The McHenry County (Ill.) Conservation District (MCCD) has earned a state designation for its green fleet of vehicles that use flex or alternative fuel.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency presented the award in conjunction with the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition at the end of 2013, reports the Daily Herald.

The district has converted 50 of its 63 vehicles to run on clean-burning fuels and plans to phase out the remaining 13 vehicles. In 2013, the district spend $52,000 for eight conversion kits and was refunded $32,000 by taking part in the state's Green Fleet rebate program.

The MCCD manages over 25,000 acres of open space including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. There are 17 dedicated state nature preserves within the district's sites.