Find Your Wild Returns for 2024!
Join us again this summer for more adventures! We are working on new missions, new stickers, and new prizes which we can't wait to share with you! We'll be dropping teasers over the next few months so check back for more details.
Join the Challenge
Take an interactive journey through the county's public open space. Visit McHenry County Conservation District's unique and amazing natural areas, complete fun outdoor activities, collect points and earn prizes! The adventure begins May 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) and ends September 2 (Labor Day Weekend).
How to Get Started:
Step 1: Download the Goosechase App (iOS / Android).
Step 2: Login or create a free account.
Step 3: Search for the Conservation District's experience with code LPW8Z5 or search "Find Your Wild."
Step 4: Click "Accept" to accept the Terms and Conditions found here.
Step 5: Create a Username and then click "Join this Experience."
Complete Fun Missions:
There are three types of missions:
1. Visit and check-in at a Conservation Area.
2. Participate in fun activities at a Conservation Area and submit a photo (proof that the activity was completed).
3. Answer trivia questions (hint: answers can be found on our website or site kiosks).
Earn points & Be Eligible for Prizes
As missions are complete, participants earn points! Complete more missions, earn more points, and level up! After surpassing each level, participants are eligible for prizes!
Participation Drawings: All participants who remain active (complete at least one mission during each prize period ) will be entered in drawings to win prize baskets! Basket themes, contents, and prize periods will be announced soon!
Sticker Packs: Earn points, and claim your sticker packs.
Level 1: Outdoor Fun (500 points)
Level 2: District Mission (1000 points)
Level 3: Flora and Fauna (1500 points)
Complete this form to claim your prize.
Stickers
Level 1: OUTDOOR FUN
(500 points): Participants who pass this level will earn a Level 1 Sticker Pack! Once you reach 500 points, complete this form to claim your prize.
Level 1 Sticker Info Sheet
Level 2: DISTRICT MISSION
(1,000 points): Participants who pass this level will earn a Level 2 Sticker Pack! Once you reach 1,000 points, complete this form to claim your prize.
Level 1 Sticker Info Sheet
Level 3: FLORA & FAUNA
(1,500 points): Participants who pass this level will earn a Level 3 Sticker Pack! Once you reach 1,500 points, complete this form to claim your prize.
Level 1 Sticker Info Sheet
Prize Baskets
We're partnering with local businesses and organizations again this year to bring participants fun outdoor prize baskets! Stay tuned for updates on these baskets, their contents, the contributing businesses and organizations, and the prize periods for each basket. Do you know of a business that may be interested in sponsoring a prize basket? Reach out at FindYourWild@MCCDistrict.org.
New This Year: Library Partnership
This year we're partnering with area libraries to offer even more ways to enjoy the outdoors! Stay tuned for nature-themed reading lists, reading-themed missions, and even ways to earn bonus points!
Participating Libraries: *Coming Soon*
Library Related Missions: *Coming Soon*
Nature-Themed Book List: *Coming Soon*
Questions?
Email FindYourWild@MCCDistrict.org
Find More!
2024 Stickers - AVAILABLE BEGINNING MAY 25th!
Want stickers without participating in the challenge? They will be available for purchase at our Visitor Centers. Stop by Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park (open daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.) or Prairieview Education Center (open Tuesdays & Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.). We accept cash or card.
Single stickers from the 2024 set cost $1 each and a complete set of 24 stickers costs $20.
2023 Stickers
Didn't earn all of your stickers in 2023? We have them available for purchase at our Visitor Centers. Each sticker features an iconic element (structure, natural landscape, or native plant or animal) representing each of our Conservation Areas. To identify specific features or species, check out our Sticker Key. Stop by Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park (open daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.) or Prairieview Education Center (open Tuesdays & Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.). We accept cash or card.
Single stickers from the 2023 set cost $1 each and a complete set of 35 stickers costs $25.
Plan your trip! Read through all of the missions before heading out. Once you choose your destination, plan what missions you may be able to conquer while there.
Be prepared! Always bring with you a reusable water bottle, insect repellant, sunblock, a snack, or any other items you might need to enjoy time outdoors.
Remember, this isn't a competition! Have fun. Relax spending time in nature. Follow the trail wherever it leads. While you definitely want to earn points and prizes, remember to take your time and enjoy the experience!
RESOURCES:
Find A Site Page - Great for locating different conservation areas on a county map, and figuring out which activities can be done there to complete missions.
Trail Maps - Visit an individual conservation area page, our trail maps page, or find them on AllTrails!
Search Bar - It may seem obvious, but use the search bar on our website to type in key words in trivia questions to help find the answers!
Over a three month period last summer, over 1,100 participants completed a collective 5,400+ site check-ins, submitted 5,200+ photos, and answered 4,800+ trivia questions! Participants found new favorite places, learned about the work of the Conservation District, learned about our local flora and fauna, and so much more! We hope the memories created along the way are ones that last a lifetime.
Find Your Wild won big at the Illinois Parks and Rec Association's Soaring to New Heights Conference, and was named the state's Outstanding Program of the year. The program was also featured in the May issue of Parks and Recreation Magazine. We want to send a big shoutout to all of our participants who answered the call and found their wild this summer. We invite you all back again next summer more missions, more prizes, and more memories!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 PRIZE BASKET SPONSORS!
Dave's Bait, Tackle & Taxidermy, Warp Corps, The Running Depot, Wet N Wild Outfitters / Scull & Oars, Cesaroni's Cafe & Deli, Avant Cycles, McHenry County Conservation Foundation, and Glacial Gear.
Interested in becoming a 2024 Sponsor? Email FindYourWild@MCCDistrict.org
