VILLAGE VOICE Riverwoods Village Voice VILLAGE VOICE July/August 2021 consumed by other animals, and so Volume 25/Issue 4 Gardeners it goes up the food chain. Without VillageofRiverwoods.com plants, ecosystems collapse. But not Play a Role in just any plant will do. Creating Wildlife Corridors By Ann Whitman

By now you’ve heard the message to add native plants to your landscape. The urgency of that message and the potentialRiverwoods impact of each person’s contribution hit home for me in a lecture by Douglas Tallamy, author of the groundbreaking book, Bringing Yellow warblers need a steady supply of caterpillars and other insects to raise Nature Home: How You Can Sustain their young. Wildlife with Native Plants. He explained how the cumulative efforts of individuals across the country Why Native Matters planting wildlife-friendly gardens Adult monarch butterflies, for and landscapes can begin to reverse example, can sip nectar from many the habitat destruction and species flower species. But their caterpillars loss that has occurred over the last only eat milkweed plants. They century. And it starts right in my discern the chemical signature of backyard. food plants through sensors on their feet. If the chemistry doesn’t match, Tallamy, a professor of entomology they don’t recognize a plant as food. and wildlife ecology at the University No milkweed? No Monarchs. Many of Delaware, showed us why native insect species will only eat plants plants are critical to the survival of with which they co-evolved. That’s our most cherished animal species. why native plants play such a critical That’s because all ecosystems begin role in healthy habitats. with plants, which harness the sun’s energy through photosynthesis. Unfortunately, the majority of the Animals consume the plants and large and diverse natural habitats transform the energy into tissue that’s Continued on page #10 LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

in Riverwoods. The Storm Water A Reminder to Management committee is just being formed, and more information will be forthcoming. Preserve the If you have comments for the committee, please email Uniqueness of Stormwater@villageofriverwoods. com. Riverwoods This Village is not the same place VILLAGE it was when my husband and I GOVERNMENT It has been two short months since moved in some 40+ years ago, taking office, and it’s been a real when horse barns outnumbered All Village Board Meetings are held at swimming pools and tennis courts. the Village Hall at 300 Portwine Road. educational experience! I have With road expansions, and the said, it is one thing to watch the Meetings are open to the public and Mayor and another to actually BE increase in retail and residential residents are encouraged to attend. the Mayor. So true! building, the surrounding communities have had an Riverwoods Village Board From establishing a special enormous impact on Riverwoods. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:30pm. Aug. committee for Storm Water This serves as a reminder to us 3, 17, Sept. 7, 21 and Oct. 5 and 19. Management, to working on that we must act and behave as Riverwoods Plan Commission the upcoming opening of the a community in order to preserve 1st Thursdays at 7:30pm. Flatwoods Heritage Center, the uniqueness of Riverwoods that Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and Oct. 7. coordinating staff, consultants, drew us here, and to accommodate and digging into many other changes that have enhanced our administrative and procedural identity. GET INVOLVED “weeds”, it has been a busy time. IN RIVERWOODS Respectfully, With respect to the special Riverwoods Preservation committee for Storm Water Council (RPC) Management, I believe we are David Shimberg, President all aware that the management [email protected] of storm water flows is becoming Kris Ford Riverwoods Residents increasingly important as we Mayor of Riverwoods Association (RRA) are subject to more severe rain Jill Kaplan events than in the past. While

847-945-0062 the first half of 2021 produced [email protected] extreme drought conditions in Riverwoods Book Club Riverwoods, the last two weeks in June Melber June produced drenching rains 847-940-7086 and heavy downpours. Although [email protected] most properties in Riverwoods do Plant Sale Committee not have drainage ditches, storm Sheila Hollander water flows across all properties in 847-945-4879 its journey to those ditches, and [email protected] eventually to the two waterways Brushwood Center that flow through the Village. at Ryerson Woods I have appointed Trustee Rick Catherine Game Jamerson to lead this very Executive Director [email protected] important committee to review the current storm water situation 2 VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

