Welcome to Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley expands 2,080 acres and is a mosaic of natural areas. In addition to viewing native wildlife and plants, visitors can explore over five miles of hiking and nature trails, gather at the natural amphitheater, go fishing at the small two-acre pond, reserve one of the two picnic shelters for a larger group gathering, and even cross-country ski the solar lit trail in the winter.
Within its borders exist a high-quality oak savanna, a grade ‘A’ stream, a never before plowed wetland and an impressive prairie ecosystem. This special combination of habitats creates one of the most biologically diverse, stunningly beautiful, and locally accessible sites in the county. Pleasant Valley is also home to a variety animal species, including hawks, turtles, salamanders, fox, deer and numerous warblers. In addition, 274 native plant species, 13 of which are rare, thrive in this environment.
Pleasant Valley is the District's second largest site and is the largest property in McHenry County with no bisecting roads. Originally formed by glaciers, this site is a combination of wetland, prairie, and magnificent oak woodlands all at one site. The Conservation District made its first purchase at the Pleasant Valley Conservation Area in 1994. The initial purchase was a 110 acre parcel, followed by 13 additional purchases, contiguous to the first, totaling 2,079 acres.
Cache Your Way Question
If we grew as quickly as Monarch caterpillars, we would be as big as the ________________
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
5/12/2025 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.