Welcome to Pleasant Valley
Bring Your Own Pen
Pleasant Valley expands 2,080 acres and is a mosaic of natural areas. 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.
Because of its unique history, the lands that make up Pleasant Valley had been relatively protected from any prior urban development. The Conservation District’s restoration efforts focused on reversing agricultural practices. Fields were re-seeded with prairie plants and fence lines were torn down. Invasive exotic species and brush were removed through mowing, spot-spraying of herbicide, and controlled prescription burns.
Restoration work also included returning the natural hydrology to a 150-acre wetland complex which involved removing a drainage ditch, farm tiles and a berm. The water now flows more naturally over the ground. As a result, the shallow marsh, sedge meadow and wet-prairie complex created a wetland rookery that attracts numerous visiting herons, cranes, terns, rails and blue-winged teals. Restoration of the functional, structural and compositional components of the landscape complements the habitat requirements for native animal species.
Cache Your Way Question
This snake feeds primarily on small mammals such as mice, shrews and voles. They detect prey thru vibrations in the ground and their strong sense of smell. They hibernate in underwater burrows where they enter a state of suspended animation.
What is this species of snake that has been completely removed from McHenry County?
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.