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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2010
The Lake County, IL Stormwater Management Commission cordially invites you to attend the North Mill Creek/Dutch Gap Canal watershed management planning kickoff meeting.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission has received a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to develop a watershed-based plan for North Mill Creek and Dutch Gap Canal (which is the name of the stream in Wisconsin). The North Mill Creek stream tributary system and a number of the lakes in the watershed have been identified as having impaired or poor water quality. In addition flood damage is a significant problem along the Des Plaines River downstream. A watershed plan will address these problems, as well as identify the high quality natural resources that need to be protected in the watershed as the land continues to develop. To do this, the watershed plan will identify practices, projects and programs that can be implemented by watershed residents, farmers, businesses, and community stakeholders to:
· Prevent and reduce flood damage,
· Improve water quality in streams, lakes and wetlands,
· Protect and enhance the watershed’s natural resources, and
· Identify desirable green infrastructure areas to maintain open space for flood damage prevention,
water quality protection, recreation and education.
The start of the watershed planning process includes bringing stakeholders together to identify issues and opportunities that they are aware of and concerned about in the watershed. That is the purpose of this first kick-off meeting. An overview of the watershed condition based on a preliminary assessment will be presented at the meeting. Watershed stakeholders who are interested in continuing their participation in the process may join a watershed planning committee that will meet approximately monthly over the next year to learn more about the watershed and provide input into the watershed plan development. We hope the watershed planning committee will include watershed stakeholders who represent residents, community leaders, businesses, farm interests, agencies, special districts (ex. park & forest preserves), schools/institutions, lake and homeowner associations, and nonprofit organizations and other interested parties. Please join us and help create the vision for future management of the watershed. If you have questions about the meeting or watershed planning process, please contact Patty Werner at pwerner@lakecountyil.gov 847-918-5269.
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 pm or 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Lake Villa Public Library, 1001 E. Grand Ave., Lake Villa, IL (map)
RSVP: Contact: Darcy Hertel, dhertel@lakecountyil.gov or call 1-847-918-5260
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MONDAY MARCH 1, 2010
Surface Water Resources of Lake County and the Flora and Fauna Within
Presented by Mark Pfister, Interim Director, Environmental and Population Health Lake County Health Department.
Time: 7 pm
Where: Libertyville Village Hall 118 W Cook, Libertyville, Second Floor Meeting Room
Cost: FREE
Sponsor: Lake County Audubon Society
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2010
Natural Lawn Care Basics
Experts from the Lake Co. Soil & Water Conservation District, Safer Pest Control Project, and Integrated Lakes Management will help you learn how to grow a healthy, sustainable, natural lawn—one that looks good, saves money, and helps protect our lakes and streams. Topics will include soil and grass types, soil testing, fertilization, integrated pest management, what to expect from “organic” products, and stream and lakeshore buffer establishment and care.
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Where: Holiday Inn Select, Naperville, IL (www.naperselect.com)
Cost: $15
RSVP: Registration was required by February 15, but contact ILMA about walk-ins.
Download a registration form here:
www.ilma-lakes.org/PDF/2010%20Conference%20Announcement.pdf
Sponsor: Illinois Lake Management Association
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2010
How to Write a Fundable 319 Grant
Representatives from Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA, CMAP, and Prairie Rivers Network will present information about the Clean Water Act “Section 319” Nonpoint Source Pollution Control grant program and provide tips and insights for developing well-prepared grant applications. Additionally, Arboretum staff will lead a tour of their successful 319 grant projects.
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL (www.mortonarb.org)
Cost: $15
RSVP: Registration was required by February 15, but contact ILMA about walk-ins.
Download a registration form here:
www.ilma-lakes.org/PDF/2010%20Conference%20Announcement.pdf
Sponsor: Illinois Lake Management Association
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THURSDAY MARCH 4 – FRIDAY MARCH 5, 2010
Illinois Lake Management Association (ILMA) 25th Annual Conference
Join lake enthusiasts and experts from across the state to learn, share, and discuss lake and watershed management approaches and techniques. For conference and hotel information and a registration form, visit www.ilma-lakes.org or call ILMA at 1-800-338-6976, access code 01.
Where: Holiday Inn Select, Naperville, IL (www.naperselect.com)
RSVP: Registration was required by February 15, but contact ILMA about walk-ins.
Download a registration form here:
www.ilma-lakes.org/PDF/2010%20Conference%20Announcement.pdf
Sponsor: Illinois Lake Management Association
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TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2010
Chicago Wilderness Wildlife Task Force Seminar Meeting
This will be an all-day meeting in which wildlife professionals from the Chicago Wilderness region can network and learn about current wildlife projects from other members. We will be looking for 7-9 members to give 20-30 minute presentations on their recent wildlife work and/or research.
