Events

ECO-RESTORATION IN THE OAK SAVANNA

Upcoming 2026 dates:

Saturday June 20 – 10 AM to 12:30 PM

Saturday July 18 – 10 AM to 12:30 PM

Saturday, August 15 – 10 AM to 12:30 PM

Help restore health to the oak savanna at the Alden Sedge Meadow McHenry County Conservation District site. We will be removing invasive weeds and brush around the oaks and stacking brush piles. It is a great opportunity to increase biodiversity in this rare ecosystem that provides habitat for a multitude of birds, insects and mammals.  A healthy oak savanna also provides storage and filtration of groundwater, carbon sequestration, and many other services.  It’s also good for our mental and physical health to be outside surrounded by natural beauty.

Please wear long pants and long sleeves, sturdy footwear, sunglasses or eye protection and bring a water bottle and work gloves if you have them.  We will have extra gloves, safety equipment and tools.  We will provide snacks.

This site is not open to the public except for these restoration days. Parking is at 15820 IL Route 173, Harvard, IL. Look for the “Small Waters” sign. Please let us know if you intend to come by sending an email

NEIGHBORS HELPING POLLINATORS

This network of volunteers tends native gardens at schools and parks around McHenry County. It is part of the grassroots movement to regenerate biodiversity in the places where we live, learn, work and play.

—Saturday, May 30 from 10 to 11:30 am at Richmond Grade School, 5815 Broadway, Richmond IL

—Saturday, May 30 from 12:30 to 2 pm at Harrison School, 6809 McCullom Lake Rd, Wonder Lake IL

—Tuesday, June 2 from 3:30 to 5 pm at Johnsburg Jr. High School, 2220 W. Church St, Johnsburg, IL

–Tuesday, June 2 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Petersen Park Pollinator Garden, McHenry, IL. 

—Thursday, June 4 from 1 to 2:30 pm at Westwood Elementary School, 12124 W. South St, Woodstock, IL

 

If you plan to attend, please send an email. We will keep in touch in case we have to reschedule due to weather. No matter if you are a newbie or experienced gardener, we welcome all! It’s a great way to learn about native plants and the ecosystems they support.