volunteer appreciation luncheon

Contact Denice Beck, Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] 815.338.6223, ext. 1229

a resource for McHenr y Count y Conser vation Distric t volunteers

Vo untee 2016

This workshop will provide an overview of seed collection and processing. For information or to receive a weekly email from Aug.Oct. announcing upcoming collection forays, contact Plant Ecologist Laurie Ryan at [email protected].

Plant ecology staf f and volunteers at the annual seed processing open house.

Jim Keenan & Shelley Kaplan

Greg Rajsky & Plant Ecologist Laurie Ryan

Debbie Smith & Lyn Campbell

Native Prairie Plant Seed Collection Volunteers

Barbara Wilson led seed collection and Plants of Concern group monitoring at Lake in the Hills Fen.

Seasonal employees Karen Lundell & Christine Kustra led 22 forays at 11 sites.

A look back at 2015

45 volunteers contributed 586 hours

to collect a total of

1,605 lbs. from187 native plant species. This will save the District

$94,715 in seed costs!

Join us in 2016! Seed Collection

OrientationTues., Aug. 23, 79 p.m.

Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park

Volunteer Appreciation

LuncheonSunday, March 20 Noon3:30 p.m.

Crystal Lake Country Club721 Country Club Rd.

Crystal Lake

This is our special day to recognize and celebrate

your service and contribution to the District's mission.

We look forward to seeing you!

An Invitation to All Registered Volunteers

Email or Call the Volunteer Coordinator

~ Specify your choice ~ chicken or vegetarian

Reservations accepted through

March 12

District News

In MemoryElaine Miller. In her favorite volunteer role as a candle maker at the Trail of History, Elaine enlightened visitors and warmed our hearts. In life, she taught us about courage and grace. Our condolences go out to her husband, Dave, their family and many friends.

A Weekend of Restoration (WEOR) For Each SeasonIn 2016, you can experience all four seasons at this award-winning program! WEOR is all about immersionin nature, in ecological restoration, in the natural history of McHenry County, in the history of the environmental movement, in the formation of our own environmental community. Each session begins Friday evening at 7 p.m. and concludes Sunday at noon. Meals are included and camping is available in Glacial Park. Cost: $75/ Seniors (60+) $55/ Students $35. Must be over 16 to register. For information, visit WEOR on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/WkndofRstor or contact Tom Simpson, [email protected] or (815) 678-4532 Ext. 8218.

Spring 2016 (April 2224): The Story of the Prairie and its RestorationWe will restore prairie and oak barrens while learning how prairie restoration in the Chicago Region grew out of the work and ideas of only four men who reinvented the way we think about nature.Summer 2016 (June 1719 UPDATED): The Nippersink SagaIn the 1990s, Glacial Park was home to one of the most ambitious stream restoration projects in the country as meanders were restored to the Nippersink Creek. We will continue this project by planting emergent vegetation to stabilize the banks and provide habitat for aquatic organisms. Fall 2016 (Sept. 2325): The Re-Birth of the BarrensWhat are barrens? We'll learn about them and then restore an acre of former oak barrens.

Winter 2017 (Jan. 1315): Back to BasicsExplore the restoration experience through core ideasgiving, community, historical connections, our relation to nature and place, and rediscovering ourselves in the process. In between restoration work activities and conversation, well take time to study winter ecology and enjoy quiet time in the woods.

Don't let your contribution go unrecognized! Report your 2015 Volunteer Hours to the Volunteer Coordinator BEFORE February 15.And then, come and celebrate with us at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on March 20! While we can't put a price on all you do to support conservation, the Independent Sector places the value of your volunteer work in 2015 at $23.07/hour!

NEW!

Glacial Park Ski PatrolNow part of

S.W.E.E.P.

When snow conditions are right for cross country skiing, you'll find Sue, Jeff, Kathy, Jim, Jeannine, Glenn and Andy patrolling the ski trails at Glacial Park on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. They've patroled since 1987, and are sponsored and trained by the National Ski Patrol. Stop by and pick up a few ski and winter safety tips when they're on duty!

2 Questions, ideas? Contact Denice BeckVolunteer Coordinator

District News

S.W.E.E.P.: hiking, biking & Skiing for Public SafEty!

