Welcome to the Hollows
Visitors can trek on over 6 miles of looped nature trails or cross-country ski on two miles of groomed trails in the winter. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a picnic at a picnic table or one of the 2 shelters. Pitch a tent, gather around a campfire and enjoy a starry night in the group campground area. Fish in the clear, deep waters of Lake Atwood (22 acres), Little Atwood Lake (2.5 acres) or West Lake (12 acres). Launch a canoe, kayak or electric motorized rowboat and take a spin around Lake Atwood.
Restoration
The Hollows is an example of a site that is in an ecological state of flux. Native species are doing their best to thrive in an environment that has felt numerous human pressures over the years ranging from agricultural uses to extensive gravel mining. Little by little pockets of native plants are thriving and are a testament to their own success story.
The change on the landscape is gradual, but eventually insects, birds, reptiles and other native species begin to thrive. Today, the struggling but surviving prairie communities at The Hollows vary from dry sand prairies and gravel hills to more poorly drained wet prairies
Cache Your Way Question
Ophidiophobia is the abnormal fear of snakes. It is one of the most common phobias in the world. A large number of researchers believe the phobia may be evolutionary, developed by our ancestors as a survival mechanism. While not genetically passed on, it is often passed down from adults to children. Children do not naturally fear snakes unless some traumatic event occurs and the behavior is learned from how adults react.
Why should humans fear snakes in McHenry County?
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.