Welcome to High Point
Perched in the center of a three-mile radius, High Point Conservation Area boasts the highest glaciated point in Illinois at 1,189’ above sea level. This 253 acre oak and hickory savanna and ephemeral wetland complex mix, located between Reese and Wright Roads in Alden Township, creates attractive habitat for many savanna and declining grassland bird species, such as the bobolink and meadowlark. Fifty-two species of birds, hawks and waterfowl have been spied within its boundaries, including Sandhill Cranes, snipes, wood ducks, killdeer, American woodcock, Baltimore Orioles and barred owls.
Protecting the Land
In 2006, the District purchased 203 acres and in 2007 acquired another 49 acres. Restoration work began immediately removing dense buckthorn, garlic mustard, and box elders, which made for native wildflowers seeds which lay dormant and were awaken on the woodland floor. In July, 2008 staff also sowed 118 acres of former agricultural fields with prairie seed. The area around High Point contains about 70 vernal ponds, hosting one of the highest concentrations of ephemerals wetlands in the Midwest. These spring ponds provide necessary breeding areas for amphibians and reptiles. These ponds cannot support fish because they dry up in the summer; instead they provide critical habitat for frogs and salamanders that need water to reproduce, lay eggs, and grow through the tadpole phase. Without fish to prey on them, these amphibians thrive.
Gracing the woodland floor and restored sedge meadow areas, 108 native plant species thrive including March phlox, Turk’s cap lily, downy gentian, Solomon seal, May apple and wild bergamot, geranium, sweet potato and strawberry.
The appeal to protect this property was enhanced by the amount of dedication by the surrounding landowners to conservation. Since 2004, neighbors have committed half of their 800 private acres, within a five-mile radius, to restoration. Additional, roughly 60 acres of private lands adjacent the site are being permanently protected through conservation easements with the assistance of the Land Conservancy of McHenry County, another 60-acre tract has received a state Land and Water Reserve dedication, and two additional properties have been designated as Illinois State Natural Area Inventory sites. High Point marked the 31st site with improved amenities open for the public to enjoy.
Cache Your Way Question
What are the basic steps to become a volunteer Butterfly Monitor with McHenry County Conservation District?
To learn how to participate in the Cache Your Way Across McHenry County and collect a 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
5/14/25 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.