NATURE Matters The quarterly newsletter of The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County 1970-2010 1970-2010 The Defenders Celebrates 40 Years of The Defenders Celebrates 40 Years of Environmental Advocacy in McHenry County. Environmental Advocacy in McHenry County. July-September 2010, Volume 4, Issue 3 Continued page 3 Preserve Preserve Protect Protect Educate Educate From the Earth to You: A True Farmer’s Market By Keith Johnson, Market Manager The Woodstock Farmer’s Market is in the 29th year of existence. For many years the market was supervised by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. In the early years it was open on Wednesdays before moving to Thursdays at the request of the merchants around the square. At one time the vendors were rotated to different locations around the square and when the Saturday market first opened, it was held in the depot parking lot off Clay street. Through the 80s and 90s there were typically eight to ten vendors at the market, but it was the move to our present location around the square in the spring of 2007 that allowed the market to grow and expand to its present size. We now have about 25 vendors on Tuesdays and close to 40 on Saturdays! The market operates from May through October from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is always open at the scheduled times. We have never cancelled because of the weather. Sometimes it is cold, sometimes it is wet, but we will be there. In 2004, the growers of the market formed a not-for-profit corporation and elected a board of directors to supervise its operation. Each fall at the annual meeting, five directors are elected to serve for one year and the rules of operation are reviewed and changed as needed. You must be a full time farmer-vendor in the market to serve as a voting member on the board of directors. In 2009, we were able to establish a paid market manager for the market. The Woodstock Farmer’s Market is a producer market and some people seem confused by what that means. Basically, it means that no re-selling is allowed. All products brought to the market must be raised or produced by the vendors selling THE IDEA OF WILDERNESS NEEDS NO DEFENSE. IT ONLY NEEDS DEFENDERS. EDWARD ABBEY Articles From the Earth To You: A True Farmer’s Market, by Keith Johnson cover News & Announcements Next Step for the 2030 Plan 5 Climate Change Committee Heats Up 5 Johnsburg Grad Wins Leadership Award 6 Summer Gathering Set for August 22 7 It’s Our River Day to Take Place September 18 7 We Need Your Help at the County Fair 8 Film Showing, Carbon Nation 8 Open House a Huge Success 8 Green Business Partners Listing 11 Inside HIGHLIGHTS Mark your calendars for a special documentary film presentation on Wednesday, September 8 at MCC! Market Manager, Keith Johnson
Transcript
NATURE MattersThe quarterly newsletter of The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
1970-20101970-2010The Defenders Celebrates 40 Years ofThe Defenders Celebrates 40 Years of
Environmental Advocacy in McHenry County.Environmental Advocacy in McHenry County.
July-September 2010, Volume 4, Issue 3
Continued page 3
PreservePreserve
PPrrootteecctt PPrrootteecctt
EEdduuccaatteeEEdduuccaattee
From the Earth to You:A True Farmer’s Market By Keith Johnson,Market Manager
The Woodstock Farmer’sMarket is in the 29thyear of existence. Formany years the marketwas supervised by theWoodstock Chamber ofCommerce. In the early years it was open onWednesdays before moving to Thursdays at therequest of the merchants around the square. Atone time the vendors were rotated to differentlocations around the square and when the Saturdaymarket first opened, it was held in the depotparking lot off Clay street. Through the 80s and90s there were typically eight to ten vendors at themarket, but it was the move to our present locationaround the square in the spring of 2007 thatallowed the market to grow and expand to itspresent size. We now have about 25 vendors onTuesdays and close to 40 on Saturdays! Themarket operates from May through October from8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is always open at thescheduled times. We have never cancelled becauseof the weather. Sometimes it is cold, sometimes itis wet, but we will be there.
In 2004, the growers of the market formed anot-for-profit corporation and elected a board ofdirectors to supervise its operation. Each fall at theannual meeting, five directors are elected to servefor one year and the rules of operation are reviewedand changed as needed. You must be a full timefarmer-vendor in the market to serve as a votingmember on the board of directors. In 2009, wewere able to establish a paid market manager forthe market.
The Woodstock Farmer’s Market is a producermarket and some people seem confused by whatthat means. Basically, it means that no re-sellingis allowed. All products brought to the marketmust be raised or produced by the vendors selling
THE IDEA OF WILDERNESS NEEDS NO DEFENSE. IT ONLY NEEDS DEFENDERS.
