What Mchenry County Conservation District does

McHenry County Conservation District is a special-purpose local government entity established in 1971 under the Illinois Conservation District Act of 1963 via a county-wide referendum. The District owns or manages over 25,800 acres of open space across 35 public sites within McHenry County, Illinois, providing wildlife habitat preservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Its service portfolio includes 106 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of biking trails, 40 miles of horse trails, 25 fishing areas, 6 campgrounds, 6 canoe launches, 18 picnic areas, and 17 dedicated State Nature Preserves, supported by LEED Gold-certified visitor centers (Lost Valley, Prairieview) and a Wildlife Resource Center for captive rearing and reintroduction of species such as Blanding's turtle and smooth green snake. Core technology infrastructure comprises a GIS-based land management system, over 3,900 digitized biological inventories spanning 35+ years, and a native plant nursery with seed processing capability.

The District serves McHenry County residents, K-12 schools, summer camp participants, conservation volunteers across 27 volunteer areas, and corporate partners through a hybrid direct-to-public service model. Programs include school field trips (12,000+ participants at 621 programs annually), summer camps, public programs, facility rentals, and special events such as Festival of the Sugar Maples and First Friday Concerts. Content channels include a quarterly Landscapes magazine (20,000+ distribution), social media presence, and the Discover Your District e-newsletter.

Revenue is derived primarily from a property tax levy capped at 1/10th of one percent of county assessed valuation, expanded via a voter-approved November 2024 proposition (50.28% pass rate), with supplemental funding from state and federal grants, program and facility fees (campgrounds, picnic shelters, photography/film/wedding permits), ordinance violation fines, and sponsorships/donations through the McHenry County Conservation Foundation (501(c)(3) chartered 1999). Governance is provided by a seven-member volunteer Board of Trustees appointed by the County Board Chairman, serving five-year terms without compensation. The District is led by Executive Director Elizabeth Kessler (since 2006) and operates with 101-250 employees across headquarters in Woodstock and visitor center facilities in Ringwood and Crystal Lake.

Name

Mchenry County Conservation District

Legal name

McHenry County Conservation District

Website

https://mccdistrict.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

McHenry County Conservation District is a 1971 Illinois special-purpose government entity managing over 25,800 acres across 35 public sites, providing wildlife habitat preservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation to McHenry County residents through tax levy funding and program fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Land Conservation & Recreation

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Historical Sites (712120)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH), Wildlife, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Administration (BPAIAMAG), Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release Centers (Public Viewing/Education) (THAAAFAC)

Keywords

• Public land management
• Conservation district services
• Environmental education programs
• Outdoor recreation facilities
• Habitat restoration services

Headquarters

HQ city

Woodstock

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Levy: Annual tax levy not exceeding 1/10th of one percent of the assessed valuation of the county, based upon a duly adopted budget and appropriation ordinance with public hearing
2. Voter-Approved Proposition (2024): November 2024 voter-approved proposition to increase the limiting rate to protect water quality, preserve wildlife habitat and increase outdoor recreation access. Passed with 50.28% of vote
3. State and Federal Grants: Supplemental funding through state and federal open space or recreational grants. In 2010, District awarded nearly $3 million in grants for framework long range planning
4. Program and Facility Fees: Fees for educational programs, summer camps, facility reservations (campgrounds, picnic shelters), special use permits, photography/film permits, and wedding permits
5. Ordinance Violation Fines: Fines collected for ordinance violations with late fees escalating after 30 days ($20) and 60 days ($40)
6. Sponsorships and Donations: Corporate sponsorships for events, advertising agreements, and donations through McHenry County Conservation Foundation

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

McHenry County Conservation District is a government special district that preserves open space and provides environmental education and outdoor recreation across 25,800+ acres of conservation land. It operates 35 public sites featuring 106+ miles of hiking trails, 45+ miles of biking trails, 40+ miles of horse trails, six campgrounds, six canoe launches, and 17 dedicated State Nature Preserves. It delivers educational programming (school field trips, summer camps, public programs), publishes the quarterly Landscapes magazine, runs visitor and education centers, and oversees habitat restoration, wildlife reintroduction (Blanding's turtle, smooth green snake), and volunteer stewardship across McHenry County, Illinois.

