Welcome to Elizabeth Lake
Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archeological Site is a large, diverse wetland community composed of every different stage of high-quality wetland, including: graminoid fens, calcareous floating mats, graminoid bogs, marshes, low gradient creek, pond, lake, sedge meadow, wet prairie and dry Mesic savanna. The Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) identified Lake Elizabeth as the highest quality lake ecosystem remaining in McHenry County and one of the highest in Illinois.
About the Site
Because of its wide range of habitats, Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site has 29 species of native fish, at least 200 species of plant life, 55 species of birds, 15-20 butterfly species, and 20 state threatened and endangered species including Iowa darters, pugnose shiners, ospreys and black terns. Several different kinds of wildlife can be spotted, including white-tailed deer, raccoon, rabbit, muskrat, woodchuck, beaver, marsh wren, sora rail, green frog, smooth green snake and other small animals. The diverse wetlands are important for amphibian breeding and provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl, migrating birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. A small woodland area exists on the south western portion of the preserve.
History
Archaeologists believe that small groups of Indians settled in temporary hunting camps on the land during warmer months of the year from as early as 12,000 B.C. – 1700 A.D. Artifacts such as arrowheads and pottery were found on the site during archaeological studies in 1974, 1994 and 2000.
Mary Ray, a native of England came to America in 1833 at age 17 and resided in what was to become known as “English Prairie” in Northern McHenry County. In 1837 she married Jonathan Ineson, also an early settler and had eight children in all, including the first set of twins born on the prairie. The girls were baptized Mary and Elizabeth. Both lakes were named after these girls, Lake Mary in Wisconsin and Lake Elizabeth, which extends from Wisconsin into Illinois.
Recent history suggests that the land was farmed before it was purchased by Richmond Hunt Club and used for recreational hunting, fishing and boating. McHenry County Conservation District purchased 120 acres with the help of the Nature Conservancy in 1981 and added parcels to the site in the years following.
Cache Your Way Question
White nose syndrome is a disease caused by a fungus that affects hibernating bats. It is considered to be one of the worst wildlife diseases in modern times, having killed millions of bats across North America. What bat used to be very common in McHenry County has had their numbers drastically decline due to White nose syndrome?
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.