Last year we received funds through the state of Illinois’ Natural Areas Stewardship Grant to remove invasive species and introduce native seeds in a section of this local Woodstock natural area. West wood qualified for these funds because it acts as a natural buffer to Yonder Prairie Nature Preserve. Come on out and help us […]
Join TLC to learn how to use fire to manage prairies, wetlands and woodlands safely. The class will be indoors and outdoors, so dress appropriately. Safety equipment will be provided. Please bring your lunch and a face mask. Date: Saturday April 2, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Location: Hennen Conservation Area, 4622 Dean St. Woodstock Fee: $35/TLC […]
Would you like to get outside, meet new people and do something great for our local environment? Here's how you can help: Volunteers assist with cutting, stacking and burning invasive brush to allow native trees and plants to grow! Please bring a pair of work gloves if you have them and wear sturdy boots or […]
Spring is here! Join us to watch American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship flights. The male woodcocks will make several preent calls and then launch themselves into the sky. While they are flying up, you can hear the wind whistling through their outer primary feathers. They descend in a zigzag pattern while making a chirping […]
Volunteers are needed at Donato Conservation Area, an amazing woodland right in the middle of Woodstock! This isn't just any woods-it's full of beautiful spring wildflowers, ferns and a vast diversity of native plants unrivaled by most woodlands in town! In this woodland, volunteers are needed to remove invasive species that prohibit the growth of native […]
This time we’ll be working over towards the eastern boundary where we worked during the New Year’s Eve Oak Rescue. So, if you’re walking in from the lane, head to the right once you reach the wetland. Directions: From the intersection of 173 and 14 in Harvard, head east on 173 and continue for 3.2 […]
Tired of maintaining large sections of lawn grass and want to attract birds and butterflies? Learn how to convert areas of your lawn to a native wildflower meadow from seed in this webinar with Sarah Michehl from The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Free webinar - please register here: https://crystallake.librarycalendar.com/.../virtual-how.... Limited to 100 participants.
Spring is here! Join us to watch American Woodcocks performing their amazing courtship flights. The male woodcocks will make several preent calls and then launch themselves into the sky. While they are flying up, you can hear the wind whistling through their outer primary feathers. They descend in a zigzag pattern while making a chirping […]
Last year we focused on the west half of Ryder’s so this year we’ll be working mostly in the eastern areas. For Wednesday we’ve started clearing brush in the back SE corner across from Dick Tracy Park and the police station. Feel free to park along Dick Tracy rd. or to the east of the […]
This workday meets on the second Saturday of the month. Dennis Drehr is our dedicated steward at Boloria and has been helping to breathe life back into this incredible site since 2006. Come check out all of the wonderful features this site has to offer and give Dennis a hand recovering the dormant beauty from under the […]
Harvest of Loneliness: The Bracero Program Film screening and discussion April 12, 2022 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm McHenry County College, Luecht Auditorium 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL Free Admission, no registration required In recognition of the Mexican migrant workers and Mexican-Americans who have played an important role in shaping the agricultural landscape […]
Westwood is a Woodstock owned Illinois Nature Preserve buffer and serves as a ‘protective’ zone that helps slow the spread of invasive species into Yonder Prairie. Come join us this Tuesday as we continue clearing buckthorn and honeysuckle out of this strategically important conservation area. Directions: From Woodstock, take South Street southwest out of town […]
Would you like to get outside, meet new people and do something great for our local environment? Get involved in a restoration workday! No need to register, feel free to stop by! Volunteers assist with cutting, stacking and burning invasive brush to allow native trees and plants to grow. Please bring a pair of work […]
Westwood is a Woodstock owned Illinois Nature Preserve buffer and serves as a ‘protective’ zone that helps slow the spread of invasive species into Yonder Prairie. Come join us this Tuesday as we continue clearing buckthorn and honeysuckle out of this strategically important conservation area. Directions: From Woodstock, take South Street southwest out of town […]
Volunteers are needed at Donato Conservation Area, an amazing woodland right in the middle of Woodstock! This isn't just any woods-it's full of beautiful spring wildflowers, ferns and a vast diversity of native plants unrivaled by most woodlands in town! In this woodland, volunteers are needed to remove invasive species that prohibit the growth of native […]
Vernal pools are a little known but extremely important feature that occurs in our McHenry County Oak Woods. Come learn why these pools are essential for amphibians and other creatures like fairy shrimp! Dress to get muddy and dirty. Signs will be posted for parking. Date: Saturday, April 23, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Location: Harvard, IL – […]
THIS WORKDAY IS CANCELED - THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. Westwood is a Woodstock owned Illinois Nature Preserve buffer and serves as a ‘protective’ zone that helps slow the spread of invasive species into Yonder Prairie. Come join us this Tuesday as we continue clearing buckthorn and honeysuckle out of this strategically important conservation area. […]
Westwood is a Woodstock owned Illinois Nature Preserve buffer and serves as a ‘protective’ zone that helps slow the spread of invasive species into Yonder Prairie. Come join us this Tuesday as we continue clearing buckthorn and honeysuckle out of this strategically important conservation area. Directions: From Woodstock, take South Street southwest out of town […]
Last year we focused on the west half of Ryder’s so this year we’ll be working mostly in the eastern areas. For Wednesday we’ve started clearing brush in the back SE corner across from Dick Tracy Park and the police station. Feel free to park along Dick Tracy rd. or to the east of the […]
Volunteers are needed at Donato Conservation Area, an amazing woodland right in the middle of Woodstock! This isn't just any woods-it's full of beautiful spring wildflowers, ferns and a vast diversity of native plants unrivaled by most woodlands in town! In this woodland, volunteers are needed to remove invasive species that prohibit the growth of native […]
First we will be working on the trail near the house to remove some trees fallen on the trail and some young honeysuckle. Then we'll take a lovely (less than 10 min) stroll to an area where the border of Spring Hollow and Christiensen easement meet to finish the day (targets include honeysuckle, bittersweet and […]