2021 Event cancelled by MCCD for both Fri&Sat-due to weather--
(check again next winter for new schedule) JB 2/11/21
Annual Candlelite Ski at Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake
event by McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD)
contact Jeanne to meet FVBSC there CONFIRM DAY/TIME—suggested time 7pm Fri start. (see below-landline or gmail). Cell phone for evening of event ONLY please.
(Alternate day Sat if better weather/driving, suggest earlier start--I would only attend one day.) I will check MCCD and post if they cancel.
Bonfire, groomed trail (easy mile loop through prairie), indoor restroom , groups max 10 people at a time, free, don’t need MCCD reservations, but must check in with MCCD staff (near fire pit behind bldg) at trail start--OR go anytime on your own Fri or Sat 2/12, 2/13 , 5 to 9 pm
BYO equipment and snack, need mask to enter bldg. No pets please.
Skiers of all ages and experience are welcome, but please prepare for weather/wind.
Social distancing encouraged due to COVID precautions.
Icy conditions or wind chill below -20F or staff emergency cancels. See MCCDistrict.org for info map/brochure location is in northern portion of Silver Creek Conservation area.
to check for MCCD cancellation: mccd closures alerts or type:
https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/places_to_go/closures___alerts.php
OR call the Center for voicemail message ph (815) 479-5779
Comment-If event does not occur or you are unable to attend--watch for next yr. Historically MCCD does a Candlelite ski/hike once a month in Dec, Jan, Feb, at Prairieview or in Marengo or Wonder Lake. Groomed trail if at least 4" snow, and hiking if not enough snow (not likely this time!) Since the trail is a short loop, we have always been allowed to do the loop more than one time.
Sorry, no hot chocolate & cookies this yr😑
Note-if you want something hot after you finish--on the way home, swing into Mc Donalds -only 3 1/2 miles away on hwy 31 (SW corner of Hwy 31/176 intersection).
CAUTION for directions: if you search Google maps, be sure to type Prairieview Education Center (not just the address) for the destination--otherwise the map does not take you to the location you need. From St Charles or Geneva, most direct route is Hwy 31 N, Hwy 176 NE (rt), rt (E) on Behan, sharp rt on Buhl, left on Behan. The Center is on the north side of Behan Rd.
GPS coordinates for Prarieview entrance: N 42°15.588, W 88°14.330, WGS84