EDWARD ABBEY
AArrttiicclleess
From the Earth To You: A True Farmer’s Market, by Keith Johnson cover
NNeewwss && AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss
Next Step for the 2030 Plan 5Climate Change Committee Heats Up 5Johnsburg Grad Wins Leadership Award 6Summer Gathering Set for August 22 7It’s Our River Day to Take Place September 18 7We Need Your Help at the County Fair 8Film Showing, Carbon Nation 8Open House a Huge Success 8 Green Business Partners Listing 11
IInnssiiddee HIGHLIGHTS
Mark your calendars for a specialdocumentary film presentation onWednesday, September 8 at MCC!
Market Manager, Keith Johnson
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Mission Statement
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County isa citizen organization dedicated to the preservation
and improvement of the environment. We are committed to buildingsound ecological relationships between people and the natural world thatsupports all life.
To achieve the aim of environmental preservation and improvement, weprovide the community with educational programs and volunteer actionon pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and naturalresource conservation.
We advocate policies that protect drinking water supplies and conserveland for open space and agriculture. We demonstrate waste reductionthrough recycling drives and reuse centers. We encourage naturalresource protection through native landscaping and stream protectionprograms.
About NNAATTUURREE MMaatttteerrssMembers of The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County receive the newsletter
as a membership benefit. Basic memberships start at $50.
For information, questions, comments onmembership or address changes, please
contact our office at (815) 338-0393 or e-mail us at
Opinions expressed in NATURE Matters do notnecessarily reflect the position and/or policy ofthe Environmental Defenders of McHenryCounty. However, NATURE Matters will notdirectly advocate positions in opposition to thoseof The Defenders. We reserve the right tocondense or revise articles and illustrations forspace, clarity or libel. Knowledgeable localenvironmentalists may be consulted to checkfacts. Letters to the Editor can be sent to:[email protected]. Letters will bepublished based on space and Board review.Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect theposition and/or policy of The Defenders. Letterscan also be mailed to:124 Cass Street, Suite 3,
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Advertising Policy
The Defenders will accept advertisements in NATURE Matters if theproduct or services offered are consistent with the mission of TheDefenders, as determined solely by our Board of Directors. Products orservices advertised in NATURE Matters do not necessarily carry theendorsement of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. TheDefenders is not responsible for the accuracy of the ads, or for theperformance of the products or services advertised.
Thank you for your support!Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
Green Business Partners
We appreciate the support of our Green Business Partners and hope youwill support them! Please see page 11 for full list of partners.
NATURE MMaatttteerrssJuly-Sept. 2010 33
the product. The market inspects all new vendors during theirfirst year to verify that they are truly producing their product.You can’t pull up to the neighboring farm and load up yourtruck with sweet corn, and you can’t buy from a wholesalemarket and re-sell. Last year we admitted a vendor fromMichigan who brings fruit to our market and he also representsa grower who supplies something we cannot get locally. Themarket has always wanted our customers to feel confident aboutthe food they buy from us and to feel free to ask questions abouthow it was produced. We have both organic and conventionalfarmers and only ask that they fairly represent their products.All of our vendors are listed on our Web site and contactinformation is available at www.woodstockfarmersmarket.org.
The market has seen many changes over the years. It nowoperates a full time information booth, has live music at eachmarket, and many special events. We accept WIC Programcoupons, and this year started accepting credit cards and SNAPcards (food stamps). We have added meats and cheeses to ourmix of products, along with eggs and baked goods. We havelimited non-farm vendors to keep our market primarily a truefarmer’s market.
Through all this growth, we have strived to maintain apositive relationship with the City of Woodstock and thedowntown business community. We have worked closely withthe McHenry County Health Department to make sure we aremeeting or exceeding sanitary standards. We appreciate thesupport each of them has given to the market. After all, we area community market and without the support of the City of
Woodstock and itscitizens, the marketwould not exist.