full meeting that Mayor Norris will RIVERWOODS Riverwoods Village preside over. On behalf of the Village VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Board of Trustees and Trustees, Trustee Haber thanked Meeting Notes Mayor Norris for all of his years of Kris Ford dedicated service to the Village of Mayor/Board President Riverwoods both as President and as 847-945-3990 The following is a summary of ordinances, [email protected] a Trustee. During his tenure, Mayor resolutions, and non-routine matters considered by the Board of Trustees from Norris showed great leadership and the meeting minutes of April 20, May 18 accomplished the following: VILLAGE TRUSTEES and June 1. Read the entirety of these • Extended the sewer system minutes, including the current Police into south Riverwoods Michael Clayton Reports, and Plan Commission Reports on • Extended the water and placed Economic Dev./Finance/Capital Planning 224-813-1263 the Village of Riverwoods website at www. fire hydrants in various locations [email protected] villageofriverwoods.com. including north Riverwoods to address Liliya Dikin fire protection Communications April 20 • Implemented SSAs for road 847-945-3990 repair [email protected] SENIOR TRANSPORTATION • Oversaw initial development of Andrew Eastmond PROGRAM the southeast corner of Milwaukee and Woodlands/Ecology Deerfield Roads 847-945-3990 Mayor Norris noted at the last [email protected] • Secured an alternate water Board of Trustees meeting, that the source from Northbrook resulting in a Michael Haber Trustees disestablished the senior Legal/Police considerable cost savings for the Village transportation program. Trustee 847-940-1957 • Oversaw construction of the [email protected] Hollander had asked to re-establish the new Village Hall program as a needs-based program. Henry Hollander • Oversaw creation of the Village Roads/Land Use The County has some needs-based campus 847-945-4879 programs where the recipient would [email protected] • Acquired public space have to meet the following criteria: across from the Village as well as the Rick Jamerson • Be at least 65 years of age Building/Utilities Hermann Wildflower Farm on Deerfield • Have lived in the home for at 847-370-6565 and Portwine least two (2) years [email protected] • Developed an outdoor space • Household income of $65,000 and education center at Deerfield and or less COMMUNITY Saunders Roads SERVICES • Implemented a cost share Mayor Norris noted the Village has a program to enhance the ecology of the couple programs to rebate gas tax and Russ Kraly Village of Riverwoods and protect the Director of Community Services sewer charges. The County and/or State woodlands 847-945-3990 qualifies the people for the programs. [email protected] • Oversaw the passage of the There is virtually no overhead to Riverwoods Preservation Ordinance Bruce Dayno the Village. Mayor Norris noted the Chief of Police • Leaves the Village in very good former program had a limit of a $5 847-945-1130 fiscal order notwithstanding all the reimbursement and a maximum of [email protected] improvements listed above three (3) trips per month. Tom Krueger Fire Chief The Board voted to re-establish the The Board is very thankful for his Lincolnshire/Riverwoods leadership. Trustee Clayton added Fire Protection District senior transportation program on an 847-634-2512 as-needed basis for those that qualify Mayor Norris also represented for the assessment freeze. the Village at SWALCO, initiated administrative hearings and revised GOOD OF THE ORDER the Village’s financial procedures and Trustee Clayton noted this was the last processes. He reported John Norris has 3 VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

also been friendly, a man of principal would be illicit discharge. There will and dedicated to doing what is best for not be a lot of inspections, but Gewalt the Village. Hamilton, consultant civil engineers, would follow up with them. Trustee On behalf of the Village, Chief Dayno Jamerson noted there will be more salt, presented Mayor Norris with a which the Village will have to watch. Waterman pen set and commemorative COMMUNITY SERVICES plaque. Director of Community Services Russ Kraly reported that the home at 1 May 18 Woodland has been abandoned for two years and is in very poor shape. The ENGINEER’S REPORT person who lived there passed away RIVERWOODS Village Engineer Pat Glenn showed and the bank owns the house. The VILLAGE VOICE the annual NPDES (National Pollution pool pump and fence were installed Discharge Elimination System) Riverwoods Village Voice is and some dead greenery was removed published bimonthly by the Village presentation, which is the annual today. The Village will have the lawn of Riverwoods. It’s purpose is to update on the MS4 (Municipal Separate maintained every few weeks. Trustee provide a communication forum and Storm Sewer) program. The Village Hollander asked if the Village could information for residents. The views submitted a notice of intent to the purchase the property very reasonably. expressed in the newsletter are not IEPA on February 26, 2021. The NPDES Mr. Kraly will contact the bank. necessarily those of the Mayor or regulations require a permit for members of the Board of Trustees. Mayor Ford suggested taking steps to the discharge of storm water from determine when health and safety Editor: Jackie Borchew. an MS4. The permit requirements issues have been resolved then filing for Any resident wishing to become a include developing, implementing and receivership. newsletter staff volunteer please call enforcing a storm water management the Village Hall at 847-945-3990 and leave your name and phone program plan, implementing SMPP Mr. Kraly is working with Mr. Glenn and tracking progress and reporting and Chief Dayno on the shabby looking annually on that progress. fire hydrants. Trustee Jamerson noted SEND IN THOSE LETTERS! in the past that the Village has been There are six minimum control diligent about removing signs from Letters from residents and measures in the plan including roadways and noticed a lot of signs for Riverwoods homeowners’ public education and outreach real estate tax help showing up. Mayor associations are invited and on storm water impact, public Ford suggested also asking the SSAs to encouraged. Preferred length: participation and involvement, illicit pull up the signs. Trustee Hollander approximately 250 words or less, discharge detection and elimination, suggested the police officers pull typed. All letters must include the construction site storm water runoff author’s name, address and phone up the signs when they are driving number. Letters may be printed, control, post-construction storm water through the Village. space permitting, but may be edited management for new development for grammar, clarity and length. If and redevelopment, and pollution Mayor Ford noted the Village previously controversial topics are addressed, prevention / good housekeeping for had a clean-up day. She suggested the editor will seek opposing municipal operations. having a community event next year. viewpoints for balance. Trustee Jamerson noted the RPC was

Trustee Jamerson asked if Lake County Deadline for the in charge of the clean-up day but September/October issue: would put in culverts, curbs, etc. when stopped because there were not enough August 16, 2021 they work on Deerfield Road. He also volunteers. Send to: asked if it would fall under the Village’s INFORMATION ITEMS FROM Editor purview. Mr. Glenn explained it would THE PRESIDENT Riverwoods Village Voice fall under the Village’s purview. 300 Portwine Road During construction, the County is Update of Deerfield Road Corridor Riverwoods, IL 60015 or [email protected] responsible. Once construction is done, Project – Trustee Hollander reported there is not a high likelihood there on the Deerfield Road Corridor Project. 4 VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

