Welcome to Glacial Park
Glacial Park is McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space holding, characterized by its rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek.
Encompassing 3,432 acres, Glacial Park contains over 490 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species; is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region, and is a part of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
Glacial Park is the Conservation District’s most popular site, visited annually by more than 64,000 guests who hike or horseback along eight miles of trails; fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek at Keystone Landing or Pioneer Road Landing…or bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail that skirts the eastern boundary of the park. In a place where wildlife viewing is plentiful, many spend time birding, picnicking or paddling the glistening waters of Nippersink Creek., a high-quality stream teeming with aquatic life — a place where numerous wetland waders and local wildlife also visit the water’s edge.
Hackmatack
Establishment of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was evaluated through a public involvement process and in an environmental assessment that was completed on May 16, 2012 with a Finding of No Significant Impact by the Service Regional Director. On July 10, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Director authorized proceeding with the establishment of the 11,200-acre Hackmatack NWR. On November 6, 2013 the Hackmatack NWR was formally established through the transfer of a 12-acre conservation easement to the Service. The easement was purchased for the Service by Openlands through a donation from the Friends of Hackmatack and the McHenry County Conservation Foundation. This is the only land currently part of the refuge.
Hackmatack Refuge will contribute to a long-standing vision held by conservation organizations across the Greater Chicago metropolitan area. These partners have worked to identify key lands for conservation, open space, and greenways aimed at providing a way to connect urban and suburban residents with nature. Establishing the refuge provides an anchor for this broad-based conservation and environmental education initiative.
Cache Your Way Question
What rare tree found in bogs that is considered a deciduous conifer the name Hackmatack a reference to?
About the Hide
Basic and straightforward
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 http://www.mccdistrict.org/rccms/geocaching/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CacheYourWayAcrossMcHenryCounty
District Geocaching Rules
For a complete list of rules, visit our website http://www.mccdistrict.org/rccms/geocaching/
McHenry County Conservation District Information
Visit our website at www.mccdistrict.org or call 815-338-6223 ext 1211 for camping