If you haven’tshopped our market, Iencourage you to doso. There is nothingmore supportive ofthe local economythan buying producethat was raised in thearea in which youlive. Most foodtravels 1,500 miles toreach your table andis raised usingirrigation. We arelucky in Illinois tohave some of themost productive farmland in the world andusually abundantrainfall for summercrops. Most of theproduce is picked themorning of themarket, or the day
before and kept in a cooler, so you are getting the freshest foodpossible. Heirloom varieties are common and varieties are raisedfor their flavor rather than shipping or storage qualities. Mostvendors are also growing their own food in addition to growing forthe market, so taste is important to them.
For further information on the market, please check our Website. We have an application there and our rules of operation. Wehave a presence on Facebook and an e-mail list, which you canjoin by dropping by our information booth or signing up on ourWeb page. Periodically, we send an alert about new vendors, themusicians playing, or special events such as a new crop coming tothe market. Remember, we are a producer market and only havecrops of the season. Occasionally, a vendor will use high tunnelsor a green house to get an earlier crop, but this is the exception,not the rule.
What does the future hold? We hope to start a winter marketthis fall. The location is still to be determined, but there is interestin this from the public and from our vendors. Some of the
Michelle Aavang of Willow Lea Natural Beef and her freezer truck.
Ron Oleary of Grandpas tomatoes. An early market as he only has plants.
Looking down Johnson Street. In theforeground is Sosinski’s Produce.
July-Sept. 2010NATURE MMaatttteerrss44
products like meat,cheese and eggs are anatural fit. Root cropssuch as potatoes, carrotsand garlic should alsowork as well. Ourvendors will developnew methods to stretchtheir season into the falland winter if theopportunity is there.
To me, this is whatthe farmer’s market is allabout – an opportunityfor farmers to directlymarket their products to the public and an opportunity for the public to take control of the quality of food they purchase. Too manytimes a conventional farmer’s selling price is set by a market hundreds of miles from the point of production, and by some corporateboard or government agency. The local farmer’s market eliminates all the middle men and each individual farmer sets his or her ownprice and raises those crops he or she believes the public is interested in purchasing. In turn, the public has a direct link to the productionof that food.
While Shoppingthe Farmer’sMarket on the
Square, Stop by The Green Spot!While you’re visiting and shopping the Farmer’s Market this year, you arewelcome to stop by The Green Spot Resale Corner at the Defenders’office on the Woodstock Square. The Green Spot is open to the publicduring regular office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday throughFriday and on most Saturdays. We have a nice selection of gently usedbooks, small collectibles, posters, and environmentally friendly gifts.
We also invite you to bring in donations of used books in goodcondition, smallhousehold items orcollectibles, hand-madecrafts, “green” products,etc. You are welcome todrop off donations at ouroffice during businesshours. And, if you areinterested in volunteeringat The Green Spot, pleasecontact Diane Ayers at815-338-0393 or e-mailthe office [email protected].
The Potting Bench with Liz Melle and Mary Napolitano.
John and Susan Hudson, with friends Chico andBubbles, enjoyed their visit to our Green SpotResale Shop at this year’s first Farmers’ Market.
The 2030 Plan: The Next StepAt a June 17 meeting, the County’s Planning and DevelopmentCommittee approved plans to develop a Unified DevelopmentOrdinance (UDO), a step necessary to put the 2030 plan intoaction. The County will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) toidentify and select a consultant to develop the UDO.
The UDO will update and consolidate the followingexisting ordinances: Zoning; Subdivision (including theConservation Design Addendum); Sign; Cell Tower; andGroundwater Monitoring.
The consultant will also be asked to recommend newproperty maintenance codes for possible inclusion that would beappropriate for suburban neighborhoods and rural areas. Theprimary objectives of developing a UDO include the following:
Provide regulations to implement the County’s new 2030 Comprehensive Plan;
Provide regulations to implement the County’s Groundwater Strategic Plan;
Integrate the County’s conservation design addendum into the subdivision ordinance and additional regulations, as appropriate;
Address emerging land use topics such as wind turbinesand agricultural tourism;
Evaluate and recommend new standards for temporary use permits, conditional use permits, and property maintenance that are appropriate for suburban neighborhoods and rural areas;
Evaluate and recommend new regulatory techniques such as overlay zones, use templates, or transects, as
appropriate; Provide consistent terms and procedures between the
consolidated ordinances. Eliminate outdated provisions and procedures.
