodite butterfly.

Recently restored prairie and wetland areas have shown an increase in breeding populations of many species including Sandhill Cranes and the State Endangered Blanding’s turtle.

Ebony Jewelwing damselfly photo by Bob Williams

Created by a group of ecologically conscientious citizens in 1971 and supported

by the Illinois Conservation District Act of 1963. McHenry County Conservation District was

established by a successful county wide referendum held in conjunction with the general election in April 1971 and formally organized in July 1971.

The first land purchase was made in 1973 when 50 acres that make up a portion of Beck’s Woods Conservation Area in Chemung were acquired. Since that time, thousands of acres have been added to the land holdings of the District from the 74-acre Harrison Benwell site to the 3,400 acre Glacial Park.

The distinctiveness of McHenry County’s natural land was a driving force in the creation of the Conservation District. That desire for preservation has continued to inspire land purchases. Throughout the 1970s the District added 2,167 acres. The 80s added 2,353 acres. The rapid growth of the 90s increased the value of land preservation and the District acquired 7,144 acres. Today, The Conservation District protects over 25,000 acres throughout McHenry County.

Give back, get outdoors, preserve nature, get active, raise awareness, build community, pay it forward, set an example, meet new people, learn new skills, plant a seed of knowledge, foster a sense of place, build confidence, enrich your life, contribute and have fun!

Conservation District volunteers engage in a wide range of activities at conservation areas throughout McHenry County. They restore habitat, preserve ecological diversity, educate people about nature, promote public safety and keep local history alive. The minimum age to volunteer independently is 18, however opportunities exist for students age 14 and up.

Habitat Restoration — Individuals, small groups and families help Site Stewards restore native habitat at Conservation District sites.

Environmental Education — Assist District Educators with public programs, classroom outreach, field trips and special events. Bilingual volunteers translate at programs and special events or translate written material.

Ecosystem services defines the value and impact of protecting nature and the benefits gained. There is a direct correlation with natural systems and their diverse benefits to human economies. Once we understand the impact and overall value of Ecosystem Services, we can better prioritize money and resources to protect ecosystems far into the future. When ecosystems are considered valuable, they are more likely to be preserved.

Today, McHenry County Conservation District preserves over 25,000 acres. This public investment goes well beyond just protecting open space —it safeguards the quality of health and wellness on multiple levels for all residents far into the future.

There are three important factors that ring true regarding ecosystem services:

1. Natural habitats provide ecosystems benefits to people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

2. People receive more ecosystem benefits when there are more natural habitats.

3. Better quality habitats provide more ecosystem benefits than poor quality habitats.

The numerous benefits received from nature can be classified into four significant categories: ecological benefits, economic benefits, regulating benefits and cultural benefits.

These ecosystem services are important to environmental health, as well as a significant factor in human health and well-being—yet they are often taken for granted.

Let’s get Social! Connect with us on our social media channels where we share the latest news, announcements and alerts, as well as cool trail cam photos, research tidbits, and virtual site tours. And if you like apps, we’ve got those, too!

Join the conversation #DiscoverMCCD and don’t miss a thing — stay connected!

ECOLOGICAL ECONOM

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LTURALR EGUL AT IN

GRecr

eatio

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Aesth

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Tourism

Education

Purify Water

Carbon Storage

Pollination

Fiber

Clean Air

Flood Control

Food

Wood

Soil Creation

Biodiversity Wat

er

Water Cycle

Photosynthesis

Creative

Inspira

tion

Ecosystem ServicesIndispensable Irreplaceable

Invaluable

And find us on the WEB:

MCCDistrict.org• Online Registration• Camping & Picnic Reservations

Project Updates & News Alerts• Brochures & Site Maps• Trail Guides • Wildlife IDs• Bird Checklists

…and more!

McHenry County Conservation District has

campgrounds, picnic areas and shelters for your

group outing or individual/family outdoor adventure.

Register Online:

Step Visit www.mccdistrict.org

Step Create a household account.

Call (815) 338-6223, ext. 1200

for assistance.

Step Reserve your site!

Step Make Credit Card payment online.

Register by Phone:

Call (815) 338-6223, ext. 1200. Payment for

phone reservations must be paid within

10 business days of making the reservation.

• NO OUTSIDE FIREWOOD.

Firewood is available to purchase

when registration is made:

$5 per crate (approx. 10 pieces)

$15 for 3 crates (approx. 30 pieces

• Fees are listed as per night stay.

