About
Glacial Park has long been considered one of the jewels of the county’s open space holdings, characterized by its rolling prairie, wetlands, delta kames, oak savanna and the Nippersink Creek. It is the District’s most well known conservation area, visited annually by more than 64,000 individuals.
Lost Valley Visitor Center
Located in the geographic center of the park, the Lost Valley Visitor Center opened to the public in 2010. The Lost Valley Visitor Center is a Gold Level Certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building. An exhibit room, drop-in library and research library (by appointment only) is open daily. The facility is also a regional center for study of natural resources, housing the District’s Land Preservation and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Education Staff, the Research Field Station, the District’s ecological databases, resource library and map room, Restoration Internship Program, and the People in Nature Certificate Program. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and the McHenry County Conservation Foundation have offices in the building as well.
Nippersink Creek
In 2000, the Nippersink Creek was re-meandered to restore its natural path, preventing erosion and improving wetland habitats. As a result, this area is home to a variety of wildlife and plant communities.
GeoSeries Question
Restoring the Nippersink Creek to it's natural path allowed silt intolerant (meaning they like clear, non muddy water) to thrive. What type of silt intolerant animals can now be commonly found at the bottom of the creek?
The Hide
This cache may take a little effort to find as there are plenty of places at the coordinates to hide. You can make your hike as long or as short as you want depending on your route! I placed it in and out in probably 30 minutes or less. If you take the long route, it could be an hour but there is another cache hidden that you could find on the way.
Restoration Efforts
In 1973, this site was the first site the Conservation District opened to the public. In 2011, this site underwent noticeable changes as 45 years if invasive species were removed from the site. This restoration restored the high-quality oak woodlands systems, enhanced woodland bird breeding habitat and improved the overall stream quality in Wonder Lake. Regular visitors to the site saw positive changes unfold each season. As a result, the oak and hickory woodland and meandering stream make this a favorite for hikers and cross country skiers alike on 1.7 miles of looped trails.
GeoSeries Question
This site has been maintained by which retiring Ranger? He retired after 21 years of service to the District in 2014!
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.