Development of the UDO will include a public participationprocess and at a minimum, public meetings are anticipated to beheld at the beginning, middle, and end of the UDO developmentprocess. The first meeting will provide an opportunity forresidents, property owners, developers, community leaders, andadvocates to provide recommendations regarding possibledesirable regulatory changes. Meetings will also be conducted inthe middle and possibly at the end of the process to provide thepublic an opportunity to review the consultant’s proposals beforethey are finalized.
Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee,Tina Hill, states, “I believe this has been a very productive andinclusive process. As we go forward amending our variousordinances to put the plan into action, it is my intent to keep thepublic informed and engaged.”
The Defenders’ new Climate Change Committee, which wasofficially kicked off on Earth Day, gathered again on May 19to discuss the realities of climate change and the committee’sgoals, which are to 1) educate people about climate change, 2)voice concerns to government bodies, and 3) take local andglobal action. The need to educate people in our county aboutclimate change through panel discussions, films, projects andparticipation in regional and nationwide climate changeprograms, is at the top of the list for the committee. Sometangible plans in the near future include participating in the350.org 2010 event to take place on 10/10/10 with the theme of“Get to Work.” Some local ideas about taking part in thisprogram include “Green Shoes,” which will call for volunteersto walk door to door to help educate neighborhoods aboutclimate change; working with local schools; tree planting; andencouraging people to walk or run their own 10K on 10/10/10(or thereabouts!)
Another idea to get people involved in this issue rightaway is to log onto http://gogreenmchenry.ning.com/. This isessentially a “green” forum where climate change issues can bediscussed and where events can be advertised.
Since climate change is a global issue with localconnections, the Climate Change Committee invites anyoneinterested to share how you are making a difference in yourown back yard. We will share your stories through thisnewsletter. Please send us information about Being the First in your Neighborhood to reduce your carbonfootprint and practice sustainable living. You can send yourpersonal climate change testimonials to Cynthia Kanner,[email protected], subject: carbon footprint.
Coming up in September, the committee will have aspecial showing of the documentary film, “Carbon Nation” atMCC. Please see page 8 for more details and mark yourcalendars for Wednesday, September 8.
If you are interested in joining this new committee, pleasecontact the Defenders’ office at 815-338-0393, so that you canbe added to our contact list. Or, e-mail your interest [email protected] with subject line, Climate Change Committee.In order to reduce the committee’s carbon footprint, we will tryto conduct most of our work by phone, e-mail or internet.
The danger posed by war to all of humanity – and to our planet –is at least matched by the climate crisis and global warming. I believethat the world has reached a critical stage in its efforts to exerciseresponsible environmental stewardship.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Membership & COMMUNITY
July-Sept. 2010NATURE MMaatttteerrss66
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations toYoung Defender, Lois Kantor!Water Resources Protection Committee member,Lois Kanter recently received her Girl Scout GoldAward. This is the highest award in Girl Scouting.Girls learn a lot about themselves and theircommunity while completing this award. The endresult is a 65-hour community service project. Loisworked in conjunction with the Water ResourcesProtection Committee of the Defenders to redesignthe committee’s Power Point presentation to make itapplicable for grade school children. Usinginteractive activities, Lois endeavors to explain thecomplex ideas of water quantity and quality to thenext generation. So far, Lois has presented thisprogram to two school groups and she hopes toeducate any interested children in McHenry County.
Lois was recognized for her achievement in aceremony held on May 15 in McHenry and alsoattended the Young Women of Distinction Programwith Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois in Rockford onJune 6, where she spoke about her project to otherscouts. If you are aware of a grade school group thatwould like to learn about water quality and quantity,please suggest the group contact Lois [email protected].
Thank you, EdEllinghausenFor nearly ten years, Ed Ellinghausen has been adevoted Defenders’ member. He has served on theboard since 2005 in several leadership positions andas treasurer since 2007. He was the recipient of the“Volunteer of the Year” award in 2005.
Although Ed will continue as a board member,he is stepping down as treasurer. Our new treasureris Board Member Jim Wigman. Thanks to Ed forserving in this capacity and to Jim for agreeing to fillthis position.
Johnsburg Grad Wins AwardJohnsburg High School senior Courtney Kramer was selected toreceive the Defenders’ 2010 Future Leaders Scholarship award.