There were several complaints from Opening Village Hall and Board departments have a program for residents about the appearance of the Meetings – Mayor Ford suggested wellness checks and discussing job sound wall. He explained the criteria waiting to hear Governor Pritzker’s stressors at a cost of $2800. Chief Dayno has been met, but the Village is limited orders regarding reopening plans asked the Trustees to sign an agreement in what they can do. The Village has before making any decisions. She does with First Responders Wellness Center some influence on the visual impact not anticipate making any changes this to perform these services. and materials. The County has spent a month; which means that the Village significant amount of time addressing Hall is still closed and those entering The Trustees believe these services are the issue. Trustee Hollander noted Village Hall are asked to wear masks part of the Village’s existing health some residents have received letters as and maintain social distance. plan. Chief Dayno explained the Village their property may be impacted by the has an Employee Assistance Program widening of Deerfield Road. Village Campus is Open – Trustee (EAP), but it is different. Chief Dayno Hollander announced that the Village would like to make the First Responders Trustee Clayton noted the RPC had a Campus is available for residents to Wellness Center services mandatory meeting to go through an assessment use. He suggested publicizing it in the training while officers are on duty. He of the work that has been done. The Village Voice, on the Village website explained this program specializes in conversation was extensive. He urged and on the LED entry sign. He noted first responders while the EAP program anyone that has comments to submit residents do not need to reserve the is more reactionary and does not have them to the County as part of the pavilion at this time. the evaluation techniques for first Public Hearing process. responders. Mr. Huvard added the Mayor Ford indicated Phase I EAP makes referrals while the First Village Donation to Deerfield High construction is complete. Trustee Responders Wellness Center is more School After-Prom – The Village received Clayton expressed concern that the specialized. a request for a donation. In the past, Discovery Center was not built and the the Village has donated $1000, which western pathways are not handicapped The Board voted in agreement to falls under the Mayor’s spending limit. accessible. Mr. Huvard explained approve the wellness contract for the Mayor Ford asked the Trustees for their the consultants walked through the police department. opinions. campus with Mayor Emeritus Norris APPROVAL OF ELECTRICAL and there should be a report on the AGGREGATION CONTACT The Trustees do not have an objection final walkthrough. The Trustees to this donation, as it has been done want to ensure the campus meets Trustee Jamerson introduced Mike for many years; however, they want to safety requirements; however, there Mudge from Rock River Energy reiterate that the process for donations is nothing precluding people from Company. Mr. Mudge explained that should be followed. Mr. Huvard using the campus before an official Rock River Energy gets rates from suggested making this donation under announcement is made. Mayor Ford alternative energy suppliers and the Mayor’s discretion, as the Trustees will meet with Trustees Clayton and everyone in Riverwoods would get that did not have any objections. Jamerson after reviewing the final rate if they do not opt out. The program walkthrough report. Trustee Haber saved residents three quarters of a million dollars in the first few years. June 1 believes the Village should hold a grand opening as part of the Village The current contract is up on August 1, 2021. There are different options now, INFORMATION ITEMS FROM branding and celebration of the including solar energy, but they require THE PRESIDENT Village. residents to opt in and are not seamless. New Business Anticipated 2021 Projects – Mayor Ford If the Village continues with electrical is looking into two large projects that aggregation, the Trustees need to act WELLNESS CONTRACT may be expensive. One is the website. tonight. Rates change daily. Trustee Dikin will take the lead on FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT amending the Village website. Mayor Chief Dayno noted it has been a tough There are three options. (1) Dynegy Ford is also looking at making the year to be a police officer. There has had the lowest bid for the traditional contracts and Resolutions easier to find been an increase in officer suicides aggregation program. Their current and accessible via the Village website. and mental health issues. Other rate is 6.947 cents while the current