BE AWARE OF OUTDOOR HAZARDS including dangerous weather, biting & stinging insects, tripping/slipping hazards, and extreme heat. Learn to identify and avoid dangerous plants, such as poison ivy, wild parsnip and stinging nettles. EDUCATE YOURSELF about tick & mosquito borne diseases. Visit McHenry County Health Dept. at mcdh.info and search A to Z Topic List for Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus.BE PREPARED: Bring drinking water and cell phone. Dress for your volunteer task and weather conditions. 30-SECOND SAFETY CHECK. Before beginning a volunteer task, survey the area for potential safety risks.UTILIZE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROPERLY.

USE TOOLS RESPONSIBLY. Power tools may be used only by District trained and certified volunteers.SITE ACCESS PERMIT: For monitors and stewards to display in their vehicle when visiting a closed site, off trail or after hours. ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT: Notify your supervisor. Complete and turn in PDRMA Accident/Incident form within 24 hours.PRESCRIBED BURNS & HUNTING SEASON: Monitors and stewards should call (815) 678-4532 to ask if their site will be closed due to a prescribed burn or hunting program. NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL? Report suspicious behavior or safety concerns you observe at a site to District Police at (815) 338-6223, ext. 1210. If no answer, call (815) 338-2144.

During 2015, 46 SWEEP volunteers, a.k.a. Safety Watchers, biked, hiked, skied and snowshoed along conservation area trails and the Prairie Trail. In total, they contributed 1,332 hours as extra eyes and ears of the District's Police Department. They got exercise, had fun, learned new skills and acted as a proactive deterrent to crimea neighborhood watch for our trails. Safety Watchers reported suspicious activity they observed at sites, assisted visitors and supported District programs related to public safety, such as Safe Kids Wear Lids, Pedal-Paddle-Saddle Through the Prairie, Hooked on Fishing, National Night Out and hunting program check-in.

What does it take to join SWEEP? Responsible volunteers over age 21 must be registered and pass a criminal background check. There is a minimum ten-hour commitment per year, plus monthly training meetings and CPR/First Aid certification classes. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.

Sgt. Johnson and John Gray at National Night Out

Group ride on the Hebron Trail with Ofc. Montgomery

Lucy Bieneman at SWEEP Olympics meeting

Renate Behling and Nicole Mohiuddin demonstrate CPR.

Sue Kreibich, Carole & Dan Olenick at Pedal/Paddle/Saddle

OUTD O OR SAFET Y GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEER S Check with your supervisor or Volunteer Handbook for additional safety tips.

Need an updated volunteer handbook? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Terri

Dell

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Caro

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enick

[email protected] 815.338.6223, ext. 1229 3

Public Safety & Recreation

VOLUNTEERING with EDUCATION SERVICES

2016 QUARTERLY GATHERINGSDrop in for the first chance to sign up to volunteer at upcoming seasonal programs, events and field trips. There's also a special presentation featuring a relevant training topic and time to socialize.

SAVE THE DATES... SPRING: Tues., Feb. 16, 79 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal LakeSUMMER: Wed., May 18, 79 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial ParkFALL: Thurs., Aug. 25, 79 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial ParkWINTER: Mon., Nov. 14, 79 p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake

Volunteer sign-up continues ONLINE after each Quarterly Gathering. After the meeting, unfilled volunteer positions are posted on VolunteerSpot. Volunteers who regularly assist the Education Department will receive an email with instructions and a link to the website. First-time volunteers for the Education Department can contact the Volunteer Coordinator for information.

Assist staff occasionally or regularly with public programs, special events or field trips as your schedule allows. Teaching experience is not required.

Marisol Rocha acts as a Spanish/English translator at programs. Volunteers neededMarch 5, 6, 12 & 13

Volunteers introduce the public to the techniques and traditions of maple sugaring at this popular late winter

special event at Coral Woods in Marengo. They lead tours through the sugar maple groves, demonstrate tree tapping

and interpret the history of maple syrup making.

Training Workshop & Pancake Breakfast Sat., Feb. 27, 9 a.m.Noon

This outdoor workshop will get new tour leaders and first-time volunteers ready to go! Experienced volunteers

are also invited to attend for a refresher and breakfast. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to register.

