Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area Charms Hikers with a Variety of Ecosystems in Cary, Illinois

Taking Time to Pause and Watch Nature Unfold at Fel-Pro RRR in Cary, Illinois

Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area began as a natural space protected by the Fel-Pro Company to be preserved as a place where company employees could relax and recharge in nature. When Fel-Pro sold, the preserve came under the management of The Nature Conservancy, McHenry County Conservation District and Metropolitan Family Services. Today, it is a McHenry County Conservation District preserve.

An arched footbridge and tumbling waterfall delight at Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area.

Welcoming Visitors to a Range of Outdoor Activities

Fel-Pro RRR welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to explore a range of activities including hiking, frisbee golf, volleyball, fishing and more. We benefitted from a sunny December morning this past weekend and headed to Fel-Pro RRR to wander the trails.

Entranced by nature reflections in the lake at Fel-Pro RRR.

Fel-Pro RRR features several spring-fed lakes and glacial hills. During our amble, we paused to admire the trees standing tall as reflections in a calm lake. We found the trails to have rolls in spots. Some areas were a bit flatter. We hugged a lake for most of our hike.

Dazzled by a Waterfall

Delightful waterfall and gentle rapids at Fel-Pro RRR.

Near the lake, we found the waterfall which has been featured in so many pictures of the park. You can observe it from above upon a wooden footbridge and climb down to the same level as the base of the waterfall for another spectacular view. As we continued our hike, I enjoyed peeking back to see if I could see the waterfall.

Nature painted a picture with submerged leaves in a spring-fed lake.

Tracing the edge of the lake, we noted how remarkably clear the water was. We loved peeking at piles of submerged leaves painting striking pictures.

Gazing up a glacial hill.

Fel-Pro RRR presents a variety of ecosystems including oak savanna, glacial hills, wetlands, a fen, sedge meadow and a gravel hill prairie. We spotted all sorts of treasures on hour hike including lichens, fungus, snail shells, cattails, tree cavities and more. Fel-Pro truly unfolds an environment with much to be discovered all year round.

So, what does the RRR mean?

The RRR stands for Rest, Relax and Recreation which can be found wandering Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Area. Fortunately, when Fel-Pro sold, the family owners recognized the remarkable value of this slice of nature in regards to a peaceful retreat and wealth of treasures to behold. Today, we certainly benefit from the preservation of this space.

Tranquil Winter Hike

Our tranquil winter hike treated us to a morning of nature discovery. We quickly found that Fel-Pro RRR is one of those places where you want to have take time to pause and make observations. At each turn, we seemed to remark on another little nature treasure. So, if you set out to hike at Fel-Pro RRR be sure to take time to just be and see what unfolds!