About the Site
Trails Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can hike or cross-country ski along seven miles of looped nature trails that wind through wide expanses of open prairie, into the savanna, along the wetlands and to the banks of the Fox River. Dogs are welcome on trails on a leash.
Cross-Country and Skate Ski When there are four inches or more of snow, four miles of north end trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, and a 1 . mile, relatively flat, trail loop at the southern end is groomed for skate skiing. A skate ski trail differs from a traditional cross country ski trail by being packed, but not tracked.
Fishing Cast a line into the one-acre pond and test your luck at hooking a bluegill or largemouth bass. The pond is a part of the annual fish-stocking program. All Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations apply.
Bird Watching/Wildlife Viewing The prairie, savanna and wetlands of Silver Creek Conservation Area allow for ample bird-watching pportunities. Watch for year-round residents such as Northern Cardinals, Redbellied Woodpeckers, and Black-capped Chickadees as well as Eastern Bluebirds, Meadowlarks, Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons, and an occasional Bald Eagle.
Picnic Facilities Visitors are welcome to use the patio overlooking the prairie when programs are not in progress. The patio is located just outside the main doors on the second level. A gazebo and small picnic area is also available to the north of the main building, with space for groups of 15 or fewer on a first come, first served basis.
Eastern Screech Owl
f a mysterious trill catches your attention in the night, bear in mind the spooky sound may come from an owl no bigger than a pint glass. These supremely camouflaged birds hide out in nooks and tree crannies through the day, so train your ears and listen for them at night. Eastern Screech-Owls are active at night and are far more often heard than seen—most bird watchers know this species only from its trilling or whinnying song. However, this cavity-roosting owl can be attracted to nest boxes or, if you’re sharp-eyed, spotted in daylight at the entrance to its home in a tree cavity.
Cache Your Way Question
What is the biggest predator of adult Eastern Screech Owls?
About the Hide
Standard hide with a camoed PB container
Geocachers
Please join us in playing! All are welcome who observe and obey the rules. Please do not move or vandalize the container. Please do not remove the informational card from the container, this is an essential game piece for cachers completing the Cache Your Way program. For more information on the program, visit our website www.mccdistrict.org/web/re-geocache.htm or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MCCDGeocaching
District Geocaching Rules
For a complete list of rules, visit our website www.mccdistrict.org/web/re-geocache.htm
McHenry County Conservation District Information
Visit our website at www.mccdistrict.org or call 815-338-6223 for camping/shelters, 815-479-5779 for educational programs or 815-678-4532 for the Lost Valley Visitor Center