The Friends of Moraine Hills State Park
Founding Member Neil Whitman Retires From Friends of Moraine Hills Board
With over 20 years of service at Moraine Hills State Park, Friends of Moraine Hills State Park founding member Neil Whitman has retired from the Friends' Board of Directors. Neil has given extensively of his time and talents over the years, serving as Chairperson of the Friends' Board for several years, as well as volunteering in several capacities at the park. We wish Neil well, and will miss his leadership. Neil is indeed a "Best Friend".
July 29, 2025
Neil Whitman and My History with the Friends of Moraine Hills State Park
After 16 plus years on the Friends of Moraine Hills State Park Board, I have decided to step down. I am happy and proud to have served on the Board.
I moved to the Wauconda area in 1981. Soon after, I discovered Moraine Hills State Park and began walking and biking the trails.
In 2004, I saw an ad in the Daily Herald by the IDNR asking for volunteers to be a docent at the Visitor Center. I was less than 10 years away from retirement and was thinking about how I could give back to my community and how I could increase my knowledge about the park. I always had an interest in the biological sciences, yet I knew very little about the plants, butterflies, birds, frogs and more that I saw and heard on my many walks there.
I signed up to be a docent and this was the beginning of many opportunities through workshops, classroom presentations, volunteering, monitoring and one-on-one interactions with the IDNR Staff and outside experts to learn more about the flora and fauna and geology of the park. These opportunities exposed me to the vast array of environmental organizations and their volunteers in Lake and McHenry County; and helped to increase my knowledge of the natural world. Over the years, I have received so much more than I gave in my volunteering at the park.
In 2007, I was asked to help create a new organization - the Friends of Moraine Hills State Park. I was honored to be elected the Chairperson and held that position for many years. Although I was the Chairperson, I give most of the credit to the many Board members, IDNR Staff and volunteers responsible for the success of our organization’s fund raiser, Run For The Hills, the many grants awarded, Park improvements and scholarships awarded. I recognize and appreciate all their time and efforts.
I am grateful and honored to have received the award for Friends of Moraine Hills State Park Best Friend. Thank you!
Carry on the good work,
Neil Whitman
Cycling Without Age Comes to Moraine Hills State Park
We are pleased to announce that the Friends of Moraine Hills State Park has partnered with Cycling Without Age McHenry County. For more information, or to reserve a ride, please visit our new Cycling Without Age page.
Join us for Hike or Nature Program!
From Bird Walks and Walks with a Naturalist to Bike or Canoe/Kayak tours, we strive to support programming at our favorite State Park. Check out the completed Osprey Meadow Interpretive Overlook with its beautiful interpretive panels! After you impress friends and family with your newfound knowledge, like it on our Facebook page, and/or leave a comment. Check the Calendar, Events and Programs tab for program times and dates. You can find Wildflower Walks, Insect Safaris, Fall Color Walks, and more.
Click here for Bird Walk info.
Click here for the Walk or Kayak/Canoe With a Naturalist programs.
Click here for Wildflower Walks and Insect Safaris.
Click Here for Animal Tracking.
Click here for Run for the Hills.
Click here for Cycling Without Age.
Registration for most programs is through our Volo Bog office by calling 815-344-1294 or emailing us at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. Also email to ask for the most up-to-date schedule.
Check out our video about our amazing state park! Click here to watch it; you'll want to visit soon!
The purpose of The Friends of Moraine Hills State Park is to preserve the local natural heritage and promote citizen awareness of Moraine Hills State Park. This is done through special events, educational and training programs, and acquisitions of properties. Because portions of the Park are dedicated state nature preserves, the Friends also assist in taking steps necessary to insure the continued care and preservation of the Park as a natural site.
Board Meetings are open to the public and held at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month in the Volo Bog SNA Visitor Center.
Email FriendsofMoraineHills@gmail.com for more info.
©2025 by Friends of Moraine Hills State Park
