LandscapesMcHenry County Conservation District Winter 2019-20 What's Inside? Protecting your Water, Wildlife, and Way of Life In Search of Eagles Go Digital — Select to read Landscapes online! Change your subscription to an E-version; email [email protected]. Our Mission The 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. Our Vision McHenry County Conservation District From the Board President— will be a premier public agency in the country for preserving, Over the past few months the Conservation District Board of Trustees, in conjunction protecting and managing open with District Staff, has been engaged in thoughtful discussions on how best to care for our space. Residents will have developed lands, allow for recreational improvements, and maintain infrastructure while holding a personal responsibility for their expenses within the restrictions of a tighter budget. The conversations are shaping a new, local environment, gained a greater three-year budget and strategic plan that will focus on initiatives where the Conservation appreciation for their natural world District can best restore wetlands, protect native plant and wildlife populations, educate and engage people of all and invested into ensuring its future ages in impactful ways, and provide opportunities for safe, healthy, outdoor lifestyles. protection. Achieving this vision will: • Inspire respect for the land; We are conscious of the significant role we play in the county, not only for the people who make use of conservation areas, but also for the role these treasured open spaces play in the overall economic value of life here in McHenry • Promote sound environmental practices; County. A most recent example is how protected wetlands and open space has helped to reduce local flooding and • Promote the long-term viability enhance groundwater recharge during the wettest year we can remember. Our ecosystem services have been hard at of the county’s biodiversity; work and are critical components that we come to depend upon as part of our way of life in McHenry County. • Provide opportunities for responsible use of the land in concert with This February, we will hold the 3rd McHenry County Conservation Congress to discuss conservation issues and how natural resources; we each must play a role in shaping our county’s future. Through this ongoing dialogue, the Board of Trustees • Promote environmental stewardship; and District Staff hope to connect people and resources to foster a sense of reciprocity and a commitment • Provide quality experiences that for the next generation. Watch for more information to come about this day of thoughtful discussions. promote green, healthy and balanced lifestyles; In the coming months, we invite you to actively participate in our programs, provide feedback, engage with us • Connect children to nature and; on social media and spend time outdoors. • Foster public and private partnerships. As the new president I would like to thank, my fellow Board of Trustees Dave Brandt, Lyn Campbell, Bill Cook, Pat Fritz, John Henning and Linda Thomas, as well as District Staff for all their support in working towards newly BOARD OF TRUSTEES established District goals. Vern Scacci Yours in Conservation, President David Brandt Vice President Vern Scacci — Board President John Henning Treasurer Carolyn “Lyn” Campbell Landscapes is a Secretary FREE publication. McHenry County Patrick Fritz To subscribe or Conservation Trustee update your contact Foundation was info: email MCCD@ established to help William Cook Trustee MCCDistrict.org promote the goals or call (815) 338-6223. and objectives of the Conservation District in the Linda Thomas The publication can Trustee area of land protection, management, conservation also be read online education, and research. The foundation plays Robert "Bob” Nowak at MCCDistrict.org. County Board Liaison a role in protecting and preserving our natural heritage through grant support, fund raising and Elizabeth S. Kessler Executive Director Printed with soy ink on partially recycled paper, minimum 10% pcw. membership development. Editor: Wendy Kummerer Graphic Designer: Lora Petrak The Foundation welcomes charitable gifts and Contributors: Education Dept., Bob Menard memberships to assist in their goal to protect Upcoming Board Meetings Photographic contributors: Weg Thomas, staff, the quality of life, property values, air and water and others as indicated. quality, and open space throughout the county. Public Session varies, check website. Agendas posted at MCCDistrict.org. Visit mchenryconservation.org Front cover: Great-horned owl by Ryan Dionne Brookdale Administrative Offices Back cover: Frozen moment by Matthew Finzel to find out how you