THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010 - BROWN BAG BRIEFING
The Great Lakes Water Compact and You!
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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
It's Our River Day - A Celebration of Illinois Rivers Through Education, Recreation, and Conservation
Illinois waterways have been crucial in shaping the culture, commerce and communities of our state. Ancient civilizations settled along our rivers because of the rich diversity of plant and Illinois waterways have been crucial in shaping the culture, commerce and communities of our state. Ancient civilizations settled along our rivers because of the rich diversity of plant and animal life, and access to trading partners. Early pioneers settled here not via wagon train, but by canoes and flatboats. Millions of migratory birds use Illinois rivers as flight patterns. Today, we still rely on rivers for drinking water, transporting goods and nature-based recreation.

The vital link between the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico flows across Illinois, from the increasingly clean Chicago River to the resource-rich Illinois River to the mighty Mississippi. The Illinois River, its tributaries and all of Illinois’ rivers and streams - big and small - are the lifeblood of our nation.

On Saturday, September 18, a statewide celebration of these precious resources will occur in towns across Illinois. It’s Our River Day will feature dozens of activities and events promoting recreation, conservation and education about Illinois rivers.

The goal of “It’s Our River Day” - which will be held on the third Saturday of every September - is to boost awareness of rivers by offering hands-on conservation activities as well as lively recreational opportunities. Broad citizen participation is needed to protect this natural resource, and It’s Our River Day is an important organizing tool for private and public agencies concerned with protecting this asset.

Events in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed will be listed here. For information on the "It's Our River Day" program, including a listing of events and activities statewide, visit www.cleanwaterillinois.org.

What: Stream cleanup (2 locations)
Who: All are welcome to participate
Time: 8 am – 1 pm
Where: Bull Creek, from Libertyville High School to the Des Plaines River
Where: Bull's Brook, from Liberty Prairie Conservancy to the Des Plaines River
Cost: FREE
Participants and Sponsors: A diverse group, including Teachers & Students of Warren Township H.S., Libertyville H.S., Grayslake North HS.; Hinshaw & Culberston LLP, Lake County FOrest Preserve District, Stormwater Management Commission, Serbian Monastery, AT&T Pioneers, students from College of Lake County, and River Trail Keepers.
More Info: Contact Mike Mieszala at mmieszala@wths.net

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ONGOING

The Lake Co. Forest Preserves regularly host recreational, educational, and volunteer events. For listings, visit www.lcfpd.org. Select "Preserves and Outdoor Recreation" on the upper left hand side of the screen and scroll down to "Calendar of Events"