Each year, the Defenders offers a $500 scholarship to encourageyoung people who are interested in pursuing careers in environmentalwork. This year’s award was presented to Courtney Kramer ofJohnsburg by the Board of Directors at their monthly meeting onMonday, May 17. In addition to the $500 scholarship check, Ms.Kramer also received a Certificate of Achievement and a one-yearstudent membership in the Defenders.
Courtney Kramer, who graduated June 4 in the top 3% of herclass, was president of the National Honor Society at Johnsburg HighSchool and a leader in the Johnsburg Outdoor Club. She alsovolunteers her time in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, teachestumbling at a local athletic club, and is an outreach educator for theFriends of the Fox River. Kramer said she plans to study at theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she will major inPre-Law with a minor in Environmental Studies, and hopes to pursuea career as an environmental lawyer.
The selection panel was impressed with Kramer’s academicrecord, her environmental activities, and her goals for the future, saidRick Johnson, co-chair of the Defenders’ Education Committee. “Wecongratulate her, and we know that she will be successful in whatevershe chooses to do,” he said.
“Courtney is so deserving,” agreed David Rigby, Kramer’s juniorhigh school science teacher, who drove to Woodstock to attend thepresentation along with Kramer and her mother.
“She is a good leader,” Rigby said of his former student. “Since7th grade, Courtney has logged over 200 hours of volunteer service inenvironmental issues. She was captain of the cheerleading squad, sheloves the outdoors, and she’s quite a good kayaker, too!”
Courtney’s former teacher, far left, mom, and Defenders’president, stand proud with the accomplished senior.
NATURE MMaatttteerrssJuly-Sept. 2010 77
UPCOMING EVENTS
IItt’’ss OOuurr RRiivveerr DDaayySaturday, September 18, 2010
1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.The Defenders and the Village of Algonquin invite
you to the 3rd Annual It’s Our River Day celebration!
Location: Cornish Park (at Harrison and Route 62)
Activities: Talks, kayak demos, river clean-up, and music by the Mack Hotterson Band.The clean-up will begin at 2:00 p.m. following talks and kayak/canoe demos.
Bags & gloves provided by THE SIERRA CLUB.
BOUNDARIES DON'T PROTECT RIVERS, PEOPLE DO.
ARISTOTLE
Defenders’ First Annual Summer Gathering at Dean Street Property
For many years, as you all know, Alice and Bill Howenstine haveprovided a wonderful summer Corn Roast event that brought ourmembers together for fun, music and food. We thank them forthis tradition and all those years of roasting! This year, we willbegin a new tradition of coming together for fun and food at ourbeautiful property on Dean Street in Woodstock. We’ll beroasting dogs instead of corn this year.
When: Sunday, August 22nd, 5:00 p.m.Where: Defender’s property on Dean Street in Woodstock.
(South of Route 14 on East side of Dean St. Park inSoil & Water Conservation District parking lot, 1stdrive on east side.)
Bring: Lawn chairs, portable tables if you have them, tableservice, your favorite beverage and something to pass (salad, dessert, or sidedish.)
Provided: Hot dogs, veggie dogs, buns & condiments. We will have a bonfire and provide hot dog roasting sticks.
*If you want to make s’mores, bring you favorite stuff for that.
What to wear: comfortable shoes. It is a short 300 yard walk tothe fire area. Bring mosquito repellent. Bathroom facilities willbe available in the SWCD building.
See full calendar on back page.
July-Sept. 2010NATURE MMaatttteerrss88
Membership & COMMUNITY PAST EVENTS
Work the Fair and Help theDefenders!! The McHenry County Fair is August 4-8, and we will again beworking the ticket booths as well as having a Defenders’information table. Stake your claim now for your favorite shift!
Wednesday, Aug. 4....7 a.m.- noon, noon-5 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.Thursday, Aug 5........7 a.m.-noon, noon-5 p.m.Friday, Aug. 6............7 a.m.-noon, noon-5 p.m., 4 p.m.-8 p.m.Saturday Aug. 7.........2 p.m. until 6 p.m., 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.Sunday Aug...............Noon until 4 p.m.
If you are able to volunteer for a shift, please contact theDefenders’ office at 815-338-0393. Thank you!
