Welcome to North Branch
Tucked away in the in the extreme northeastern part of McHenry County lies 521 acres of preserved open space known as North Branch Conservation Area. Due to its biologically rich ecosystems, like the 125-acre wetland complex, 282-acre Genoa City Wetlands and Barrens, a Bur oak dominated savanna, and a 1.5 mile section of the North Branch of Nippersink Creek, the site is teeming with wildlife and an excellent place to view grassland birds.
In addition to the the high quality natural areas that exist within the site, a key element of the site was the ability to provide a 1.75- mile trail connection from the Prairie Trail to the Hebron Trail, a long sought after link for the Grand Illinois Trail System. With asssistance from an IDNR Recreational Trails Program Grant totaling $304,000, the site and trail opened in 2008. Visitors can hike or bike the trail and enjoy an outdoor lunch at the picnic tables located off the parking area. Long Distance cyclists can call ahead and make a reservation to camp overnight in the field.
Ecologically Diverse
The lowland graminoid fen, sedge meadow and marsh communities provide a haven for over 80 different species of grassland songbirds, ducks, hawks and shorebirds, including the state endangered yellow headed blackbird and black tern. Twenty-one species of butterflies also flutter in the woodlands, meadows and savanna amongst an abundance of wildflowers.
Due to its clear, spring fed water and continuous sand and gravel bottom, Nippersink Creek supports more mussel species than any other Northeastern Illinois creek, including 11 state endangered or threatened species. In addition, 30 different native fish species swim in its clear waters including eight pollution intolerant species like the state endangered pugnose shiner and blacknose shiner. These existing wetland and marsh areas also provide habitat for chorus frogs, leopard frogs, salamanders, Blanding’s turtles and northern water snakes.
History
Historic records document that in 1836, William Alexander McConnell left Muncy, Pennsylvania to settle in Illinois. He arrived at an intriguing clearing on the banks of the North Branch of Nippersink Creek and spent his first night at the base of an oak tree. McConnell must have liked what he saw because he made claim to 480 acres in the southeastern quarter, and became the first documented settler of Richmond Township. His claim for his land was staked in 1837 from the newly formed McHenry County.
In 1999, the Conservation District began protection of the biologically and historically rich area. Over time, three additional parcels were acquired, contiguous to the first. North Branch Conservation Area opened to the public in July of 2008.
Cache Your Way Question
Where can you share a photo of a bumblebee you found in nature?
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
5/3/2024 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.