Events
Eco Restoration in the Oak Savanna
Upcoming 2026 dates:
Saturday, September 26 – 1 to 3:30 PM
Saturday, October 10 – 1 to 3:30 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. You are invited to join us at these dates and locations:
Monday September 21 from 3:45 to 5 pm at Richmond Grade School, 5815 Broadway, Richmond IL
Wednesday September 23 from 3:45 to 5:15 pm at Johnsburg Jr. High, 2220 W. Church St, Johnsburg IL
Monday September 28 from 5 to 6:30 pm at Petersen Park, Petersen Park Rd and McCullom Lake Rd, McHenry IL (the garden is at the north end of the driveway along the beach)
We will be taking out weeds and harvesting native seed to give away. You can bring home some seed for your own garden too.
Please dress in long pants and long sleeves and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a bottle of water and gardening gloves if you have them. We will supply more gloves, tools and snacks.
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!