Earth Day-Birthday OpenHouse a Huge Success!By Diane Oltman Ayers, Outreach Director
What an Earth Day andwhat a birthday for theE n v i r o n m e n t a lDefenders! This springour organization, andEarth Day itself, bothturned 40, and we’relooking as good as ever.
On April 22, wecelebrated this specialoccasion with an after-hours Earth Day OpenHouse at our Woodstockoffice, inviting localbusiness, governmentand civic leaders to joinus. The place was packed! Over 70 guests showed up tomeet our members and learn about our organization.Defenders’ volunteers were also invited and board membershelped to host the event, greeting guests and sharinginformation about our programs.
Visitors got a chance to preview our new GreenSpotResale Shop which opened that week, and to see displaysprepared by our committees. There was also informationabout our new “Green Business & Civic Partnership”program, which offers incentives for “green-thinking”businesses and groups to work together with the Defenders.
The fun spilled out our office door and into the hallway,where Off-Square Music’s Keith Johnson and DonHumbertson entertained the crowd with a wonderful liveperformance, and Tarts & Truffles, our neighbors in theGalleria Building provided delectible treats. People lined upto try the “Energy Cycle” and see wind-power displaysprovided by Larry Reinhard of the McHenry County FarmBureau.
It was standing-room-only when Cindy Skrukrud, ourWater Resources Committee chair, presented her slide showon the proposed new Hack-Ma-Tack Wildlife Refuge innorthern McHenry County. Afterward, many visitors stayedto talk about open space, water quality, land use and otherimportant issues in our county.
Many thanks go to the Defenders members who helpedto make this occasion so special. But it’s not over yet. Westill hope to plan more “40th Birthday” projects, and we’relooking to make the next 40 years even better!
SpecialDocumentaryFilm Showing!
A film by Peter Byck
Wednesday, September 87:00 p.m.
Conference Center at McHenry County College Co-sponsored by The Defenders’
Climate Change Committee and MCC’s Down To Earth Club
“Carbon Nation is an optimistic (and witty) discovery of whatpeople are already doing, what we as a nation could be doingand what the world needs to do to stave off climate change bymoving to a low carbon economy.”
“Public opinion is sliding the wrong way - far fewer people areconcerned about climate change than even a year ago. We’vemade Carbon Nation to give a majority of people anentertaining, informed and pragmatic primer about why it’sincredibly smart to be a part of the new, low-carbon economy:it’s good business, it emboldens national & energy security andit improves health & the environment.”
“Carbon Nation’s optimism and pragmatism is appealingacross the political spectrum. While other good films have beenabout problems, blame and guilt, Carbon Nation is a film thatcelebrates solutions, inspiration and action.”
Woodstock mayor Brian Sager (inforeground) chats with Defenders’member Phyllis Close, while (at left)Dwight Dalton and Ed Ellinghausenvisit with Bill and Elizabeth Donato.
NATURE MMaatttteerrssJuly-Sept. 2010 99
Fox River Clean-up DayBy Nancy Schietzelt
What do a grocery store cart, a wheelbarrow, and a construction site barricadewith a warning light attached have in common? They are all items that werepulled from Boone Creek, a tributary to the Fox River, during the Fox RiverClean-up Day, co-sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenryCounty and the Sierra Club. Forty volunteers worked for about three hours onMay 15, 2010, to remove approximately 235 pounds of trash, 66 pounds ofrecyclables, and 133 pounds of salvage materials from the stream. The effortbegan behind the parking lot for the Public Works Department in McHenry andstretched in both directions from there, reaching as far as Highway 120 on thesouth side of the Jewel-Osco parking lot. A big thank you goes out to thestudents from Cary Grove High School, Crystal Lake Central High School, andCrystal Lake South High School, who were willing to get wet and muddy andwade through the underbrush to help improve the water quality of this stream. Cindy Skrukrud, Alice Howenstine, and NancySchietzelt supervised the event and provided some tasty treats to the volunteers at the end of their efforts.
Defenders’ president, Nancy Schietzelt, and cleanp-upvolunteers from area high schools pose for a photo-opportunity.
Reflections onEarth DayOver 150 folks enjoyedanother successful annualevent held on a beautiful dayat MCCD’s PrairieviewEducation Center. Participantsenjoyed educational booths,talks, entertainment and theopportunity to recycle.Duke’s Alehouse was eventhere with refreshments.Thanks to our host MCCD, thevolunteers on the Defenders’Education Committee, and allthose who contribute theirexpertise, time and energy.‘Til next year!
