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X-WR-CALNAME:Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mcdef.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250729T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250803T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250618T211130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T211211Z
UID:4749-1753790400-1754251200@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:County Fair
DESCRIPTION:Come join us at the County Fair!\n\n\n\nThe McHenry County Fair will soon be here from July 29 – August 3. The Defenders have a great spot this year to share our message with the public in Building C with several tables of displays and air conditioning! We need your help to spread our environmental message to residents. This is the best opportunity to reach families in the community. Please sign up for as many slots as you are interested in.\n\n\n\nVolunteers are responsible for entrance to the fair: The Fair is not offering free tickets. The cost of a weekly pass is $30\, a one day adult ticket is $10\, but for seniors 60+ a one day ticket is only $5.\n\n\nhttps://signup.com/go/UXwapHo
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/county-fair/
LOCATION:McHenry County Fairgrounds\, 12015 Country Club Rd\, Woodstock\, IL\, 60098\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CountyFair-e1750280909241.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250801T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250801T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250710T173224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T173224Z
UID:4817-1754074800-1754080200@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:MCCD's First Fridays Concerts - Defenders Meetup!
DESCRIPTION:Join our Defenders Meetup at MCCD’s First Fridays Concerts! Enjoy music\, meet members\, & learn about the Defenders.     \n  \n\n\n\nJoin us on the first Friday of each month this summer for an evening of music under the oaks! Bring a picnic dinner\, enjoy the beautiful view and stay for a free concert from talented\, regional musicians.\n\n\nSeating is first-come\, first-serve.\n\nFind us at our yellow tablecloth! \n\n\n\n Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio\, Glacial Park\n 7-8:30 PM\n July 11\, August 1\, and September 5\n\n FREE & All Ages \n\n\n\nInvite your friends and we will see you there!
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/mccds-first-fridays-concerts-defenders-meetup-2/
LOCATION:Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio\, Glacial
CATEGORIES:Community Outreach,Member Events,Outings,Young Advocates
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MCCD-Concerts-EDMC-Flyer-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250805T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250805T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250709T213400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T213424Z
UID:4796-1754415000-1754424000@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Teachers' Night Out with MCSEEP
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, August 5th 5:30 – 8:00pm at The Green Read\, 61 N. Williams St.\, Crystal Lake \n\nLearn about McHenry County Schools Environmental\nEducation Programs (MCSEEP) for K-8 teachers\nShop for books for yourself (or your classroom!)\nChoose a free book from our cart for every $25 spent\nHands-on activities available to see & do\nRefreshments\n\nSponsored by MCSEEP. For more information contact Pam King at mcseepdirector@gmail.com
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/teachers-night-out-with-mcseep/
LOCATION:The Green Read\, 61 N. Williams\, Crystal Lake\, IL\, 60014
CATEGORIES:Bookstore Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/McSEEP-bookstore-event-flyer-800-x-600-800-x-600-px.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250806T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250806T190000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250728T165708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T184531Z
UID:4955-1754499600-1754506800@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Green Drinks - August
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/green-drinks-august2025/
LOCATION:Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen\, 110 N Main St\, Crystal Lake\, Illinois\, 60014\, United States
CATEGORIES:Green Drinks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/August-Green-Drinks-1x1-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250809T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250809T150000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250709T204121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T235508Z
UID:4777-1754740800-1754751600@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Defenders’ Picnic
DESCRIPTION:Join the Defenders for a nostalgic afternoon of connection\, nature\, and community on Saturday\, August 9th from 12–3 PM at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area in Woodstock! \nThis is more than just a gathering—it’s a chance for members to relax\, reconnect\, and celebrate everything we stand for\, surrounded by the beauty of Pleasant Valley. \nBring a dish to share\, and let’s create a delicious spread together! Please be conscious of plastic foodware and excess packaging waste. Thank you! \nKnow someone who cares about the environment? Bring them along—they might just become our newest member! Please RSVP below. \nRSVP