• Group campground reservations

can be made for up to three nights.

• If you wish to reserve an entire

group campground, reserve all

areas for each date.

• Check in no later than 7 p.m.

Check out by 2 p.m.

Campgrounds

Group Camp Sites (no outside firewood - firewood sold separately)

• Group campgrounds are open April–November.

• Thomas Woods remains open for winter group camping December–March.

McHenry County Conservation District has five group campground

locations. Reservations require two weeks notice (exception: Thomas

Woods Campground—see below). Register online with a credit card,

or pay by cash or check by calling (815) 338-6223, ext. 1200,

then forward payment within 10 business days. No reservation is final

until payment has been received. Refunds are only issued on

cancellations received ten business days in advance. No refunds

or carry over reservations due to weather-related conditions.

Resident / Non-resident

per site, per night

Non-electric$10 / $15

Electric, RV only $20 / $30

Holiday surcharge

per night*

$2 / $5

Campgrounds

Picnic Areas

& Shelters

McHenry County

Conservation District

815.338.6223  •  MCCDistrict.org

12/2

014

500

(HP)

location

Max #

of peopleParking

CapacityResident / Non-resident

per night

Holiday Surcharge*

per night

Rush Creek – 20501 McGuire Rd., Harvard

Small Area 3020

$20 / $40 $10 / $20

Large Area 5020

$40 / $80 $20 / $30

Beck’s Woods – 5940 N Pagels Rd., Chemung

256

$20 / $40 $10 / $20

Marengo Ridge – 3100 N Route 23, Marengo

Small Area 4018

$20 / $40 $10 / $20

Large Area 10018

$40 / $80 $20 / $30

Hickory Grove – 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary

Riverfront 255

$20 / $40 $10 / $20

The Hollows – 3804 U.S. Hwy 14, Cary

Large Area 10050

$40 / $80 $20 / $30

Small A40

50$20 / $40

$10 / $20

Small B40

50$20 / $40

$10 / $20

* Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day, surcharge applies to the ENTIRE Weekend.

Individual Camp Sites (no outside firewood - firewood sold separately)

• Thomas Woods, in Marengo Ridge, is open May–October, Weekends Only

Thomas Woods does not require advance reservations. Camp sites are

available first come, first served until full. Payment by cash or check

only to the onsite Campground Host. Advance reservations are taken

by phone (815) 338-6223, ext. 1200 until 11 a.m. the Thursday prior the

upcoming weekend (no online reservations). When registering by phone,

submit payment within 10 business days. If the date of your reservation

is less than ten business days, pay

on site; cash or check only.

2015

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

Reed Canary Grass — Phalaris arundinacea (pictured right) • Perennial grass, introduced from Eurasia

• Extremely aggressive, forms large colonies in wet areas

• Up to 7 ft. tall, wide leaves, tan seed heads • Methods of control: apply herbicide

Multiflora Rose

Invasive species pose a major threat to native plant communities. Conservation District staff and volunteer stewards

are constantly fighting to stop the spread of these overzealous plants. Because plants know no boundaries, it is helpful

for homeowners to be on the look out for these invasives as well to help control them from spreading. 

Invasive Species Identification and Control Guide for Homeowners

Honeysuckle — Lonicera spp.

(pictured on reverse) • Upright 10–15 ft. tall, woody shrub; introduced from Eurasia

• Invades a wide variety of natural areas • Opposite leaves; white flowers in May-June, turning yellow;

red berries, close to stem • Pink or white f lowers in May-June; orange berries, on long stems

• Leaf out early and remain on shrub into November

• Methods of control: cut stems and apply herbicide,

burn area in spring

Multiflora Rose — Rosa multiflora

(pictured on reverse) • Thorny shrub introduced from East Asia

• Invades prairies and wooded areas, forming

impenetrable brambles • Alternate, compound leaves; up to 8 ft. tall; flowers in

June–July; fruits: small, rose hips • Methods of control: pull by hand, cut stems and apply

herbicide; burn area

Common Buckthorn

Garlic Mustard

Illustrations by Jennifer Clemens

Common Buckthorn — Rhamnus cathartica

(pictured on cover) • Woody shrub introduced from Eurasia

• Up to 25 ft. tall, branching from near base • Mostly opposite or clustered, finely toothed leaves,

small, black berries, spine-tipped twigs • Inconspicuous green flowers in May–June

• Invades wooded areas and prairies • Methods of control: cut stems and apply herbicide,

burn area yearly for 5 or more years.