Product overview

McHenry County Conservation District operates a multi-faceted conservation and recreation organization managing 25,800+ acres of open space across 35 sites. The District's portfolio includes visitor facilities (Lost Valley Visitor Center, Prairieview Education Center, Wildlife Resource Center), educational programs (school field trips, summer camps, FOX Club families program), volunteer stewardship initiatives (Weekend of Restoration, habitat restoration days, prescribed burn crews), and recreational amenities (106 miles of hiking trails, camping, fishing, canoeing). The District publishes the quarterly Landscapes magazine and hosts annual special events. The organization functions as a government special district focused on land preservation, ecological restoration, environmental education, and outdoor recreation access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Landscapes Magazine: The District's quarterly magazine featuring conservation news, wildlife information, program guides, and outdoor recreation opportunities for McHenry County residents.

Products and services

• Lost Valley Visitor Center A LEED Gold certified visitor center in Glacial Park that promotes sound environmental practices, natural history exploration, and natural resource study. Houses the Research Field Station and serves as the District's primary visitor hub.
• Prairieview Education Center An educational facility in Crystal Lake offering nature and cultural history programs and classes for the general public, community organizations, and schools.
• Wildlife Resource Center A facility focused on environmental education, captive rearing and reintroduction of selected wildlife species, and rehabilitation of species of conservation concern including Blanding's turtle (Illinois state endangered) and smooth green snake.
• Landscapes Magazine A quarterly 40-page color magazine published by the District covering conservation news, wildlife information, program guides, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Distributed in print to 20,000+ McHenry County households and digitally via Calameo.
• Summer Camps Seasonal youth outdoor programs offering children immersive nature experiences through various camp sessions at District conservation areas.
• School Programs & Field Studies Curriculum-aligned educational programs developed and delivered for K-12 schools, preschools, and community organizations, including classroom outreach, field trips, and youth group programs. Hosts over 12,000 participants at 621 programs annually.
• Conservation Areas & Trails 35 public conservation sites providing 106+ miles of hiking trails, 45+ miles of biking trails, 40+ miles of horse trails, 25 fishing areas, 6 campgrounds, 6 canoe launches, and 18 picnic areas. Includes 17 dedicated State Nature Preserves across McHenry County.
• Weekend of Restoration Program A volunteer-based ecological restoration initiative launched in 2011 engaging citizens in habitat restoration activities across District lands, overseeing restoration of over 4,000 acres including Glacial Park in Region 1.
• FOX Club for Families A family-oriented program encouraging outdoor exploration and nature discovery through guided activities and adventures, supporting the Leave No Child Inside initiative.
• Special Events Annual community events including Festival of the Sugar Maples, First Friday Concerts, Candlelight Ski-Hikes, PrairieFest, Great Outdoor Beer Trail, Find Your Wild Summer Challenge, and Nature at Night celebrations.
• Volunteer Program Comprehensive volunteer engagement program spanning 27 areas including environmental education, habitat restoration days, prescribed burn crew, historical interpretation, wildlife monitoring, and stewardship activities at District sites.
• Facility Reservations & Permits Online reservation and permit system covering campgrounds, picnic areas and shelters, wedding permits, photography/film permits, special use permits, and school use permits at District sites.