The Defenders took part in the AlgonquinCommunity Conservation Day on June 18, 2010.The theme of the day was “From the Watershedto Your Tap.” An educational display was set upto help area residents identify their watershed,educate them about what a watershed is, andexplain ways they can safeguard the quality ofwater in their watershed.
Defenders’ members enjoyed a Turtle Creek tripin May sponsored by the Water ResourcesProtection Committee. The next trip is onSunday, September 26, on the Fox River. Seeback page calendar for details.
Defenders
and
at work
play.
Children participated inreuse/recycle craft projects withMCCD volunteers and McHenryCounty Schools EnvironmentalProgram teachers. Here Peg Pappahelps make recycled paper intocookie cutter shapes.
At right, Defenders’board members atthe informationtable.
Green E entertains young andold with his reworked lyrics andElvis impersonation.
The folk music of the Off-Squareplayers provided a chance for gueststo sit down and relax.
July-Sept. 2010NATURE MMaatttteerrss1100
Recycling NEWS
Recycling ScheduleWhat: We collect fluorescent tubes, household batteries, andblock white styrofoam for recycling. The suggested donationfor this service is 50 cents per pound of household batteriesand 50 cents each for fluorescents. Packing peanuts and re-useable bubble wrap may be dropped off for no charge. CFLswill be accepted, but you are encouraged to recycle them forno fee at Home Depot or Ace Hardware.
When: Second Saturday of every Month. The Woodstock collection takes place on the second Saturdayof each EVEN numbered month, and will be held in front ofthe Farm Bureau, 1102 McConnell Rd in Woodstock, from 9AM until noon. McHenry’s collections are held on the secondSaturday of ODD numbered months at the Metra StationParking lot, 4005 Main Street in McHenry, from 9 AM untilnoon. The McHenry collection will also pay for aluminum,brass and copper.
Why: Batteries contain heavy metals, which are known healthhazards. Fluorescent tubes & bulbs contain a small amount ofmercury and need to be properly recycled to avoidcontamination of landfills and groundwater. Block styrofoamdoes not break down and takes up a lot of landfill space.
Responding to the Gulf Oil SpillBy Meg Murray-Bradshaw
What can we do to respond to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? Iwish I could say, save your hair and nylons. Alas, that won’t help.However, there are a number of other ways to support mitigation andcleanup efforts.
I was in New Orleans recently and saved an afternoon forvolunteering. Louisiana has a great website listing all kinds ofvolunteer opportunities, sortable by interest and time commitment.There I stumbled across a “boom-making” activity at The Arc (aservice organization for the developmentally disabled).
I learned a non-profit organization called Matter of Trust hasbeen coordinating donations of human and pet hair, and nylonpantyhose. The nylons are cut into two legs, stuffed with the hair,and tied together to make booms. The idea is that the hair will soakup oil in the Gulf and thereby help with the cleanup effort.
The day I arrived at The Arc for boom-making, they shut downthe activity early because they ran out of supplies. I then joined astaff member in driving around New Orleans, picking up bags andboxes of hair from participating salons. Upon arriving back home, Iasked the Defenders board if we could coordinate donationshere,and ship them to New Orleans.
The Board endorsed the idea, but then we stumbled across thesad news: The Unified Area Command, which is in charge of the oilspill response, will not use the hair booms. Its Web site,(http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/558807/)states that it conducted a field test and found the hair booms did notsoak up as much oil as the commercial sorbent booms and theyquickly became water-logged and sank.
So, what can you do? The Unified Area Command invitesthose interested in volunteering to call 866-448-5816. You can alsosearch for volunteer opportunities on Web sites maintained by thefollowing states: Alabama (http://211connectsalabama.org/),Florida (http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/), Louisiana(http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/), and Mississippi(http://www.mcvs.org/).
You can also donate money to organizations that areresponding to the oil spill, including the Environmental DefenseFund and the National Wildlife Federation.
Dawn dishwashing liquid is offering to donate $1 donation tothe Marine Mammal Center and the International Bird RescueResearch Center. Visit them at http://www.dawn-dish.com/en_US/savingwildlife/home.