Garlic Mustard — Alliaria petiolata

(pictured on cover and reverse) • 1–3 feet tall biennial plant, introduced f rom Europe

• Spreads by seeds and invades wooded areas • Triangular leaves, small white flowers, blooms April to June;

garlic odor when leaves or stems are crushed.

• Methods of control: pull plants, cut flower heads off before

plant goes to seed; biocontrol is being researched

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

18410 U.S. Highway 14Woodstock, IL 60098This brochure is printed on Green Seal Certified Wausau Paper® Exact Opaque

containing a minimum of 30% post-consumer fiber.

12/11 1000 (CE) 815.338.6223  •  MCCDistrict.org

McHenry County Conservation District

Woodland RestorationRemoving exotic species

Recreation

Glacial ParkHistory

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Done with the map? Recycle it by placing it back in the brochure holder for the next visitor.

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

Glacial Park Conservation Area

6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, IL

Main Entrance GPS Coordinates:

N 42°25.318, W 88°18.067, WGS84

Lost Valley Visitor CenterMonday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

815.678.4532

Wiedrich Barn

Open for special events and educational programs.

815.338.6223  •  MCCDistrict.org

McHenry County Conservation District

Glacial Park Conservation Area

Canoeing/Kayaking Spend a day paddling the

clear, tranquil waters of Nippersink Creek, a high-

quality stream characterized by the numerous species

of plant life, fish, frogs and other aquatic creatures that

live within its waters. Canoers and kayakers can enjoy

the meandering water trail and scenic views by putting

in at Keystone Road Landing or Pioneer Road Landing.

Fishing Nippersink Creek is home to bass,

bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, carp, bullhead,

green sunfish and many others. Anglers can fish

at Keystone Road Landing or Pioneer Road Landing.

Trails Glacial Park has over eight miles of trails

designated for hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling

and cross-country skiing. A portion of the 26-mile

Prairie Trail also runs north/south along the park’s

eastern boundary. Trail users can park at the Harts

Road parking lot and bicycle from one end of the

county to the other, as well as ride the seven-mile

westbound Hebron Trail link.

Interpretive Nature Trail A two-mile interpretive

trail follows the Deerpath Trail loop. Guide books, located

at the trail head in front of the Lost Valley Visitor Center,

interpret four different topics: “Plant Communities”,

“Wildlife”, “History of the Land”, and “Geology”.

Prairie State Hike App: Featuring Glacial Park—

Take a self-guided audio tour of a two-mile hike

with 12 points of interest. Learn about and explore

the savanna, prairies, kames, and wetlands of this

magnificent site. Download from iTunes or Google Play.

Picnic Areas and Shelters Visitors can enjoy

a picnic lunch at the Kettle parking lot, Keystone

Landing or Harts Road Shelter. The Kettle Parking Lot

and Harts Road Shelter can also be reserved for large

group gatherings by calling (815) 338-6223.

The Lost Valley Visitor Center To enhance the existing natural

attractions at Glacial Park, the Conservation District opened the doors to

the Lost Valley Visitor Center in 2010 to immerse guests in an even greater

experience while on site. Nestled in the geographic center of the park, the

visitor center is the gateway to a day’s adventure where guests can connect,

learn, and discover the importance of preserving nature.

The Lost Valley Visitor Center includes classrooms for environmental

education programs and workshops, a large conference room, exhibit

area, and library with wireless internet access. The visitor center also hosts

field trips for local school children, summer day camps, and weekend

workshops for adults on a variety of environmentally-significant topics as part of the People and Nature Certificate

Program. A myriad of hikes and other public programs can be found within the District’s quarterly magazine, Landscapes

and on the website.

Green Technologies Another significant feature of the

Lost Valley Visitor Center is its green technologies. When

renovating the building, the District did its best to reduce

the use of traditional energy sources, to preserve and

protect the area’s clean water supply, and to reduce the

use of the earth’s resources. From energy efficient lighting

and geothermal heating and cooling to daylight

harvesting and the installation of rain gardens,

the District took every measure to achieve

LEED® Gold certification. Throughout the

building, interpretive signs point out these

features as well as provide ideas on how they

might be incorporated in the home.

Research Library The focus of the collections is on the

geology, soils, flora, and fauna of the area, as well as the

history, practice, and science of ecological restoration. The

collections include historical maps, a database of ecological

surveys conducted in McHenry County, periodicals, books,

and soil and wetland maps. The intended audience includes

college students and land-management professionals.