can help. 18410 US Hwy. 14, Woodstock McHenry County Conservation Foundation is a recognized not-for- PH 815.338.6223 Connect with us: profit, 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. McHenry County Conservation Foundation P.O. Box 1108, Sign up for our E-newsletter at Woodstock, IL 60098 | (815) 759-9390 www.MCCDistrict.org Landscapes | Winter 2019-20 Brookdale Conservation Area, Woodstock American with Disabilities Act McHenry County Conservation District INSIDE welcomes the participation of all individuals in our programs. We are to providing reasonable Features In Every Issue accommodations to facilitate participation in our programs. It is the responsibility of participants, 12 | Giving Back to the Land: parents/guardians to contact the District to make 2 | In the News– arrangements for any accommodation at the time of News & Noteworthy/ Get to Know our Volunteers/ registration; no later than two weeks prior to the start Conservation Congress 2020/ Volunteer Opportunities of a program or special event. Project Updates 14 | Seasonal Sightings: Ice Cold Safety is a Priority 15 | Environmental Adventures Safety is a top priority to all who visit our sites and 5 | Foundation News facilities. If you witness something that appears to be unsafe or suspicious please call and let us know Programs 6 | Water/Wildlife/Way of Life: (815) 338-6223. School Springs Stream & Wetland Project/ 16 | Winter Wonders/Valentines Behavior Code of Conduct 25 years of Blanding’s turtles/ 20 | Birding/ Tapping Sugar Maples 1. Show respect to other participants, A Reminder of Why You Love it Here 22 | Special Interest/Nature Exploration staff and volunteers. 24 | A Winter Night's Exploration/ 2. Follow instructions by staff and volunteers and Special Events– show proper group behavior at all times. 16 | Winter Hikes Holidays at Grandma's House/Family 3. Show respect to the environment, Fun Fair In Search of Eagles (pg. 20) 26 | Nature Themed Birthday Parties facilities and supplies. / Explore on Your Own: 4. Use appropriate language at all times. 18 | Seasonal Activities 24 | Fox Club/Century Hikers/ Photography Candlelight Ski-Hike/Solar Lighted Trails/ Lost Valley Nature Detectives Participants in McHenry County Conservation Seize the Day/Christmas Tree Recycling/ 26 | Registration Procedures/Calendar District programs and visitors at our sites may be Snowshoe Rentals/Winter Camping photographed, videotaped or filmed for use in District publications, promotions, and on the District web site 28 | Seasonal Closures/District Sites Map or social media channels. All photos taken on District property are the sole property of the District. Landscapes | Winter 2019-20 InNews the News & Noteworthy: Success Story: Wildlife Resource Center & McDot Save Baby Hummingbirds Nominations for 2020 In early September, Conservation Awards McHenry County Division of McHenry County Conservation Transportation employees District is seeking nominations were trimming trees when of individuals who are and they noticed one of the cut have been Conservation branches contained a well- Champions for the Public Open hidden hummingbird nest. Space of McHenry County. The two baby birds were close to the fledgling stage, but not To nominate a Conservation Champion or Legacy Award, quite ready to fly. download and submit an electronic nomination form from the The MCDOT crew gave the District’s website (www.MCCDistrict.org). Nominations will be Wildlife Resource Center a call accepted through December 31, 2019. and Beth Gunderson, Wildlife Above: A new "nest" crafted using a plastic The Conservation Champion Award recognizes Resource Center Specialist, cup, dried grass, with holes in the bottom for individuals who have made one or more met them onsite. Beth was drainage. Below: A tiny almost fledgling. contributions of extraordinary significance or impact able to feed the little ones to the conservation movement through their who appeared to have had continued dedication and support of the mission of the been away from their mother Conservation District. Significant contributions can include for some time. A new “nest” leadership, innovation, environmental legislation, community was crafted using a plastic building, restoration fieldwork, citizen science and volunteering, cup with holes made in the donations of money and land. bottom for drainage and some dried grass. Within ten The Conservation Legacy Award recognizes minutes of being placed in contributions that transcend time. Whether the award a nearby tree the mother winner dedicated ten or fifty years towards the local returned to her babies in the environment, their work should live on well past their new nest! earthly lifetime. Their legacy