5 VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

(2) ComEd rate is 6.985 cents. ComEd The Board voted to reappoint Laurie changes their rates twice a year. Rate Breitkopf as the chairperson of the Plan could go up or down. The Village Commission. program would be locked in, but residents can leave the program Trustee Hollander moved to reappoint without any fee. The second option is members of the Zoning Board of a hybrid option. Residents would pay Appeals and appoint Mike Marshall the current. (3) The third option is with and Tim Buzzard to the ZBA and Sherry Community Solar. Residents would Graditor as Chairperson. The Board have to opt-in and there are high opt- voted in favor. out fees and long-term commitments. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Communications & IT – Trustee Dikin The Village could do a municipal reported the committee will have aggregation program and do more a long agenda and try to work on research for a solar energy program. standardizing branding with electronic The Village could then direct residents signatures. She is also working on how to opt into this program. One issue changes to the website. is that residents would receive two bills, which is somewhat confusing. some would opt out of the aggregate Woodlands & Ecology – Trustee Eastmond met with Mayor Ford about Trustee Dikin asked about peak time program. Trustee Hollander noted that the woodlands and will meet with savings hours between May and last time, there were significant savings Village Ecologist Steve Zimmerman October. In addition, ComEd has as a community, making the decision about enforcement. Mayor Ford publicized they are giving relief to easier. The Trustees discussed the explained this committee will be customers. Mr. Mudge explained a possibility of a civic grant, where rates responsible for the relationships with resident would have to be on ComEd are bumped up by a thousandth of a the RPC and Brushwood. directly for those programs. He noted cent and the grant money is given to the current rate is close to the ComEd the community. Mr. Mudge explained Trustee Jamerson noted there has been rate, but it would be locked in for three the previous Board wanted the a lot of turnover in south Riverwoods years. In the past, when the aggregate residents to save as much as possible. and residents think they can do what rate was higher than the ComEd The Trustees want to provide as many they want. The Village needs to educate rate, they sent out letters to residents options to residents as possible. new residents as they come into the informing them of the rates. The Board voted to approve the three- Village. Laurie Breitkopf suggested hosting a new resident party with Mr. Mudge suggested locking into tier electrical aggregation contract an RPC representative and Village the aggregate program. He noted with Dynegy, subject to review by the Ecologist, Steve Zimmerman. Trustee the Community Solar program is an Village attorney. Eastmond believes that would be individual sign-up program that would COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND welcoming and a good way to educate require solar panels. The program APPOINTMENTS INCLUDING STORM new residents. requires residents to be on ComEd WATER MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE directly. Mr. Mudge can research Mayor Ford noted there is a change Roads & Land Use – Trustee Hollander and find a solar provider without in committee assignments. Trustee wants a determination of how the high termination fees and long-term Jamerson will be the Village’s drought is affecting well depths. commitments. The Village could then representative to the DBR Chamber of put that information on the website. Commerce. Mayor Ford also reminded Finance & Economic Development – Trustee Clayton reported the The Trustees discussed the time the Trustees to be mindful of the Open Brushwood program on backyard crunch due to legal requirements. Mr. Meetings Act. She urged the Trustees habitats was very successful and Mudge explained that if the Village to refresh what needs to be done when had excellent participation from does not act tonight, he would have there is a committee with volunteers. Riverwoods residents. to put everyone back on ComEd and Mayor Ford wants to have clear records on appointments to commissions. 6 THE VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS Director of Community Services Police Report That Woodland Project Area Ruse Burglaries There have been several ruse burglaries occurring in North Suburban communities recently, including one that took May Require A Permit place on Hoffman Ln. in Riverwoods. By Russell Kraly In a typical ruse burglary, a lone suspect knocks on the Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. We finally have door and tells the potential victim he is doing work in the some rain and the flowers are blooming, vegetables are area. He typically lures the victim to the backyard to show growing and the grass is finally turning green instead of them where work needs to be done or to point to where looking like hay!! he is doing work at a neighbor’s home. While the victim is distracted in the yard, other suspects enter through the We’ve noticed that some people have lined their ditchlines front door and steal valuables. with stones/rocks. This is not allowed, you effect the drainage of the storm water. A few people have lined In other versions, the suspect identifies himself as a village their ditchline with plastic/fabric, this is against what the or utility worker and distracts victims by showing them ditchline is designed for. It designed to collect water during false plumbing or electrical problems in or outside their storms and then move it along its designated path until homes. The common theme is that they show up without it’s dispersed. Sometimes it takes a while for it to go away, an appointment and distract victims while their unseen but part of the process is it will soak into the ground and partners burglarize the home. disappear quicker. If you line the ditchline with anything it removes an important part of the drainage action, soaking Never let people into your home or be lured outside by into the ground. The engineers have been driving around people you don’t know. Keep your doors locked. Dial 911 and letting people know that they need to remove these immediately if anyone tries to talk you into letting them in implements so the storm water system can do what it’s or showing you something outside. Village employees and designed to do. contractors carry Village ID’s. Police should be called if you are not certain of their identity. Also, we’ve had some people removing trees (because they thought they were dead) and some natural plant growth The groups that commit these crimes almost always prey on because they thought they were weeds. Please, before you the elderly. Please share this article with elderly neighbors, do anything, get in touch with our Village Ecologist Steve, friends and relatives. and let him tell you what you can and can’t do. We have For questions contact: ordinances covering these type of things and the fines can Bruce Dayno, Riverwoods Chief of Police be pretty substantial if you violate them! 847-945-1130

Hope everyone has a great summer, enjoy the weather and [email protected] the outdoors and …..oh yes…..please stay safe!!

Village Stewards for the Woodlands We need your help to save our woodlands, our most valuable resource. As a part of the Village's programs to protect our woodlands, we are looking for residents to volunteer as Village Stewards for the woodlands. This special group will help the Village with ideas and be trained to communicate with residents about the value of our woodlands. If you are interested or want more information, please call the Village Hall directly at 847-945-3990.

7 THE VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS Electric Municipal Aggregation Program Rick Jamerson, Trustee