Scanning of documents is permissible; however, there

is no scanner or copier available for visitor use. Access is by

appointment only with use of materials on-site; contact

Tom Simpson (815) 678-4532, ext. 8218.

Glacial Park — At 3,412 acres in size, Glacial Park

features a diverse array of prairie, wetlands, savannas

and delta kames. With the gradual addition of parcels

over the years, land restoration has been vital to

making Glacial Park a cohesive natural community.

District staff and volunteers have restored hundreds

of acres of native communities by removing invasive

plant species, conducting prescription burns, and

re-creating wetlands. In 2000, 3.5 miles of Nippersink

Creek was remeandered to restore its natural path,

preventing erosion, and improving the wetland

habitat. In 2014 the Army Corps of Engineers

began a 5 year restoration of another 3.5 miles

of stream corridor.

The effects of land

restoration on the wildlife

and plant communities

are evident at Glacial Park.

Four hundred acres of state-

designated nature preserve

exist within its central core,

providing habitat for over 41 species of state endangered

and threatened plants and animals, like Northern Harriers,

Blanding’s turtles and Forster’s tern. In 1993, 13 wild

turkeys were reintroduced to Glacial Park and today,

flocks of 20–30 can be seen. In addition, muskrats,

badger, woodchuck, 13-lined ground squirrels,

green frogs and American toads are commonly

spotted. It is also not unusual to see hundreds

of migrating birds during a fall sunset.

Savannas provide a beautiful backdrop

of oaks and hickory trees interlaced

with seasonal wildflowers like

shooting stars, columbine,

mayapples and prairie smoke.

The wide open space at

Glacial Park provides

a sanctuary for

numerous plants

and animal communities.

The Research Field Station conducts

studies related to restoration and issues permits

to coordinate research by scientists who work

in collaboration with regional institutions. In

addition, the Research Field Station hosts a college

intern program each summer, in which interns

get experience in ecological restoration land

management, educational exhibit construction,

wildlife surveys, plant surveys, and research.

The Research Field Station also coordinates the

People and Nature Certificate Program, a series

of more than 15 adult continuing education

workshops on a variety of environmental topics.

Self-Guided Family Exploration PacksCreate your own

adventure with the

Conservation District’s

exploration packs.

These are backpacks

your family or small

group can borrow

for use on the trails at Glacial Park. The packs contain

seasonal activities in which everyone can participate.

Adult supervision is required. A driver’s license

is required as a deposit and must be left during use.

Wiedrich Barn —

Peter Wiedrich purchased

roughly 560 acres from

Samuel Walker in 1875 in

what today is known as

Glacial Park. He was the

father of seven children

and grandfather to the

Wiedrich sisters Ethel, Laura, and Marian. Peter’s son, Frank,

built the barn in 1902. He and his wife gathered the stones

for the foundation from the fields and bought the lumber

from a friend in McHenry. Electricity wasn’t installed on the

farm until 1953. Each day the family would hand-milk up

to 25 cows in the barn. They planted acres of oats, corn,

hay and wheat. The farm was also home to 15 heifers,

four horses, hogs, chickens, guineas, ducks, geese and

turkeys. In 1975, the Wiedrich sisters sold the 120 acres that

remained of the family farm to the Conservation District.

Lost Valley Visitor Center —

The original building

was a home built by

Frank Howard as part

of the Hickory Creek

Farms operation in the

late 1950’s. From the late 1960’s until 1986 the property

was a private residence. In 1986, the parcel, along

with 1,100 acres north of Glacial Park was purchased

by Comdisco Corporation and opened as Tamarack Hunt

Club and Lodge. During this period, the grounds and

structures were renovated and expanded by Comdisco.

They operated it as a company retreat center, which

included 20 bedrooms, a kitchen, dining area, meeting

rooms, lounge, sauna, and swimming pool. In 2001, the

corporation added a large conference room to the east

end with additional bedrooms on the second floor.

During an economic downturn in the early 2000’s

the hunt club and the lodge were sold to a development

corporation. In 2006, the Conservation District acquired

the former lodge and retreat center from the developer.

Its location as a 34-acre inholding within Glacial Park,

as well as the interconnected hydrologic systems and

oak savannas, made it a long sought after acquisition.

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The ‘LEED® Certification Mark’ is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and is used with permission.

Powers-Walker House

The Powers-Walker House is a rich educational and historical resource that is

open for special events and programs throughout the year. By participating in

these events, visitors gain insight to the early settlers’ connection to the land.