Festival of the Sugar Maples

Joe Ludwikowski leads school groups at Festival of the Sugar Maples field trips.

If you're a life-long learner who attends the District's educational programs, then volunteering will give you an opportunity to get behind the scenes for even more fun! Below are a few springtime programs to help you get started. A complete list of upcoming programs that could use your assistance is announced at Quarterly Gatherings or can be obtained from the Volunteer Coordinator.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONSat., April 23, Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake

GEOLOGY FIELD TRIPS April & May Weekdays TBD, 8:30Noon, Marengo Ridge

PADDLE IN THE PARK Sat., May 21, The Hollows, CaryPaul Klonowski is a certified canoe instructor who volunteers

at Paddle in the Park.

Kevin

Hor

ner

Education Services


New volunteers are welcome! Powers-Walker volunteers supply their own costumes and must have experience in historical interpretation or period-appropriate skills. Contact Gail Brown at (815) 678-4532, ext. 8139 or [email protected] to learn more. Gail can also tell you when the next McConnell Farmstead workday is planned.

Powers-Walker House in Glacial Park

The next time you visit Glacial Park, look for a white Greek Revival farmhouse that has overlooked Lost Valley Marsh since 1854. The stories of the families who once lived here are brought to life at themed programs held from April through early December by volunteers dressed in historical garb. Visitors are led back in time to the Civil War, Western Expansion, WWI and WWII. An ice cream social, harvest time activities, a winter holiday celebration and a twilight visit by candlelight provide intimate glimpses into family life in this historic house.

2016 Program ScheduleJune 5: Ice Cream Social of 1858

Sept. 18: Archeological Awareness Nov. 6: Harvest Time in 1858

Refer to Landscapes for dates of Living History Open Houses.

McHenry County's cultural history is deeply interwoven with its natural history, making it a fundamental component of the District's mission. Volunteers at programs such as the Festival of the Sugar Maples, Time Travelers Camp, Historical Holidays, Winter on the Frontier, Prairie Pioneers, Life with the Metis, Life in a Wigwam, and the Powers-Walker House Living History programs keep our past alive.

In Richmond, volunteers are leading the effort to restore a second historic Greek Revival style farmhouse owned by the District. The McConnell Farmstead was built in the 1870's and includes farm outbuildings. Individuals with an interest in historical properties, but not inclined to wear a costume, are invited to put their skills to good use restoring this historical farmstead. Volunteer workdays are held once a month on Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Indoor and outdoor projects include painting, decorating, yard work, carpentry and building repair and maintenance.

Ward Brown, Gail Brown, Elise-Marie White, Gus Weinreis, Fred Durrenberg and Denise Mercuri

Phot

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R, Pa

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Gloria Mack

Cultural History


Get to know our Site Stewards at Habitat Restoration Days

New Co-Stewards at Marengo Ridge!Karen Lundell and Kevin Kucharski have teamed up with

long-time site steward Dale Shriver to lead volunteer restoration at Marengo Ridge. Contact Karen at [email protected] or (815) 245-9360 to learn when their next restoration day is planned and then join in!.

Cotton Creek Marsh Island Lake1st & 3rd Sundays, 13 p.m. Mike Bouska (815) 759-0731

Pleasant Valley Woodstock Call for dates. Greg Rajsky (815) 814-5055 [email protected]

Exner Marsh Lake in the HillsCall for dates.Len Bannon (847) 669-1381 [email protected]

Alden Sedge Meadow Alden (Harvard/Hebron area)3rd Sundays 13:30 p.m.Judy and Jack Speer(815) 648-1372 [email protected]

Pioneer Fen JohnsburgCall for dates.Pat Sullivan-Schroyer(815) 347-9005 [email protected]

Dufield Pond Woodstock2nd Saturdays, 9 a.m.12 p.m.Jeff Schumacher (815) 337-9315 [email protected]

The Hollows CaryCall for dates.Margie Szymanskyj (815) 479-0988

Bystricky PrairieWoodstock Call for dates.Anne Basten(815) 338-6223, ext. 1234

Coral Woods Marengo Call for dates.Bonnie Leahy (815) 923-2208

NOT PICTURED:

Lake in the Hills Fen, LITH Call for dates.John Scott, (847) 658-6241

Boger Bog, Bull Valley 4th Saturdays; 10 a.m.1 p.m. Ders Anderson, (815) 455-1537

The inaugural Marengo Ridge restoration day.Karen, Kevin and Dale


Stewardship & Citizen Science

After training in species ID and monitoring protocols, volunteers collect field data that will be submitted to the agency. The goal is to provide quantitative data that allows scientists to evaluate long term population trends in wildlife and plant species. This data will be also be used by land managers to evaluate the success of activities, and may be useful in the detection of climate change. Monitoring offers a flexible schedule and choice of sites.

