Welcome to Nippersink Canoe Base
Situated along the southern banks of Nippersink Creek, the 377-acre conservation site is home to a variety of natural communities including savanna and woodland, marsh, fen and sedge meadow. The creek and its wetlands support a thriving diversity of fish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. Water fowl and other wading birds can be seen along the shorelines in addition to a myriad of native wetland plants and prairie wildflowers.
Once overgrown and choked by invasive brush, Nippersink Canoe Base now boasts a gallant oak and hickory grove where sun dapples the woodland floor. A small shelter provides a brief respite and lunch spot after a morning canoe ride, while a creekside fire pit and a short looped nature trails offers visitors additional ways to enjoy the scenic site.
History
In 1976, the District purchased 71 acres for its strategic location at the confluence of Nippersink Creek and the Fox River and opened the site shortly afterward. The site provided paddlers will a put in/pull out location. In 2006, the Conservation District purchased the 113-acre from the Kattner family who farmed the area since 1950. Shortly following, the District began an extensive restoration on the 113-acre site to restore the hydrology to the wetlands and to adjoin uplands to a diverse wetland complex. The former fens, marshes and sedge meadows surrounding the stream were ditched in the early 20th century to allow for agricultural fields. Thereby, sub-surface tile fields had to be removed, 8,300 feet of ditch were filled, 500 feet of severely eroded stream bank underwent stabilization to create a more natural slope, 35 acres of exotic species were removed, and a diverse mix of native prairie/wetland were planted to reduce erosion into the newly re-created wetlands and stream while providing improved cover for native wildlife.
Cache Your Way Question
Mammals come in all shapes and sizes. From the tiny chipmunk to the larger white-tailed deer, what is historically the largest mammal in Illinois?
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.