In 2012, the Village of Riverwoods entered into an Electric Municipal Aggregation Program. During the first three-year contract under the program with an alternative electricity supplier, the program saved the participating residents over $1,000,000 collectively. Energy pricing has undergone many changes since then. Our current aggregation contract expires August 1, 2021. The Village solicited bids from seven electricity suppliers and has chosen Dynegy as our in the coming months. Under the current statues, residents supplier for the next three years. Dynegy is the current wishing to join a Community Solar program need to join aggregation supplier for the Village of Riverwoods. individually. Since there isn’t an early termination fee with the Dynegy aggregation program, residents may switch to a As a reminder to residents familiar with the program and for solar provider at any time. new residents unfamiliar with the program, the aggregation process allows the Village to acquire fixed rates for all of Residents with questions should call the Village at 847- the residents in the Village that wish to participate in the 945-3990. program. Residents can opt out of the program at any time, without charge. Residents in the program will receive only one bill for their electricity. ComEd will bill for both the Private Well Levels to be electricity distribution, provided by ComEd, and for the energy usage, provided by Dynegy. Monitored Again Rick Jamerson, Trustee The Village received two rates for electricity from Dynegy. The Traditional Power Rate Program is $0.06947 per The Village of Riverwoods will begin to monitor water levels kWh (kilowatt hour) and the Renewable Power Program at several locations in Riverwoods. Well levels were tracked is $0.07323 per kWh. These rates are fixed until August for many years, but the tracking was discontinued in late 2024. The cost differential between the traditional and 2012. There is concern that well levels are decreasing 100% renewable power program is less than one half of with our changing weather. Aquifers across our region one cent per kWh. For a home using 1000 kWh per month, are stressed and replenishing them is not just a matter of this amounts to $3.76 additional cost to have your home additional rainfall in the local area. A good portion of the powered by 100% renewable energy. Since Riverwoods is a Village is served by private wells. Monitoring the water unique environment, please consider the Renewable Power levels will allow the Village to carefully consider future option. To enroll in the Renewable Power Program, please water strategies. call Dynegy at 844-351-7691 and request the “Green” option. The Village has purchased equipment to measure the water level in a well. We have selected seven wells located All residents and small businesses in Riverwoods should throughout the Village to monitor. The equipment should have received a letter from Dynegy explaining the program arrive soon, and we expect monitoring to begin within along with Frequently Asked Questions and an opt out the next 30 days. The well levels will be checked on a postcard. Residents on special ComEd pricing programs, monthly basis, recorded, and then graphed. While we such as time of day usage, need to remain with ComEd as still have the old data, some of those wells have been their energy supplier. These special pricing programs are abandoned and comparisons between different wells are not not available under the aggregation program. useful. Well levels vary from property to property as well as month to month. Well depths also vary from property to The Village is also reviewing Community Solar providers. property. It will take some time for trends to emerge. As Our goal is to investigate the different suppliers and their data is collected, the Village will report the findings on a terms and then recommend the best suppliers to the Village regular basis. If you have questions about the upcoming residents. We expect to be able to make recommendations monitoring, please contact the Village at 847-945-3990. 8 RIVERWOODS PRESERVATION COUNCIL

River) protects wildlife habitat and native plants, provides flood The Des Plaines River management, prevents erosion, and acts as a buffer against – A Local Gem development along the River and floodplain. In addition, the Greenway is an important flyway for migrating Riverwoods residents are fortunate to live close to a significant birds. According to Allison Frederick of the Lake County Forest waterway that is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Preserve: "Animals and plants, through their seed and pollen, Walk along the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway and you are not cut off from each other and are less restricted in their will see evidence of the beaver’s handiwork, footprints of deer, movement. For such things as tiny frogs, rare butterflies and raccoons and coyotes in the soft mud at the river’s edge, and delicate wildflowers, which stay strong only through a genetic possibly an American toad or leopard frog as it hops across the mix with other groups of their kin, the Greenway is crucial." path. Irises bloom in the damp floodplain in spring, and owls, The remaining 24% of the land bordering the Des Plaines River ducks, herons, and songbirds can be seen and heard as you is private and commercial property. walk. Huge bur oaks, swamp oaks, silver maples, and black walnuts are among the many species of trees that flourish in Recreation - Residents with cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, this wet area. paddleboards, or other small non-motorized watercraft may use the carry-in boat ramp on Route 60, just east of Milwaukee Des Plaines River Trail - Since 1961, the Lake County Forest Avenue, on the west side of the River. Launching is free and Preserve District has been building a trail along the river, piece parking is available. by piece. In 2015 the 31.4 miles of trail, winding through 12 forest preserves, were completed, and hikers, birders, runners, Fishing and ice fishing are available but a license is required for horseback riders, cross-country skiers, and bikers now are able ages 16 and older. to travel from south through the Cook County portion of the And during winter months, the local forest preserves are a great trail to north all the way to the Wisconsin border. Bridges and site for ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country underpasses allow travel on the entire route without crossing skiing. any major roads.

For details about the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway, the The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway protects more than many other trails in the Lake County forest preserves, and the 76% of the Lake County portion of the Des Plaines River. various recreational opportunities, check out the Lake County While the gravel trail provides recreational opportunities, the Forest Preserve website at www.lcfpd.org. Greenway (i.e. the undeveloped natural area surrounding the

9 THE VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS

Wildlife Cooridors; Continued from the cover counting water birds) feed their offspring? Hint: It’s not seeds, not berries and not earthworms. The that once existed in the U.S. have been lost or answer? Bugs. fragmented into small pockets, broken up and Insects and arthropods (spiders and related species) altered by cities, farms, industry and other human provide the rich source of protein that young birds activity. Home landscapes with broad expanses need for rapid and healthy growth. Without a steady of sterile lawns and non-native plants add to the supply of bugs, the vast majority of our beloved problem. Huge areas of complex ecosystems that songbirds would vanish. In fact, many of them already once supported thousands of species have been have. reduced to islands of habitat in a sea of inhospitable terrain. Separated from other suitable habitats, Small Steps, Big Impact wildlife in these pockets have nowhere to go should natural or man-made disasters threaten. Add that to Tallamy isn’t asking you to tear up your landscape and the fact that individual species populations weaken spend thousands of dollars on new plants. Instead, from inbreeding and you have a recipe for species he recommends making small changes, one plant at a decline. time. For the biggest impact, especially in small

Creating Corridors What’s a gardener to do? My first “aha!” moment during Tallamy’s talk came when he explained how planting native trees and shrubs could reconnect our fragmented habitats to one another to form larger, more complex and diverse ecosystems. Backyard by backyard, neighborhood by neighborhood, when gardeners add native plants to their landscapes they create stepping stones connecting formerly isolated habitat islands. Biologists call these “wildlife corridors,” and they’re critical for species to find the food, shelter, and breeding opportunities they need to thrive. And once a native garden is established, there’s no need for pesticides, fertilizers, or excessive watering or mowing. Every backyard, no matter how small, becomes part of the solution.