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/defenders-picnic/
LOCATION:Pleasant Valley Conservation Area\, 13119 Pleasant Valley Rd\, Woodstock\, 60098\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Outreach,Member Events,Outdoor Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DefendersPicnic.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250810T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250810T160000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250709T213657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T213657Z
UID:4800-1754829000-1754841600@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Monarch Family Fun Fair
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/monarch-family-fun-fair/
LOCATION:Crystal Lake Park District
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Monarch-fair-beach-2025jpg-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250815T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250815T150000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250709T204900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T190022Z
UID:4786-1755262800-1755270000@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:BMP Talk and Tour: Successful Natural Areas Management for Homeowner Associations
DESCRIPTION:BMP Talk and Tour: Successful Natural Areas Management for Homeowner Associations \nThis Talk and Tour will provide a first-hand look at successful natural area management at the McAndrews Glen subdivision in Bull Valley.  It will also include a brief visit to the adjacent Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve. \nDennis Dreher\, Geosyntec Consultant and volunteer Nature Preserve steward\, will lead the tour and discuss elements of successful management of 25 acres of natural area in the McAndrews Glen. The subdivision was developed 20 years ago following a conservation design theme with homes clustered within naturalized open space. The natural area\, which includes four detention basins\, was formally designated as a common area in the plat of subdivision and the approved HOA covenants require long-term ecological stewardship of the area. \nThe HOA natural area abuts Boloria Meadows Natural Preserve\, owned by The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. To better protect the Preserve and to enable flexible ecological management\, 6 acres of HOA natural area were placed into a Nature Preserve Buffer that is cooperatively managed by the HOA contractor and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. \nThe natural area is routinely managed by a contractor hired by the HOA. The management approach focuses on control of invasive species and regular controlled burning. While the overall appearance and ecological quality of the natural area has improved significantly over time\, some ongoing issues with invasive species persist. \nThe tour will visit several representative zones in the natural area as well as the adjacent Nature Preserve. Discussion will address several important topics: \n\nThe role of the HOA in funding and overseeing natural area management. (A HOA board member has been invited to participate.)\nConsiderations in hiring and overseeing natural area contractors.\nThe role of local government in approving effective institutional arrangements\, including covenants. (A representative of the Village has been invited to participate.)\nEffective communication with HOA residents.\nSynergies and opportunities of cooperating with The Land Conservancy and other adjacent landowners.\nBenefits of sound natural area management to stormwater and water quality.\nCost savings of natural area management vs. turf grass maintenance.\n\nTo register\, please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/BMPTourSignup. Directions and parking instructions will be sent after you have RSVP’d. These popular Talk and Tour programs showcase Best Management Practices successfully implemented in McHenry County. The programs are a collaborative effort with the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development.
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/bmp-talk-and-tour-successful-natural-areas-management-for-homeowner-associations/
LOCATION:McAndrews Glen Subdivision\, Bull Valley
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Temporary-BMP-image.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250816T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250816T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250709T213758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T185607Z
UID:4804-1755345600-1755374400@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Moss & Marrow Tattoo Fundraiser
DESCRIPTION:Get ready for another Save the Bees tattoo Flash Sale put on by our wonderful business members Moss and Marrow Tattoo in Crystal Lake! 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Defenders! We’ll see you out there!
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/moss-marrow-tattoo-fundraiser/
LOCATION:Moss and Marrow Tattoo Studio
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TattooFundraiser.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20220208T200838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T225442Z
UID:3944-1756026000-1756033200@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Sterne’s Fen Restoration Workday
