The Friends of Moraine Hills State Park
Check out this new sign at the McHenry Dam trail head!
Friends of Moraine Hills State Park receives $15,000 Grant
Friends of Moraine Hills State Park is pleased to be the recipient of a $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation for McHenry County in 2021/2022! An an additional $5,000 was granted by McHenry County Audubon and combined with contribution from our general funds donated by our members. These funds are being used to support habitat restoration for shrubland and woodland birds at McHenry Dam State Park, and will directly help us provide habitat for several species of concern, including the brown thrasher, yellow-billed cuckoo and red-headed woodpecker. The project will also enhance views of Black Tern Marsh from two overlooks and contribute to safety of trail users through better site-lines. The plant species selection was coordinated by IDNR Heritage Biologist and other park staff. Students from Benet Academy in Lisle and Warren Township High School in Gurnee planted the 200 native shrubs in April 2022.
Receiving the grant - left to right are District Heritage Biologist Melissa Grycan, board member Dave Albright, Park Superintendent Jake Shurpit, Natural Resources Education Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki, and board members Steve Domski, Sharon Lane, and John Chuey.
Join us for Hike or Nature Program!
From Bird Walks and Walks with a Naturalist to Bike or Canoe/Kayak tours, we strive to support programming at our favorite State Park. Check out the completed Osprey Meadow Interpretive Overlook with its beautiful interpretive panels! After you impress friends and family with your newfound knowledge, like it on our Facebook page, and/or leave a comment. Check the Calendar, Events and Programs tab for program times and dates. You can find Wildflower Walks, Insect Safaris, Fall Color Walks, and more.
Click here for Bird Walk info.
Click here for the Walk, Bike or Kayak/Canoe With a Naturalist programs.
Click here for Wildflower Walks and Insect Safaris.
Click Here for Run for the Hills.
Registration for most programs is through our Volo Bog office by calling 815-344-1294 or emailing us at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. Also email to ask for the most up-to-date schedule.
Check out our video about our amazing state park! Click here to watch it; you'll want to visit soon!
The purpose of The Friends of Moraine Hills State Park is to preserve the local natural heritage and promote citizen awareness of Moraine Hills State Park. This is done through special events, educational and training programs, and acquisitions of properties. Because portions of the Park are dedicated state nature preserves, the Friends also assist in taking steps necessary to insure the continued care and preservation of the Park as a natural site.
Board Meetings are open to the public and held at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month in the Volo Bog SNA Visitor Center.
Email FriendsofMoraineHills@gmail.com for more info.
©2022 by Friends of Moraine Hills State Park