Annual events include the Ice Cream Social of 1858, Archeological Awareness and

the Harvest Gathering of 1858.

The Powers family first built their frame house, a Greek-Revival style home, in 1854.

After the Powers family moved on, Samuel Walker, a prominent local citizen, purchased the farm. In the late 1990’s,

the District and McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission determined that the house still contained a significant

portion of architectural integrity, unaltered over 140 years of use. An active volunteer group is working to restore and

refurbish the home’s interior and exterior historic appearance.

Powers-Walker Homestead

Blanding’s Turtle

Red-tailed Hawk

LOCATOR MAP

bROOkdALe COnseRvATiOn AReASITE OPEn SUnRISE–SUnSET

EnTRAnCE GATES OPEn 8 AM

Early morning parking available at Paulsen Road.18410 U. S. Highway 14, WoodstockGPS Entrance Coordinates:

Main Office

Paulsen Road

n42°21.491

n42°21.332

W88°33.354

W88°33.020

WGS84

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Printed with soy ink on recycled paper.

RuLes •Site hours are sunrise to sunset or as otherwise posted.

Use authorized parking areas only for all vehicles.

•Picnics authorized in designated areas. Groups of 16 or

more must secure a permit in advance from the District

office. A fee is required to reserve a shelter.

•Alcohol may not be consumed within 100 feet of a parking

area. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

•Pets must be leashed at all times.•Camping allowed by advance permit only and is confined

to those areas designated as such. Permits are available at

the District office, fee required.•Fires permitted in designated areas only.

•Bicycles allowed only upon the roadways, parking areas

and designated bicycle trails.•Swimming is prohibited.•All regulations of the Illinois Department of natural

Resources shall apply for fishing unless otherwise posted.

•no person shall in any way remove, disturb, harm,

or destroy plant or animal life within conservation areas.

The introduction of any plant or animal into an area is

prohibited. Feeding of wildlife is also prohibited.

Woodstock

Harvard

Brookdale

Kishwaukee River

Kishwaukee River

14

Bunker Hill Road

Plum Tree National Golf Club

Paul

sen

Road

Deep Cut Road

815.338.6223 • MCCDistrict.org

bROOkdALe COnseRvATiOn AReA

Brookdale_site map 0609.indd 2

7/2/2009 10:23:39 AM

E-NEWS: Discover Your District – monthly newsletter featuring recreation ideas and special events

Subscribe to Landscapes magazine, the District’s quarterly magazine filled with news, project updates, behind-the-scenes articles, seasonal programs and special events.

Popular hiking and biking trails

include the 26-mile Prairie Trail.

The protection of our natural resources is an ongoing effort fueled by the support and generosity of environmentally minded citizens, companies and organizations. The Conservation District works closely with McHenry County Conservation Foundation, a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of open space in McHenry County.

The Foundation welcomes charitable gifts, memberships and donations which provide the resources for the preservation of open space, protection of natural lands, wildlife habitat and threatened and endangered species, educational programs and recreational site improvements, as well as ensuring the preservation of McHenry County’s natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

While donors realize valuable tax benefits, perhaps more valuable than the financial advantages is the satisfaction gained by helping to continue the mission and important work of the Conservation District and enhancing the quality of life for all residents of McHenry County.

The Conservation Foundation has provided funds to support over 30 conservation projects, assisted in preserving over 800 acres of open space, secured over

$3.4 million in grants, and successfully ran two Open Space Bond Referendums, ultimately providing $141.5

million to purchase open space, preserve wildlife habitat and add outdoor recreational

amenities in McHenry County.

McHenryConservation.org • (815) 759-9390

FOUNDATIONMcHenry County Conservation

S.W.E.E.P. volunteers assist trail users with information and basic first aid. They also alert the Conservation District Police Department of unsafe conditions or activities on District trails.

Seed collection volunteers attend multiple forays in the fall to gather native species.

Education volunteers assist at programs and special events like the annual Festival of the Sugar Maples held at Coral Woods.

Photo credits: Water Cycle, Pollination, Purify Water by Bob Williams; Biodiversity by Kevin Horner; Tourism, Creative Inspiration, Recreation by Weg Thomas

McHenry County Conservation District exists to preserve, restore, and manage natural areas and open spaces for their intrinsic value and for the benefits to present and future generations.

A myriad of programs invite youth to discover the wonders of nature.

Sara

Den

ham