Great Spangled Fritillary adults feed on the nectar of many The Role of Insects flowering plants, but their caterpillars can only eat violets My second “aha” moment during Tallamy’s (Viola species). Photos: Ann Whitman presentation came when I learned that plant-eating insects comprise 37 percent of all terrestrial animal species on the planet. That’s a pretty important link suburban yards, select plants that support the greatest in the food chain and illustrates what a huge role number of species. Trees and shrubs sustain more insects play in healthy habitats. species than perennials and are the best place to start. When it’s time to replace a non-native Norway So, the first step is to choose native plants that maple (Acer platanoides), for example, choose a native support diverse insect species. The National red or silver maple (Acer rubrum or A. saccharinum). Audubon Society and other groups have been Replace burning bush (Euonymus alata) with highbush warning for decades that North American songbird or rabbit-eye blueberries, fothergilla, red chokeberry populations are in steep decline and habitat loss (aronia) or enkianthus. If you have room for a majestic is a primary culprit. Here’s a pop quiz: What do shade tree, Tallamy recommends oaks, which support 96 percent of bird species in North America (not 534 species in the mid-Atlantic states. 10 THE VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS

Mark Your Calendars! Reuse/Recycle-O-Rama Saturday, October 2, 2021 9am–12pm Riverwoods Village Hall

All items are intended for reuse so please make sure that they are clean and in good usable condition. Wet, dirty or moldy items will not be accepted.

One third of our food supply depends on insect pollinators, such as bees. They need pesticide-free flowering plants and Acceptable Items shelter to raise their young. Clothing / Coats and jackets, dresses, Halloween Suburban homeowners can do themselves and the costumes, hats and scarves, jeans, suits and tuxedos, environment a big favor by replacing grass lawns sweaters and ties with native plants. The trouble is that too many of us feel peer pressure from neighbors to use weedkillers, Textiles / Bedspreads, duvets, comforters, curtains, fertilizers and other chemicals to maintain manicured table linens and towels / No fabric scraps, pillows, lawns. Raise your hand if you have ever felt your mattresses, rugs, carpets or electric blankets lawn feels overgrown the moment a neighbor mows Shoes / Paired, bagged and marked “Shoes” Please their yard. Americans also use way more water and fertilizer on their lawns than farmers use to grow corn, tie shoes together with the laces or secure with a soybeans and other crops. Lawn care is a $76 billion rubber band / No ice skates or roller blades a year industry. Accessories / Purses, handbags, hats, belts, jewelry, Replacing an entire yard with native plants all at back packs and duffle bags / No luggage on wheels once might seem overwhelming and impractical. The Eyeglasses solution may be to encourage people to think about digging up sod in sections and slowly transforming Hearing Aids their lawns into more natural areas. Keys There are huge benefits to using a lawn mower less Plush Toys / Stuffed animals and dolls often. Running a lawn mower for one hour creates the Sports Equipment / No skis, bikes or exercise same amount of pollution as driving the average car machines for 350 miles. Musical Instruments / No keyboards, pianos or drums Good things happen when you remove the choking thatch of grass and let the earth breathe. It would be amazing if entire neighborhoods were filled with This event is sponsored by yards that looked more like natural prairies than the The Riverwoods Preservation Council outfield at Guaranteed Rate Field. Once you plant just The Village of Riverwoods a couple native things, the wildlife finds you, which is and SWALCO kind of amazing.

11 RIVERWOODS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

was the name used by early residents of the Deerfield The Riverwoods Residents area to refer to the beautiful woodland area where they Association (RRA)and its role in frequently picnicked and hunted. the founding of Riverwoods The Riverwoods area grew slowly, a few settlers at a time, until after WWII. In the early 1950s there were about 40 In the Beginning – In 1836, after the peaceful families in unincorporated Riverwoods, about 300 in the Pottawatomie and Illini Indian tribes signed a treaty early 1960s and about 1600 in the early 1970s. People came giving the lush woodlands, swamps and O-Plain (Des for the trees, the space and the freedom. Many built or Plaines) River lands (now Riverwoods) to the U. S. helped build their own houses. government, non-Indian traders, trappers, hunters and woodsmen were allowed to travel or settle on the land. In Riverwoods Moves Toward Independence – Three major 1841 the first land purchase was recorded in what is now things happened in the 1950s to move Riverwoods Riverwoods. Other settlers followed, along Luther Road towards independence. First, in 1954 the Riverwoods area (Riverwoods Road) near Deerfield Road. residents voted to leave the Aptakisic-Tripp School District and join the Deerfield School District, increasing taxes Many Chicagoans came to the popular Clybourn Park from $9 to $100 on one acre of vacant land. Second, the Amusement Center that was established on Milwaukee Riverwoods Residents Association (RRA) was formed to give Avenue, just north of Deerfield Road, in 1893, thus residents a stronger voice in county decisions concerning exposing more people to the natural beauty of the unincorporated Riverwoods. Third, RRA went to court to area. The area was popular with North Shore residents, stop a developer from subdividing the area that is now as well, many camping by the Des Plaines River in the Country Club Estates and Ravinia Green and Deerfield Golf summertime in the 1900s-1920s. Some built summer Clubs into small city-sized lots. Residents were concerned cabins along the river. The Izaak Walton League of that the smaller lots would destroy the look and feel of Winnetka bought 5,277 acres in 1928 for their boy Riverwoods and cause taxes to go higher. and girl scouting organization. Riverwoods The $20,000 legal fees and expenses for the court fight needed to be paid, and some people felt that incorporating Riverwoods as a village was a solution. The first vote, led by RRA president Max Hoffman, was taken in 1958. Approximately 200 families voted and the decision was defeated. A year later, RRA president John Davenport led a second incorporation vote on December 12, 1959, in the home of Hank and Norma Conedera and the vote passed 99 in favor, 40 against. Riverwoods would become an incorporated village in the state of Illinois.

