NATURE Matters The quarterly newsletter of The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

WE NEVER KNOW THE WORTH OF WATER TILL THE WELL IS DRY.

TOMAS FULLER, GNOMOLOGIA, 1732

April-June 2010, Volume 4, Issue 2 The State of Water Prese Preserverve in McHenry County 197 1970-20100-2010 The Defendersefenders Celebrates Celebrates 40 40 Years Years of of By Cassandra McKinney, Water Resources Manger Envi ronmentalronmental Advocacy Advocacy in in McHenry McHenry County. County. McHenry County is an exciting, diverse and beautiful county known for its rural character, year-round recreational activities, abundant conservation lands and the Fox River. These tremendous resources, however, do not indicate an endless supply of water. McHenry County is solely dependent on groundwater for all of its Celebrate drinking water needs and this resource is finite. The Earth! The groundwater resources of McHenry Saturday, April 17 County are found primarily within two zones of geologic material underlying the county: 1) Prairieview Education Center, shallow aquifers composed of sand and gravel Crystal Lake. deposits within glacial drift, coupled with See page 7 dolomitic material in the shallow bedrock immediately underlying the glacial drift, and 2) for schedule of events. Prottect deep bedrock aquifers or Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer composed of sandstone and dolomite units. While seemingly abundant, the ability of these sources to meet the county’s projected water demand is uncertain as highlighted with completion of a multi-year water resources study titled the Groundwater Resources Management Inside HIGHLIGHTS Plan (GRMP) in November, 2006. The GRMP concluded that there are several aspects of groundwater concerns in McHenry Articles County. First, is the primary impact of increased The State of Water in McHenry County, groundwater pumping on the existing water supply. by Cassandra McKinney cover Second is the potential for groundwater Fair Trade Coffee, by Michael Shipley 4 contamination that grows proportionally with population increases and the increased business The Cove: A Must See Documentary, activity in the area. This threat includes spilling of by Cynthia Kanner 5 hazardous materials on the surface and increased News & announcements discharge of fully or partially treated wastewater and wastewater treatment residuals. Finally, a less Outreach Plans for 2010 6 Ed ucateucate evident, but nevertheless important aspect of Environmental Scholarship Opportunity 6 groundwater use, is the potential impact on natural Green Spot Resale Shop Now Open 6 wetlands, fens, streams and lakes. These natural Earth Day 2010 7 areas are dependent on groundwater discharges to Over 100 enjoy annual membership meeting 8 the surface, and excessive pumping may reduce or Defenders now collecting Styrofoam™ 10 eliminate these flows. New Green Guide Available 11 Continued page 3 About NATURE Matters Members of The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County receive the newsletter as a membership benefit. Basic memberships start at $50. Environmental Defenders For information, questions, comments on of McHenry County membership or address changes, please contact our office at Mission Statement (815) 338-0393 or e-mail us at [email protected]. NATURE Matters is published quarterly by The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen 124 Cass Street, Suite 3 organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Woodstock, IL 60098 www.mcdef.org environment. We are committed to building sound ecological ISSN 1938-9795 relationships between people and the natural world that supports all life.

