Trout Valley Nature Conservancy

09/01/2026

Thank you to the person who left this bird nesting box at the Fen. We will mount it in the Fen for the birds of Trout Valley to use next spring.

08/27/2026

Help us create this garden to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Village of Trout Valley. Please donate to help us raise the necessary funds to complete this project.

https://givebutter.com/trout-valley-landscaping-committee-2026-fundraiser-ihckld

08/23/2026

New path leading to the Trout Valley Lodge’s garbage corral. Note the paving pattern matches the pattern of the paving of the patio.

08/23/2026

Ryan Rickerson at Your Ecological Solutions delivered the final 77 plants for the garden bed at the Barn. Volunteers put those plants in the ground in 30 minutes. Special thanks to The Land Conservancy of McHenry County for their assistance with this project.

08/23/2026

Finally Tom Sawyer Pond is free of surface scum thanks to the weekly treatments by Environment Aquatic Management.

07/01/2026

Ryan from Your Ecological Solutions (Y.E.S.) brought out 150 native plants to create a new pollinator garden at the Bran area. He laid them out and 2 hours later we have the beginnings of the garden. More plants to arrive later in the year.

05/04/2026

McHenry County College
The MCC Plant sale is this Wednesday and Thursday, May 6 and 7, 9am-5pm. Wednesday is the busiest day and a lot sells out. There are veggies, annuals and perennials (sorry no native plants this year). Cash, check or credit card accepted. Students will be there to help carry items out and all purchases help their programs.
REMEMBER Frost is forecast for Friday/Saturday overnight so if you buy annuals keep them inside!

Earn a quality education and join our engaged community of learners. Whether you want to earn a degree, certificate, or take a few personal development classes, MCC can help you build a plan that aligns with your goals.

04/15/2026

Oh no not again! Yes Garlic Mustard is growing.
Garlic Mustard is an invasive species in Illinois and infestations of can limit growth and productivity of native plants and threaten the long-term health of forests.
Please take some time & remove it from your yards. If you pull down at the bottom of the leaves the S-shaped root should come out as well. Do not compost the plant material, bag it & toss it.
Thank you.

04/03/2026

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County's Spring Native Plant Sale is open for pre-orders! Shop early for the best selection.
🌿 New - Native plant kits with planting plans for sun & shade!
🌿 Local vegetable plants
🌿 Beautiful native plants
🌿 Native trees & shrubs
Check it out today! https://store.conservemc.org/