Greetings:

Our first lichens field trip this year will be held Sunday, May 22, at Glacial Park in McHenry County, Illinois.  We will meet at 10:00 a.m. and roam the park until 2:00 p.m. or so.

 

Glacial Park is a large (2,000+ acres) conservation area owned by the McHenry County Conservation District; it contains a rich variety of plant communities (e.g., oak savanna, restored prairie, marsh, bog) and some interesting land forms, including the well-known Camelback Kames that rise high above the surrounding landscape and overlook Nippersink Creek.

 

McHenry County is amongst the northernmost counties in Illinois, in between Lake County and Boone County.  Illinois Route 120 is a major east-west corridor through the center of the county; Illinois Route 31 is a prominent north-south route that follows the Fox River southward.  Routes 120 and 31 intersect in the city of McHenry (in fact, they run together for a stretch of a few blocks).  From that Intersection (120 is Elm Street and Rte 31 is Richmond Road), go north on Rte 31.  Six miles north of Elm (Rte 120) on Rte 31 you will come to Harts Road (and a sign that says Glacial Park).  Turn left (west) on Harts Road and go almost one mile to the end of the long straightaway.  Follow the signs toward the Wiedrich Barn, visible just ahead of you on the right.  Park there; it is the main parking lot for Glacial Park.

 

Remember to bring water, perhaps food; dress for the weather and be prepared to have fun.  I look forward to meeting you (or seeing you again).

 

Happy trails,

~Greg Rajsky

 

mobile:  815-814-5055