To achieve the aim of environmental preservation and improvement, we Staff provide the community with educational programs and volunteer action Diane Oltman-Ayers on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural Outreach Director resource conservation. Christy Matsuoka Administrative Coordinator We advocate policies that protect drinking water supplies and conserve Officers & Directors land for open space and agriculture. We demonstrate waste reduction Nancy Schietzelt, President through recycling drives and reuse centers. We encourage natural Joe Starzynski, Second Vice President resource protection through native landscaping and stream protection James Wigman, Treasurer programs. Suzanne Johnson, Secretary Roy Asplund Dwight Dalton Jim Donato Ed Ellinghausen Cynthia Kanner Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Kim Willis Advertising Policy Newsletter Editors Cynthia W. Kanner The Defenders will accept advertisements in NATURE Matters if Barb Day the product or services offered are consistent with the mission of The Defenders, as determined solely by our Board of Editorial Policy Directors. Products or services advertised in NATURE Matters Opinions expressed in NATURE Matters do not do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the Environmental necessarily reflect the position and/or policy of Defenders of McHenry County. The Defenders is not the Environmental Defenders of McHenry responsible for the accuracy of the ads, or for the performance County. However, NATURE Matters will not directly advocate positions in opposition to those of the products or services advertised. of The Defenders. We reserve the right to condense or revise articles and illustrations for Rates: space, clarity or libel. Knowledgeable local Full Page $300 environmentalists may be consulted to check Half Page 175 facts. Letters to the Editor can be sent to: [email protected]. Letters will be Quarter Page 100 published based on space and Board review. Eighth Page 75 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the position and/or policy of The Defenders. Letters Discounts for multiple advertisements may apply. can also be mailed to:124 Cass Street, Suite 3, Woodstock, IL 60098.

2 NATURE Matters April-June 2010 Demographic projections of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) indicate that from 2000 to 2030, McHenry County’s population is expected to grow by 190,000, and the number of households is projected to increase by approximately 65,700. These factors will contribute to growing demands upon McHenry County’s water sources. Upon review by Baxter and Woodman, Inc., in the year 2000, water use in the county amounted to an annual average of 34.6 million gallons per day (mgd). Baseline forecasts indicate that average annual water use will grow to 51.0 mgd by 2020 and almost double to 67.5 mgd by 2030. The estimated sustainable yield of shallow and deep aquifers in McHenry County is estimated to be approximately 120 mdg. However, according to the GRMP and based on the comprehensive plans of each of the municipalities in the county, total water use in McHenry County could grow to During the planning process it was also recognized that as much as 160 to 180 mgd if these plans are fulfilled in the additional scientific data regarding the state of water in future. With a total potential yield of 120 mgd, the county will McHenry County was needed. Therefore, McHenry County not be self-sustaining, if it is developed to its full potential in the Water Resources: long-term. Additionally, groundwater resources and • has completed the installation of a “real-time” groundwater withdrawals are not evenly distributed across the observation well network; county. Therefore, while the total potential aquifer yield for the • is coordinating the development of a hydrologic flow county as a whole appears to be capable of meeting the total model; and water demand projected for 2030, the distribution of water • is coordinating the development of a 3-Dimensional supply does not necessarily coincide with the distribution of hydro-geological map to further support the projected water usage. Groundwater Protection Action Plan. Groundwater is also an important resource on a regional and national level. Every day in the United States we consume McHenry County continues to proactively reach out to its more than 90 billion gallons of groundwater and aquifers are the stakeholders to ensure that our water supply planning efforts primary source of drinking water for more than half of our are coordinated with and meet or exceed the goals of State, country’s population. According to the Illinois Environmental Regional and Sub-County water planning efforts and/or Protection Agency (IEPA), about 2.5 million people in Illinois programs. Finally, the County continues to promote public are supplied via groundwater supplies; and groundwater awareness through community outreach, public presentations, removals account for 21 percent of the total water consumed by and school-aged education programs. public water suppliers. The Water Resources Action Plan has consolidated the Traditionally, groundwater resource planning has been a best available current information on local and regional water top down process with little or no stakeholder involvement in supply as well as best management practices from across the many parts of the United States. However, in Illinois, with the county, region, the United States, and Canada. It incorporates absence of statutory authority, counties are unable to enforce five sections: groundwater ordinances in areas other than the unincorporated. 1. An executive summary Therefore, in 2007 the County Board had a strategic initiative to 2. Detailed sections addressing the many components of hire a Water Resources Manager to coordinate the development Water Protection of a Groundwater Protection Action Plan utilizing a cooperative 3. Detailed section on Water Conservation planning process. 4. A Community Outreach and Social Marketing Program In July of 2007, the Groundwater Protection Task Force containing Educational Brochures, Pamphlets, and more was assembled to develop a Water Resources Action Plan to 5. A Section containing Appendices, Attachments, and a protect and preserve the quality and quantity of groundwater in Bibliography. McHenry County for current and future generations, including the natural and built environments. The seven step integrated The Groundwater Protection Task Force and the Water water resources planning process employed encouraged the Resources Division of McHenry County invite you to share involvement of local government leaders, regional partners, and use the information within the executive summary and the state and federal agencies, special interest groups, associated Water Resources Action Plan to proactively plan for agriculturalists, business and industry, and citizens in the the future of your community and your water supply. We also development of a county-wide groundwater protection action invite all stakeholders, including residents, business, and more plan. People are more likely to support that which they help to to take part in the process of protecting our water resources to create. ensure the long-term sustainability of our beautiful county.