DESCRIPTION:THE GROUP\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe meet once a month at Sterne’s outdoor pavilion\, 5617 Hillside Dr. from 9-11AM.  Volunteers have a chance to learn about restoration ecology and what makes Sterne’s Fen special.  Please bring a water bottle and a pair of work gloves.  The park district will supply loppers and bow saws.  Invasives like honeysuckle and buckthorn are crowding out the native fen species.  The brush also prevents the use of controlled burns on the fen. Email Brice Alt\, volunteer site steward\, to receive a monthly workday reminder: bricemaieralt@hotmail.com. \n \nTHE PARK \nSterne’s Woods & Fen became an Illinois State Nature Preserve in 1994 to preserve and protect its unique ecology.  A fen is a rare type of wetland in which cold groundwater that is high in calcium and magnesium seeps to the surface.  The unique water chemistry supports plants that grow nowhere else.  Sterne’s Fen is home to at least 10 rare or endangered plant species.  The surrounding parkland acts as a buffer to the fen and includes prairie\, oak savanna\, and flatwood ecosystems.  Every one of those ecosystems can benefit from the efforts of volunteers.  Join us once a month and learn about them! \n \nTHANK YOU \nMuch thanks to the local groups who have volunteered with us at Sterne’s:  the MUDD trail running club\, the Silver and Sleepy Hollow Creeks Watershed Coalition\, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County\, the BREAK\, Jacobs High School Interact\, Crystal Lake South Elementary\, Girl Scout Troop 888\, Cub Scout Pack 156\, and Boy Scout Troops 158 and 368.  We can accommodate community groups!  Just give us a heads-up of how many volunteers to expect. \nNEWS \nA video about Sterne’s Fen: https://youtu.be/DMVPl80PDQ0 \nPark district updates:  https://www.crystallakeparks.org/project-updates#SternesFen\nWho was Ted Sterne?  The Crystal Lake Historical Society article: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h61unofnnnx06kg/Ted%20Sterne%20.pdf?dl=0\nECOLOGIC RESTORATION \nBy volunteering at a Sterne’s workday you’re helping with the ecologic restoration of an exceedingly rare type of habitat. \nTo learn more about restoration ecology\, here’s a quick video: https://youtu.be/VNwQ6cRMTKI \nSterne’s Fen has a management plan: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ekp2nfniddn1d6/1989%20management%20plan.pdf?dl=0
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/sternes-fen-restoration-workday/2025-08-24/
LOCATION:Sternes Woods Park\, 5617 Hillside Rd\, Crystal Lake\, IL\, 60014
CATEGORIES:Work Days and Clean-ups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Group-Garlic-Mustard-Pull_1x1-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T174805
CREATED:20250818T164848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T165118Z
UID:4555-1756026000-1756033200@mcdef.org
SUMMARY:Sterne’s Fen Restoration Workday
DESCRIPTION:THE GROUP\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe meet once a month at Sterne’s outdoor pavilion\, 5617 Hillside Dr. from 9-11AM.  Volunteers have a chance to learn about restoration ecology and what makes Sterne’s Fen special.  Please bring a water bottle and a pair of work gloves.  The park district will supply loppers and bow saws.  Invasives like honeysuckle and buckthorn are crowding out the native fen species.  The brush also prevents the use of controlled burns on the fen. Email Brice Alt\, volunteer site steward\, to receive a monthly workday reminder: bricemaieralt@hotmail.com. \n \nTHE PARK \nSterne’s Woods & Fen became an Illinois State Nature Preserve in 1994 to preserve and protect its unique ecology.  A fen is a rare type of wetland in which cold groundwater that is high in calcium and magnesium seeps to the surface.  The unique water chemistry supports plants that grow nowhere else.  Sterne’s Fen is home to at least 10 rare or endangered plant species.  The surrounding parkland acts as a buffer to the fen and includes prairie\, oak savanna\, and flatwood ecosystems.  Every one of those ecosystems can benefit from the efforts of volunteers.  Join us once a month and learn about them! \n \nTHANK YOU \nMuch thanks to the local groups who have volunteered with us at Sterne’s:  the MUDD trail running club\, the Silver and Sleepy Hollow Creeks Watershed Coalition\, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County\, the BREAK\, Jacobs High School Interact\, Crystal Lake South Elementary\, Girl Scout Troop 888\, Cub Scout Pack 156\, and Boy Scout Troops 158 and 368.  We can accommodate community groups!  Just give us a heads-up of how many volunteers to expect. \nNEWS \nA video about Sterne’s Fen: https://youtu.be/DMVPl80PDQ0 \nPark district updates:  https://www.crystallakeparks.org/project-updates#SternesFen\nWho was Ted Sterne?  The Crystal Lake Historical Society article: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h61unofnnnx06kg/Ted%20Sterne%20.pdf?dl=0\nECOLOGIC RESTORATION \nBy volunteering at a Sterne’s workday you’re helping with the ecologic restoration of an exceedingly rare type of habitat. \nTo learn more about restoration ecology\, here’s a quick video: https://youtu.be/VNwQ6cRMTKI \nSterne’s Fen has a management plan: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ekp2nfniddn1d6/1989%20management%20plan.pdf?dl=0
URL:https://mcdef.org/event/sternes-fen-restoration-workday-4/2025-08-24/
LOCATION:Sternes Woods Park\, 5617 Hillside Rd\, Crystal Lake\, IL\, 60014
CATEGORIES:Work Days and Clean-ups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcdef.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Group-Garlic-Mustard-Pull-scaled.jpg
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