Walk With a Naturalist:  Ages 5 and up. Walks are limited to 10 people, including the leader. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows.

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Ever wonder what that animal call was, or which bird flew past? What's the name of that beautiful flower with the spring-loaded seed pods? And how much food can chipmunks cram in those cheeks? What about those animal tracks in the snow? Our naturalists can fill you in about the crazy, fantastic, weird and amazing natural world we live in as we walk along the trails. Fall and winter walks are usually turn-around hikes (out & back) for 60-90 minutes. From April through early fall, we can be on an adventure from 10:00-12:00.  If it's hot, we'll finish earlier. Remember to dress for the weather. Other items to keep you comfortable are sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, water, comfy shoes, and bug spray. Hike times begin at 10:00 a.m. Let's go!

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Upcoming date(s) and parking locations are: 

 

  Thursday, Apr 18, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

  Thursday, Apr 25, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

  Thursday, May 9, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

  Monday, May 13, Moraine Hills S.P., Northern Woods

  Thursday, May 16, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

  Monday, May 27, Moraine Hills S.P., Oak Opening

  Thursday, Jun 6, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

  Thursday, Jun 20, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

  Monday, Jun 24, Moraine Hills S.P., Pike Marsh

  Monday, Jul 8, Moraine Hills S.P., Pine Hills

  Thursday, Jul 11, McHenry Dam (park at the far south end of the lot)

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Watch this space for future dates!

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Bike with a Naturalist: Ages 10 and up. Limit 12 riders

Strap on your helmet and join our naturalist Mary for a spin around the 3.2 mile Leatherleaf Bog loop trail! Meet at the Northern Woods parking area by the playground. We'll stop along the way at points of interest. Helmets are required to wear for the entire ride. Dress for the weather, bring water, & make sure your bike is in good working condition. 

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Upcoming date(s) are: 

 

Check back here for dates next year!

  

Canoe/Kayak with a Naturalist: Ages 16 and up; limit eight boats 

 

Meet naturalist Mary at the Park Office lot. We'll explore the aquatic realm of Lake Defiance - a high quality glacial lake! This lake harbors more than meets the eye, from carnivorous bladderwort plants to diving beetles, turtles, frogs & fish. Life vests are required to be WORN for the entirety of the adventure. Meet and unload your boat at the Park Office parking lot.*

Bring your own boat, and be proficient in its use. Life jackets must be worn for the entire program.

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Upcoming date(s) are: 

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Check back here for dates next year!

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*If the lot is full, you can unload your boat at the office, zip over to the neighboring Lake Defiance parking lot to park your vehicle, and walk back to us within 5 minutes.

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To register for these programs, please contact us at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or call 815-344-1294.