April-June 2010 NATURE Matters 3 Fair Trade Coffee By Mike Shipley the education or the tools to find the information necessary to level the negotiation. Second, often there are significant Coffee has a way of moving people. There’s the obvious; infrastructure problems in developing and third world nations caffeine affects our bodies making us more alert and attentive. that prohibit growers from engaging in the market. The most But there is something else, too. Something a little more obvious example is the means of transporting goods from farm subversive. Coffee is the world’s second largest traded or factory to an exporter. Left to rely on the other party to commodity behind crude oil. The industry employs more than arrange transport is a very real problem for many growers. 300 million people worldwide and over 50% of Americans Third, there remains a gap between what coffee “experts” look consider themselves daily coffee drinkers. Yet, despite the for in a quality cup and a farmer’s means to improve the quality scope and scale of the industry and its market, most coffee of their crop to meet those experts’ expectations, thereby drinkers don’t even know coffee grows on a tree, that it is the increasing the value of their product. In short, growers rarely seeds of a cherry, or that almost all of the coffee grown around profit enough to improve their product. the world comes from developing and third-world nations. In spite of all of these very real concerns, the quality of The gap between coffee is getting better and market conditions are stabilizing. the coffee drinker The increased awareness of consumers has a lot to do with that. and the coffee Given a choice between an ethically sourced coffee and its low grower is great. quality “commodity grade” counterpart, the consumer is However, there are choosing the premium. And, fortunately, like a fresh from the numerous forces in farm tomato, quality and ethics go hand in hand. the industry that Events like last month’s “Green Drinks” at Duke’s are working hard Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake and Francesca’s Famiglia to bridge that gap. in Barrington provide a great forum to inform and discuss the As consumers tangible effects of environmentally and socially conscious b e c o m e buying practices. My brother Jason and I were fortunate enough increasingly aware to be invited to speak at of quality coffee both of these events. We An Ethiopian woman rests after harvesting by and the industry had a great discussion with hand ripe red cherries from the coffee tree. moves toward the crowd about the coffee Coffee is indigenous to Ethiopia and central to more ethical industry and certifications Ethiopian traditions and culture. buying practices like Fair Trade and and sustainable agriculture, we are beginning to see what can Organic. happen in a massive global market when individuals make The opportunity to conscious choices with their money. discuss the reality of It is a unique time for the coffee industry. Producing global trade in a frank and countries are still reeling from an epic collapse in the market at informal setting was a the turn of the century. The uncontrollable drop in prices paid wonderful experience. I to producers was caused in part by over production at origin. would encourage everyone With the emergence of large corporate farms producing low to participate in upcoming quality “commodity grade” coffee in response to multimillion Green Drinks events in dollar coffee consumption in the western world, prices dropped their area. The more we to historic lows. consumers become Farmers were left with yields that were lucky to return a educated about the fraction of their costs. Many converted their crops to more products we purchase, the consistent and reliable products like coca. Some farmers, more we can affect Photo: Robin Pendegrast already stuck in a cycle of debt to wolfish coffee brokers, were positive change with those forced off their land with little or no recourse. purchases. All of these unfortunate events are the culmination of an inherent flaw in the way global trade is conducted. Often, Michael Shipley is a co-owner of Crystal Lake’s Conscious Cup otherwise ethically acting companies take advantage of price Coffee Roasters. Conscious Cup Coffee can be found in several fluctuations to the detriment of impoverished farmers. There of the area’s cafés and restaurants, including: Dukes Alehouse are some basic inequalities in agricultural trade. First, growers and 1776 in Crystal Lake, Daily Grind in McHenry, Java Planet and those negotiating the sale of their crops are less informed in Woodstock and Cook St. Coffee in Barrington. To purchase than the powerful brokers buying the products. They lack either coffee online visit www.ConsciousCup.com.

