The Land Conservancy plans annual celebration

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will host its 2025 Annual Celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. April 6 at Smith’s Central, 3315 Pearl St., McHenry.

This year’s guest speaker is Mark Shepard, award-winning author of the book “Restoration Agriculture.” Shepard and his wife, Jen, founded New Forest Farm in Viola, southwestern Wisconsin, in 1994.

It’s now one of the most developed and productive perennial farms in North America. Trees, shrubs, vines, canes, perennial plants and fungi are planted to produce food (for humans and animals), fuel, medicines and beauty. Cattle, pigs, lambs, turkeys and chickens also roam on the farm’s restored savannas. This model farm demonstrates how integrating trees and shrubs into farms can improve soil health and water quality.

The event begins at 2 p.m. with socializing and a silent auction. A “high tea,” including sandwiches, pastries and desserts will be served at 2:30 p.m. The silent auction will include a variety of exciting items up for bid including a foraging outing, event tickets, local experiences and gift baskets.

TLC will present Tom Simpson with the Conservation Champion Award for his long-time educational role at the McHenry County Conservation District. He has inspired hundreds of local residents to understand, appreciate and care for the natural features of McHenry County’s ecologically rich landscape.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land. The Annual Celebration is a great opportunity for people with an interest in conservation to gather and learn more about the work TLC and its many volunteers have accomplished over the past year.

Tickets are $65 for TLC members and $75 for nonmembers. For more information, visit ConserveMC.org/Annual-Celebration.