PLANT MONITORINGPlants of ConcernTraining Workshop: Sat., April 9, 9:30 a.m.3 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park The District partners with the Chicago Botanic Garden to monitor rare plants at District sites. There is a 3-hour seasonal field commitment plus data submission. A training workshop is required for new volunteers. Register for the Glacial Park workshop or find additional dates/locations at plantsofconcern.org.

WHAT IS CITIZEN

SCIENCE?

WILDLIFE MONITORINGIllinois Butterfly Monitoring Network UPDATEDTraining Workshop: Sat., April 2, 9 a.m.Noon Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park To register or monitor at a District site, contact Wildlife Ecologist Cindi Jablonski, [email protected].

Calling Frog SurveyFrog Monitoring Workshop,Thurs., Feb. 17, 79p.m. Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake. Register at MCCDistrict.org or call (815) 479-5779. After training, contact Wildlife Resource Center Manager Sara Denham, (815) 728-8307 or [email protected] to choose your site.

Bluebird Nesting Box MonitorsTraining is provided on an individual basis. Volunteers monitor nesting boxes weekly AprilSept. They must be comfortable walking through tall grass or over uneven ground, and commit to an entire season. Bluebird trails are available this spring at Glacial Park! Contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Illinois Odonate Survey (Dragonfly)Visit www.illinoisodes.org to learn when the next training workshop will be held. To monitor at a District site contact Ecologist Matt Eyles at [email protected].

Bob Williams

Prescribed Fire in Ecological RestorationSat., March 19, 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial ParkCost $40. Register after 2/10/2016 online at MCCDistrict.org or (815) 479-5779. Most Midwest native ecosystems formed under the influence of recurrent fires, making prescribed burning the most important land management tool in ecological restoration. This workshop leads to Chicago Wilderness crew member burn training certification.

Volunteering at...Wildlife Resource CenterThe goal is to keep the wild in wildlife! Volunteers work in close proximity to wildlife but have minimal physical contact. They

are trained to assist staff with the care of captive wildlife, such as: cleaning aviaries, turtle tubs and rodent cages; preparation of food for wildlife; light building and grounds maintenance. Opportunities are available seven days a week. Minimum age 18 with a current tetanus vaccination.

Mike

Reich

ardt

Sara

Den

ham


Stewardship & Citizen Science

18410 U.S. Highway 14 Woodstock, IL 60098815.338.6223 MCCDistrict.org

Vo untee DATES TO REMEMBER details inside!Feb. 20 Last day to report Volunteer hours Feb. 16 Spring Education Quarterly GatheringFeb. 17 Frog Monitor Training Feb. 28 Festival of Sugar Maples Vol. Training Mar. 517 Volunteer at Festival of the Sugar MaplesMar. 12 Final day to R.S.V.P. for Volunteer

Appreciation LuncheonMarch 19 Prescribed Fire Certification Class Mar. 20 Volunteer Appreciation LuncheonApr. 9 Plants of Concern Training Apr. 13 S.W.E.E.P. Season Kick-Off MeetingApr. 18 Earth Day CelebrationApr. 2224 Spring Weekend of RestorationMay 18 Summer Education Quarterly GatheringJune 2426 Summer Weekend of RestorationAug. 23 Seed Collection Orientation Aug. 25 Fall Education QuarterlySept. 2326 Fall Weekend of RestorationNov. 14 Winter Education Quarterly GatheringJan. 1315 Winter 2017 Weekend of Restoration

2016

LOOKING FOR YOUR FLOCK? You'll find it at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on March 20! RSVP by March 12.

Like us, follow us, talk to us, share your photos with us, take a tour:

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volunteer appreciation luncheon

Documents