Welcome to Fel Pro
Pleasant Valley expands 2,080 acres and is a mosaic of natural areas. A high-quality oak savanna, a grade ‘A’ stream, a never plowed wetland and an impressive prairie ecosystem creates one of the most biologically diverse, stunningly beautiful, and locally accessible sites in the county.
About the Site
In the mid-1800’s Irish immigrants settled the land and established agricultural farms to support their families. In 1952, the Chicago Congregational Union purchased the land and converted it into a summer camp and retreat center for inner city youth and called it Pleasant Valley Farm, which later became known as Pleasant Valley Outdoor Center. For over forty years, thousands of city children ventured into the “wilds” of McHenry County to work and learn in a rural setting.
The center remained in operation for 46 years, closing in 1998. In 1994, the Conservation District purchased 109 acres of the Pleasant Valley property. Over the following 10 years, the District made several other adjacent land acquisitions and restoration efforts began in 1997.
Big Woods
Did you know you can donate native trees and shrubs to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a special occasion or to help restore the oak savannas and woodlands of McHenry County?
Just over one-third of the County’s land mass or approximately 143,000 acres was covered by some type of oak ecosystem in 1837. Today, less than 18,000 acres remain—an oak loss of over 87%, according to The Oaks of McHenry County.
With your help, the Conservation District will purchase native trees and shrubs and plant them each fall on District sites that were historically wooded. Through this program, we plan to restore and recreate the “big woods” of McHenry County.
The long term plan includes restoring and reconnecting hundreds of acres of oak savannas and woodlands on McHenry County Conservation District sites! Donations from conservation-minded individuals, youth clubs, organizations, small businesses, and corporations can make this vision a reality. We are grateful for your support of our treasured oak savannas and woodlands.
Please note: The location where trees and shrubs will be planted cannot be specified. Each year this will depend on areas of greatest need across the county. Your donations of $50 will purchase and plant 2 native shrubs and/or trees.
http://www.mccdistrict.org/rccms/big-woods-tree-donation/
Cache Your Way Question
Approximately how many trees to date (May 3, 2018) have been donated?
About the Hide
General basic hide. You can get to it while still on the trail – if you feel you need to leave the trail to get to it, you are not in the right place!
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 for camping/shelters ext 1211, 815-479-5779 for educational programs or 815-678-4532 for the Lost Valley Visitor Center