McHenry County Conservation District Updates: May 2020

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — In a news release Monday, McHenry County Conservation District is providing community members with updates regarding sites, trails and other facilities and events. In the news release, MCCD said they've worked hard to keep sites open so that "nature can uplift our spirits and offer moments of respite." MCCD added that they will continue with the new normal this summer and will keep making adjustments as we go along.

"We are cautiously and optimistically moving ahead and wanted to provide you with some updates," MCCD said, in the news release.

According to MCCD, the latest updates include:

• All sites and trails remain open as long as social distancing is practiced.
• Site restrooms are now open.
• Visitors centers and buildings remain closed.
• The Hollows Lake Atwood and Piscasaw/Beck’s Woods have reopened for fishing.
• All summer special events — First Friday Concerts, day camps and the Great Outdoors Beer Trail planned for August — have been canceled.
• Volunteer activities are on hold.
• Reduced fees for camping: When the state's stay-at-home order is relaxed, group campgrounds will be offered as exclusive one-family use, at a reduced rate. The number of individual campsites at Thomas Woods will be reduced to allow for ample distancing between sites.
• Summer program offerings: These will be well-thought-out and kept small and intimate, with social and physical distancing measures in place. District staff will have a "cruise director" for each program, who will meet cars and direct parking. Participants will meet spread out, and disperse in staggered groups with individual leaders. Participants will wear a face mask according to current social and health guidelines. Registration is required and opens June 1st for residents; June 6th for non-residents.

Open site reminders:

• Bring hand sanitizer, sunscreen, bug repellent and drinking water.
• Choose sites less traveled, as there are 34 sites open to the public.
• Visit at off-peak times. Sites are open sunrise to sunset.
• "Know B4 U Go" — check for Alerts and Site/Trail Closures
• Prevent theft: Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
• Stay on marked, designated trails.
• Pets: Love them, leash them, and please clean up after them.

Go be happy, be healthy and save lives:

• Stay six feet apart between people or family/friend groups while hiking, biking and at launches.
• No group gatherings. Follow physical distancing protocols.
• Yield to others. Walk single-file where trails narrow.
• Wash your hands, often, and clean touched surfaces.
• Where a face mask. Protect yourself and others.
• Stay home if you're sick.

School update:

Registration for Fall 2020 school programs begins 8 a.m. Wednesday. In an effort to prepare for in-person or virtual learning, MCCD board and staff members are working on a number of options to assist teachers. From virtual field studies, live or prerecorded Zoom meetings or seminars, MCCD said they "will do our best to work together on presenting what best fits your classroom needs." More information: Environmental Education Opportunities Teachers’ Guide; Education@MCCDistrict.org.

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