If you will be attending, are interested in presenting, or have any questions, please contact Gary Glowacki (gglowacki@LCFPD.org) or Mike Redmer (Mike_Redmer@fws.gov).
Time: Tentative start time for the meeting is 9:30 a.m.
Where: Ryerson Woods Welcome Center, Riverwoods, IL
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 7, 2010
Bull Creek / Bull's Brook Watershed Plan Meeting
A group of stakeholders in the Bull Creek and Bull's Brook subwatersheds is working on the formation of a multi-juridictional watershed council. Interested parties are invited to participate in the quarterly meetings. Additional meetings will be held May 5, Aug 4, and Nov 3.
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Stormwater Management Commission, 333 Peterson Road, Libertyville, IL
Sponsor: Stormwater Management Commission
More Info: Contact Patty Werner, LCSMC, at pwerner@lakecountyil.gov
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TUESDAY APRIL 13, 2010
Conservation Congress Follow-Up Working Session
Please save the date: TUESDAY APRIL 13 2010, for a working session in Springfield to follow up on some of the important initiatives from last October's Conservation Congress. It will be six months since over 140 conservationists recommended actions we can all pursue on Conservation Finance, Public Access to Lands, and Youth Recruitment and Retention. It will be time to review progress on some of the top recommendations, and to pool our efforts to make further progress.
We expect the day's activities to run from 9 am through the afternoon, with an evening reception. More information on the agenda, and how to register, will be available in the coming months on the Conservation Congress website at http://dnr.state.il.us/nrab/cc.htm.
The recommendations from the October Congress are now posted on that website, and available at the links below:
You are all invited to register for the working session on April 13, whether or not you attended last October's Congress. Please pass this information along to others who may be interested. Your participation is important, to make sure your voice is heard and that together we are a strong force to further conservation and outdoor recreation in Illinois.
Where: Springfield, IL
Sponsor: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
More Info: Contact Deborah Stone in the Director's Office at 217-785-0075 or deborah.stone@illinois.gov
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SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2010
SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2010
SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2010
Training to become a RiverWatch Citizen Scientist
The RiverWatch program will train you to monitor the condition and biological health of a stream near you! There are several training opportunities in the Chicago area including Deerfield, Oakbrook and Geneva on April 17, 24 and 25. If you have a friend who can join you in monitoring a stream, it can be fun and very informative. It will take 12-18 hours of your time per year and data the citizen scientists collect provide very useful information for many stream segments that are presently not assessed.
Fresh water is a scarce resource and it is our responsibility to protect it for ourselves and future generations. The Illinois RiverWatch program offers you the opportunity to become involved in the stewardship of the state’s streams. RiverWatch certified volunteers, or Citizen Scientists, play an important role in helping identify potentially degraded waters and areas that may need better protection. Citizen scientists examine indicators of water quality like stream habitat and the diversity of species such as dragonfly nymphs, beetle larva, midges and snails. This interactive workshop will give you the tools to test water quality like a professional.
Workshops are from 9am–4pm. We will begin with the lecture session from 9am-noon, followed by the field training session (at a local stream) from 12:30-4pm. You will be responsible for your own lunch. You must register prior to attending a workshop. To register, contact Vera Bojic at 618-468-4870 or vbojic@lc.edu. The registration fee is $20 and can be paid in advance or at the workshop. Make check payable to Lewis and Clark Community College and send payment to Attn: Vera Bojic, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL 62035. No cash or credit cards. Training workshops are for volunteers who have received no training or partial training through the RiverWatch program.
The training schedule is available at: http://www.ngrrec.org/index.php/riverwatch/241.
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Cost: $20
More Info: Contact Vera Bojic 1-618-468-4870 or vbojic@lc.edu
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SATURDAY MAY 8, 2010
Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council Day of Service
Celebrate local nature and help restore it back to health during the Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council Day of Service on Saturday, May 8, 2010! The Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council Day of Service is an annual volunteer event at sites throughout the Chicago Wilderness region, designed to encourage community participation in the protection and restoration of local nature. Through the Day of Service, the Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council encourages its employees and their families to join volunteers, school groups, scouts, and community groups to preserve our natural heritage and restore the health of local nature for our families and future generations.
More Info: Contact Patricia Cassady at patricia.cassady@chicagowilderness.org or 1-630-829-1142.
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SUNDAY MAY 16, 2010
53rd Annual Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon
The Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon, founded in 1957 by Ralph Frese, is the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States. The race is 18½ miles on the beautiful and historic Des Plaines River. There are numerous classes to accommodate people of all ages and levels. Everyone is welcome to participate. First time participants, repeat paddlers, and serious competitors can all enjoy the excitement, challenge, and camaraderie that this historic event provides.
Where: Des Plaines River from Oak Springs Road (Libertyville) to Dam #2 (Mt. Prospect)
Cost: $22.00
Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 09, 2010
More Info: Visit www.canoemarathon.com or call 1-847-604-2445
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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"
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