The first village officers were: Bob Clendenin, president; Lucille Billeter, Vern Rutter, Sugurd Gaugland, Hank Conedera, Gunnar Sundvahl and Clarence Pontius, board members; and Russ Benedict, village clerk.

RRA Launches Arts & Riverwoods – On the first weekend of October 1960, the first Arts & Riverwoods was held. An art exhibition of juried artists whose art was shown in private homes throughout the village over a single weekend. It’s purpose was to raise funds to pay off the $20,000 legal expenses the RRA had occurred in the long court battle over lot size. With $50 funding from RRA and Norma Conedera as the chairman of the first show, it surprised nearly everyone involved by raising $2,000 toward paying off the legal fee debt. Within a few more years, the entire debt was paid by 12 proceeds from Arts & Riverwoods, and the show became the fund-raising committee of the Riverwoods Residents CLIMATE Association (RRA) which incorporated as a non-profit JUSTICE AND corporation in the state of Illinois in 1958. HEALING The original RRA committee consisted of a representative from each section of Riverwoods (approximately 20 residents) and its mission was to be the conduit between 38th Annual the residents and the Village Board of Trustees. With the establishment of the popular Arts & Riverwoods, Smith Nature Symposium: the committee could now raise funds and look at other Climate Justice & Healing community projects. ​Programming Now Through October Arts & Riverwoods funds bought 11 acres of land along Riverwoods Road for $11,000. The Village passed a resolution in 1963 legally vacating the land and forever holding it for public use.

Arts & Riverwoods funds paid the $60,000 bill for the 5 acres the Village Hall occupies on Portwine and the building itself (the relocated Izaak Walton League log Masters of Ceremonies: cabin lodge). Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra

Proceeds from annual Arts & Riverwoods shows have also been used for the development of bike paths and many other worthwhile community projects in Riverwoods. The Village Hall was enhanced with a large trillium painting in the meeting room and a metal deer sculpture for the 2021 Environmental Leadership grounds. And back then the proceeds paid for new signs at all entrances to the Village. Award Recipient

Over a span of 40 years, proceeds have also been used for Winona LaDuke art scholarships, art education and art purchase awards “Let us be the ancestors our for local schools, libraries, community centers, hospitals, descendants will thank.” etc. Proceeds funded Arts & Riverwoods Scholarships given at Senior Awards Night to deserving, talented art students at Deerfield and Stevenson High Schools to help further LIVE-STREAMED AT 7 PM their art education. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

The RRA Today – The RRA has organized and hosted an ​Join the call for change. annual village clean up day, plant sale and community The 38th Annual Smith Nature Symposium BBQ, taken responsibility for funding the caucus, and explores climate justice and healing through provides village vehicle stickers for residents. the power of community. Learn from artists, Over the years, the RRA has offered Riverwoods residents, scientists, leaders, and activists during this older and younger, recent and long-time residents, series of programs, exhibitions, and concerts an opportunity to bond together into a “community”. running through October. Help our community Unfortunately, due to a lack of volunteers over the recent emerge from the pandemic with collective years, the RRA only hosts the plant sale (although not in strength, empathy, and renewed passion for 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic). the people and nature we love.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could resurrect our FOR A FULL EVENT SCHEDULE previous RRA activities, and build community with new AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, GO TO resident volunteers and their ideas. SMITHNATURESYMPOSIUM.ORG 13 IN THE KITCHEN WITH GALE GAND

lemon zest, salt, and baking powder and beat together until the batter is well mixed. Add the flour alternating with the milk, mixing on low till combined. Spread the mixture in the loaf pan, pushing it into the corners.

Bake the cake in the oven until risen, golden brown, and a toothpick or bamboo skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-55 minutes. Meanwhile, make the drizzle by whisking together the lemon juice and powdered sugar. mixing bowl in the saucepan, with the

In the Kitchen bowl’s base resting above – not in – Remove the cake from the oven and the simmering water (pour out some let cool 5 minutes. Poke holes in the water if necessary). Cook, whisking cake top every ½ inch with a skewer. with Pastry Chef occasionally, until the mixture is Pour the drizzle over the cake while thickened and custardy, about 10 it’s still warm. Leave the cake until minutes. cooled, about 45 minutes, then lift it Gale Gand out of the tin, wrap it tightly and store Meanwhile, half-fill a large bowl at least two days (if your family will with ice and cover with cold water. Lemon Curd wait that long-mine won’t). Peel off Remove the bowl with the custard in the parchment paper before serving. Raspberry Blossoms it from the hot water and whisk in the The best part of Lemon Drizzle Cake butter until melted. Rest the bottom Makes 12 is the end pieces. of the bowl in the ice bath and let 1 piece ready-made pie crust cool, folding the mixture occasionally 1 recipe Lemon Curd to cool and thicken it. ½ pint raspberries Powdered sugar

