History
Originally purchased by the Jerome family in 1836, it was later sold off in smaller parcels. The families divided the oak groves that once existed into 10-acre woodlot parcels and harvested wood for fuel for cooking and heating their homes. During WWI, walnut trees were cut down and to be used for gun stock but were never used. The open fields in the center of the site were cleared using teams of horses by one of the purchasing families. In 1942, 8 acres was preserved as one of the earliest wildlife conservation demonstration areas in Illinois.
Present Day
The District purchased 155 acres in 1974 and expanded the site. Today, this 726 acre site and contains a mix of upland forest, oak and hickory woodlands, wetlands and sedge meadows. Home to a 1-mile section of the 12.5 miles Rush Creek, this site also offers fishing at a 4 acre man made pond. Completed in 2005, extensive restoration work improved water quality and fish habitat in the pond and creek. Many shallow, ephemeral ponds exist along the trails, providing crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife during the spring and early summer months. The trail weaves mostly thru the woodlands but periodically opens up to sedge meadows and grasslands.
GeoSeries Question
What is one of the many types of flowers that can be found in this "secret meadow"?
To learn how to participate in the GeoSeries and earn a special District geocoin visit MCCDistrict.org/Geocache
Geocachers
Please join us in playing! Geocaching is a high-tech “treasure hunting” game played throughout the world by adventure seeker. All are welcome who observe and obey the rules.
- Please do not move or vandalize the container.
- Once you find it, log your name in the book, take a trinket and leave one of your own behind for the next person.
- Replace the cache in the same spot that you found it, and make sure it is completely covered.
- Please do not remove the informational card from the containers, this is an essential game piece for cachers completing the GeoSeries.
- The real treasure is finding the container and sharing your thoughts with everyone who finds it.
For a complete list of rules and instructions on how to earn a special district geocoin visit MCCDistrict.org/Geocache
Email geocaching@MCCDistrict.org with any questions or concerns
McHenry County Conservation District Information
Visit our website at MCCDistrict.org or call (815) 338-6223
Photo Release
5/20/2021 Photos posted here may be featured on the McHenry County Conservation District's various social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, and twitter, as well as our website (MCCDistrict.org) and print material such as Landscapes Magazine. By posting photos to this log you agree to allow us to share your work. Photographers will be acknowledged in any shares or posts of photos, so please include your name in your post if it is different from that of your username.