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% of survey respondents were 'very to completely satisfied' with their McHenry County Conservation District experiences
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ruhter BisoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area for bison grazing program supporting grassland bird habitat. Received Best of the Best Partnership Award from Illinois Association of Park Districts.
• St. Charles Park DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Interagency cooperation for seed sharing initiatives. Received IAPD Intergovernmental Award.
• Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Interagency cooperation for seed sharing initiatives. Received IAPD Intergovernmental Award.
• Forest Preserve District of Kane County (FPDK)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Interagency cooperation for seed sharing initiatives. Received IAPD Intergovernmental Award.
• Illinois Clean Energy Community FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership for purchase of 160 acres at former Camp Lakota, one of the last remaining high-quality natural areas in McHenry County. Awarded Best of the Best Partnership Award from Illinois Association of Park Districts.
• Illinois Audubon SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership for purchase of 160 acres at former Camp Lakota. Awarded Best of the Best Partnership Award from Illinois Association of Park Districts.
• US Army Corps of EngineerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership for 'Banking on Nature - The Nippersink 206 Project'. Awarded Best of the Best Intergovernmental Collaboration Award from Illinois Association of Park Districts.
• Equestrian Coalition of McHenry CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership for equestrian trail development and funding. Awarded Best of the Best Partnership Award from Illinois Association of Park Districts for 4.5-mile multi-use trail.
• Friends of HackmatackminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Conservation partnership recognized with Protectors of the Environment Single Act Group Award from Chicago Audubon Society.
• Upland Design, LTDcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2016Lead consultant for Forward to 2040 Comprehensive Conservation Plan with team including experts from aQuity Research, Engineering Resource Associates, Dewberry, Vetter Consulting Enterprises LLC, and 110%.
• US Fish and Wildlife Service (Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014District played key leadership role on Interagency Planning Coordination Team for establishment of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Illinois and Wisconsin. Received Intergovernmental Cooperation Award from Illinois Association of Park Districts and Partner in Conservation Award from US Department of the Interior.
• McHenry County CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Partnership to develop first-of-its-kind Ecological Certificate Program providing volunteers and private citizens with college-level courses on all aspects of ecological restoration.
• McHenry County Conservation FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1999 that raises funds to support District's mission. Executive Director Shawna Flavell leads fundraising efforts including sponsorships and donations.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lake County Forest Preserves: Lake County IL forest preserve district operating 31,000+ acres of preserved land with similar mix of trails, nature education, wildlife habitat programs, and conservation referendum funding model.
• Forest Preserve District of DuPage County: Adjacent Illinois county-level forest preserve district with comparable mandate, structure, recreational amenities (trails, education centers, volunteer programs), and funding model via property tax levy.
• Forest Preserve District of Will County: Another Illinois forest preserve district with comparable acreage scale (~22,000 acres), recreation amenities, and environmental education programming under the same Illinois Conservation District Act framework.
• Forest Preserve District of Kane County: Neighboring Illinois forest preserve district and existing MCCD partner (seed sharing initiative). Operates with the same Illinois Conservation District-style governance structure and similar visitor facilities.
• Forest Preserve District of Cook County: Illinois special-purpose district managing 70,000+ acres of forest preserves with similar taxing authority, environmental education programs, and visitor amenities. Closest structural analog to MCCD operating at much larger scale.

Regional players

• Openlands: Chicago-region land conservation nonprofit focused on preserving open spaces; collaborates with county-level conservation districts across northeastern Illinois on acquisitions and policy advocacy.

Emerging players

• Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo: Regional wildlife-focused institution in the Chicago metro area with overlapping conservation education, wildlife reintroduction (Blanding's turtle), and habitat preservation work; a peer in mission overlap though not governance model.
• McHenry County Audubon Society: Local nonprofit conservation partner focused on bird habitat and land acquisition in McHenry County; complementary rather than competitive — collaborates with MCCD on the Camp Lakota acquisition and Hackmatack Refuge.

Others

• Trust for Public Land (Midwest): National land conservation nonprofit that has awarded MCCD the County Leadership in Conservation Award; operates as a complementary facilitator of conservation land acquisition and funding mechanisms.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (Illinois): National nonprofit operating at scale across Illinois on similar conservation priorities (habitat protection, restoration) but using private philanthropy and land trusts rather than public tax authority.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DiscoverMCCD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/DiscoverMCCD
• Facebookfacebook.com/DiscoverMCCD
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mchenry-county-conservation-district
• Instagraminstagram.com/discovermccd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mchenry County Conservation District