Using a daisy shaped cookie cutter Lemon Drizzle Cake 3-inches in diameter, cut out flowers 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, of pie dough and gently push them at room temperature into a mini muffin tin. Bake at 400 1 cup sugar Gale Gand is a pastry chef and was a degrees for 9 – 12 minutes, till 2 eggs founder and partner in the Michelin two-star golden brown. Let cool. Using a pastry Grated zest of 2 lemons restaurant, Tru, in Chicago. She hosted Food bag, fill with Lemon Curd and top ½ salt Network’s long running show “Sweet Dreams”, with a raspberry. Dust with powdered 1½ teaspoons baking powder is the author of eight cook books, and worked sugar if desired. ¼ cup milk with Julia Child on her book and PBS series, 1¼ cups flour “Baking with Julia”. Gale teaches cooking Lemon Curd classes all over the country and is an artisanal 2 eggs For the drizzle soda pop maker producing Gale’s Root Beer ½ cup sugar Juice of 2 lemons which is sold nationally. She has received two Freshly grated zest of ½ lemon 1 cup icing sugar James Beard Awards, has been inducted into 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons) 3 ¾ x 7 ¾ x 2 ½ inch loaf pan the American Academy of Chefs and Chicago 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 cup capacity) Chefs Hall of Fame and was schooled in Paris at La Varenne. Gale appears at many food Bring about 2 inches of water to a Heat the oven to 350ºF and set the and wine festivals across the country and simmer in a large saucepan. In a rack in the middle of the oven. Line is a professional Pie and Food Competition mixer fitted with a whisk attachment a loaf pan with parchment paper. In Judge. She is the mother of three and plays (or using a hand mixer), whip the a mixer with a paddle attachment, the ukulele. Fun fact-She once made a Peach eggs and sugar together until very cream the butter, add the sugar and Cobbler for Aretha Franklin. For more info on light yellow and fluffy. Mix in the beat until fluffy, about a minute. Gale go to: www.galegand.com. lemon juice and lemon zest. Rest the Add the eggs one at a time, then the 14 AROUND THE VILLAGE BRUSHWOOD CENTER

Riverwoods Coyotes Kids’ Band CALL FOR ART: ​ Rocked the Neighborhood Our Future: Youth Perspectives By Mitch Kranitz It all started with a post on NextDoor, the community- on The Environment based social media port as a local mom asked whether there were any kids in Riverwoods that might be Across the world, youth are rising up in defense of interested in starting a rock and roll band. our shared planet. From youth-led organizations like Zero Hour, the U.S. Climate Strike, and the Sunrise Three young Riverwoods musicians - Katherine (Katya) Movement, young climate activists are leading marches, Dikin (age 12) on bass guitar. Anthony (Antosha) rallies, summits, and lobby days. Young leaders are Dikin (age 10.5) on drums and Milo Kranitz (age 10) building strong coalitions across sectors, borders, and on electric guitar - met with their parents and quickly demographics, demanding that our government, and identified a few songs that they knew how to play. The governments around the world, take action on climate. first rehearsal happened shortly afterwards. Wonderfully To celebrate and elevate these youth voices, Brushwood off-key with each player bringing their own interpretation Center is creating the “Our Future: Youth Perspectives to the same song, it was clear that these guys needed on the Environment '' exhibition. We invite young artists a bit more cohesion to polish their chosen set list: in the Chicago region, ages 12 - 22, to submit work “Believer” by Imagine Dragons, “Seven Nation Army” by reflecting on climate justice and healing through the the White Stripes, and “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath. power of community. Artists may explore many themes within this topic area including nature, environmental Sasha Brusin, a local guitarist, instructor and band justice, climate change, and/or their own experiences director, along with Mich Shirey another local guitar engaging in the outdoors. instructor, agreed to take over weekly coordination of band activities and individual instruction to Katya and We are accepting work in all media and styles that Milo. On June 17, 2021, the Riverwoods Coyotes made feature or are in some way related to this theme, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, digital artwork, their debut in front of over fifty guests. video, performances, poetry, and music.

The Riverwoods Coyotes will be seeking additional band Submission Deadline: September 1, 2021 members for the fall season. Participants must be ages Artist Notification: September 3, 2021 11-15, with a minimum of two years of private lessons in Drop off: Accepted artwork should be dropped off at the instrument of their choice, ability to collaborate and Brushwood Center between September 8 and the 15. meet once per week for band rehearsals and to continue Exhibition Opening and Celebration: Sunday, September lessons with their private instructors to work on the 19, Art Reception from 1-2 p.m.; Family Concert from band’s chosen repertoire. If you are interested in joining, 2-3 p.m. check out how to register for an audition at tinyurl.com/ kidsrockband. For more details: www.brushwoodcenter.org 15 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE

PAID Village of Riverwoods PERMIT #63 300 Portwine Road DEERFIELD, IL Riverwoods, Illinois 60015-3898 60015-3898

VILLAGE OF RIVERWOODS SAVE THE DATE! July 31, 2021 11:30am-2pm

Celebration Honoring Mayor Emeritus John Norris & Campus Grand Opening

Food Provided by Cheesie's Food Truck

Activities for KIds and Adults

FUN! FUN! FUN!