McHenry County Conservation District

The Conservation District is a county-wide public agency created in 1971.  It's mission is three-fold:
Preservation
The Conservation District protects vital natural areas through public and private ownership and restoration initiatives.
Education
Outreach programs teach school children and civic groups the value of conservation and the importance of responsible stewardship.
Recreation
Resources-based activities like hiking, camping, canoeing and fishing are available at 22 locations.

McHenry County Conservation District
18410 U.S. Highway 14
Woodstock IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-MCCD (6223)
http://www.mccdistrict.org/

Richmond/Spring Grove Conservation Areas

Glacial Park
This 3,200 acre remnant of glacial activity contains gravel kames, kettles, restored prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands including the Kettle Bog and the Lost Valley Marsh.  The park is also home to the Wiedrich Barn Education Center. 

McHenry County Prairie Trail
The Prairie Trail, a former railroad bed, runs 25.9 miles from the Kane County line in Algonquin to the Wisconsin state line.

Lyle C. Thomas Park & Nippersink Canoe Base
These canoe landings are popular take out points for canoeists using the Nippersink, as well as quiet angling and fishing spots.

Chain O'Lakes State Park

Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O'Lakes State Park is a water-oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers. The Park borders three natural lakes - Grass, Marie and Nippersink and the Fox River that connects the other seven lakes (Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine and Redhead) that make up the chain. In addition, the park contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries.

The 2,793-acre state park and adjoining 3,230-acre conservation area and nearly 6.500 acres of water the Chain O'Lakes State Park offers activities which include picnicking, nature wals on trails, horse rental, camping, boating, fishing, and winter sports.  Facilities for disabled and or elderly visitors are available, including a quarter-mile hiking trail.

Chain O'Lakes State Park
8916 Wilmot Road
Spring Grove, Illinois 60081
Phone: 847-587-5512

Community Parks

Richmond Village Parks:
Bennett Park, Milwaukee Ave. and William St.
Cotting Park, Partridg Trail
Stevens Park, Route 12 and Broadway
Nippersink Park, Nippersink Drive

Spring Grove Village Parks:
Horse Fair Park, 8105 Bliven St.
Spring Grove Park, 2102 Main St.
Orchard Bluff, 1505 Beech St.
Pauline Pierce Park, 7302 Pierceshire
Springdale Trails, 9600 Bonner Ln.
Oak Valley Estates, 3006 Monterra
Breezy Lawn, 11003 W. Riveriera Dr.
Lyle Thomas Park, 7816 Blivin St.
Wilmot Farms Park, 1119 Dolder Ln.