The Sierra Club has a Web page devoted to a number of waysto get involved, including hosting a “Clean It Up” visibility event ata BP station near you.
In short, there are lots of things we can do to help. I’m sureI’ve left out many good opportunities. If the oil spill motivates youto act, please do so. And if you’re so inclined to tell the tale, theDefenders would love to hear about what you’ve done!
Treading Lightly
Thanks, Styrofoam Man!By Dwight Dalton
Shazam! Out of nowhere came Styrofoam man, KenSantowski. When folks kept calling the office asking wherethey could take block Styrofoam or packing peanuts, Kenappeared ready to solve the problem. Ken said that he attendedone of the Green Drinks events and learned about theDefenders. He had been collecting, storing and transportingStyrofoam on his own for some time. Upon learning of ourown recycling efforts, he felt volunteering with the Defenderswas the right thing to do.
Ken at his expense has faithfully appeared at both theMcHenry and Woodstock recycling drives as well as EarthDay. He brings a large box truck from his firm, ChicagoLogistics, and on a few occasions has nearly filled it. After thecollection, Ken drives to his warehouse in Elgin and hashelpers unload and store the block Styrofoam in large boxes.Once he has accumulated enough to make a full large truckload, he ships it to a processing firm in Aurora. The materialgets compressed and manufactured into various products.
At the last recycling drive in Woodstock, when asked byone of the volunteers if he makes any money to pay formileage, Ken said “No.” The volunteer asked, “Why are youdoing this then?” Ken’s response was, “Because it’s the rightthing to do!” What a gift out of nowhere he has been.
AUGUSTAUGUSTWednesday, August 4August 4-8Sunday, August 22
SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERWednesday, September 1Saturday, September 18
September 24-October 2
Friday, September 24Sunday, September 26
Calendar of EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
“Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m.Canoe Trip – Kishwaukee River. Contact: Neill Sachs at 815-568-3019 or [email protected]
Use-It-Again Garage Sale. Algonquin Township Road District complex3702 U.S. Highway 14, (between Cary & Crystal Lake).
“Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m. The McHenry County Fair. Volunteers needed! See page 8 for details. Defenders’ Summer Gathering and Hot Dog Roast at Dean Street Property.
See page 7 for details.
“Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m. It’s Our River Day, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cornish Park, Algonquin.
See page 7 for details.
Fall Book Sale. Algonquin Township Road District complex3702 U.S. Hwy 14, (between Cary & Crystal Lake).
Golf Outing Fundraiser (tentative date.) Canoe trip on the Fox River. Buffalo Preserve in Algonquin to
Voyageurs Landing, Elgin. Contact the office at 815-338-0393
Save the Dates: Sunday, October 10 – 350.ORG 10/10/10 event “Get To Work.”Saturday, October 23 – Make a Difference Day Saturday, November 6 – Bioneers Green Expo at MCC. www.mcbioneers.com
Adress Service Requested
Growing and working together to build a better future for our communities and our environment!
SUMMER, 2010
Learn how your business or organization can become an EDMC Green Partner! Learn how your business or organization can become an EDMC Green Partner! Learn how your business or organization can become an EDMC Green Partner! Phone Diane Ayers at (815) 338Phone Diane Ayers at (815) 338Phone Diane Ayers at (815) 338---0393 or e0393 or e0393 or e---mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected].
These “Green Partner” businesses and organizations share our commitment to environmentally responsible,
eco-friendly living. Please share your patronage with them and help to support the Environmental Defenders.
ALSO . . . watch these ads for special discounts offered to Defenders Membership cardholders!
Adele Petersen, Realtor® Crystal Lake
Advanced Eyecare Clinic Lake In The Hills
Computer Recycling Center, LLC Crystal Lake
Copy Express, Inc. Woodstock
Crystal Lake Park District Crystal Lake
Essential Elements Woodstock
Falcon Green Resources, Inc. Woodstock
Green Box Boutique Woodstock
Green Business Task Force Crystal Lake
Hyperstitch, Inc. Marengo
McHenry County Department of Water Resources Woodstock
Roxy’s Books Woodstock
Tarts & Truffles Woodstock
The GreenSpot Resale Woodstock
Woodstock Farmers Market Woodstock
We welcome the active support and community participation of these