4 NATURE Matters April-June 2010 Advocacy & EDUCATION I also understand the importance of educating children and adults alike about different life forms that our planet is so lucky to sustain. It’s vital for people to appreciate other The Cove: species, perhaps especially those that most may never see in the wild. But perhaps the lines have blurred between education A Must See Documentary and making money. Maybe we should choose never to see a By Cynthia W. Kanner dolphin than to see a healthy one in captivity. Only The Cove has made this so clear to me. I’ve been to aquariums and I’ve On January 26, the Defenders’ Education Committee and MCC taken my children, too. I thought I was doing a good thing by sponsored a showing of the documentary film, The Cove, about educating them about other animals. It’s a good sell. But, now, the dolphin drives and slaughters in Taiji, Japan. The film has I will never purchase a ticket to a dolphin show or any other since won an Oscar for best documentary of 2009. After weeks of sea mammal extravaganza. Perhaps I always assumed the thinking about the movie and spending time writing to aquariums animals in captivity were rescued, which is important work and government officials, I can’t that many oceanariums and help worrying about the state of our aquariums do. But the Orca, planet and how we sometimes relate Tilikum, so recently and tragically to other creatures. And, perhaps, in the news, was captured off the how little we consider that what coast of Iceland at the age of 2 – happens “there” will eventually captured, not rescued. “Shamu” is affect us “here.” now 30. Simply put, purchasing The Cove shows us that each dolphins in the wild for human year hundreds of dolphins follow entertainment is wrong, in my their migratory path they have opinion, and enables the dolphin honored for thousands of years. slaughter in Japan to continue. Each year, many dolphins’ lives We live on a dynamic planet come to a tragic and gruesome end with the magic of diversity and when people cut short this abundant, but not limitless, migratory journey by driving the resources and wildlife. We are all dolphins to shore. The dolphins are connected and our well-being is panic-stricken. They cry out, slap at intertwined. In our own back the water, and try desperately to Photo credit: The Cove yard, we see the negative effects return to their lives in the depths of of losing our forests, prairies and the sea. These dolphins are mothers, children, brothers, sisters and native species. Over time, the dolphin drive may have a fathers. They have feelings and show compassion. The dolphins negative impact on the very health of our oceans. When I think are showboated to those looking for able performers for of the dolphins in Taiji a line comes to me from the movie, dolphinariums and aquariums around Asia and the world. One Finding Nemo: “Swim away, swim away.” dolphin can sell for more than $100,000. Those not chosen to live The Cove is painful to watch, but needs to be seen. It a captive life are dragged by their tail flukes and killed in a hidden made me question the behavior of our species and wonder if cove, their mercury-laden bodies sold as whale meat not fit for most people realize that we are actually part of the ecosystem. consumption by many estimations. Have we forgotten? For some, would that realization still As someone who spent years working in the multicultural make little difference? For the sake of the dolphin – animals field and traveling around the world, I am very sensitive to other that ironically have a history of rescuing humans in distress – countries, their traditions, and unique cultures. I understand the I hope not. tradition of a small coastal village with its long history of fishing, “The United States, Europe and many other countries have outlawed a tradition that is strong on the island nation of Japan and one that the importation of dolphins from Japan due to these exceptionally is not unknown to our country. As a species, many of us – cruel capture methods. The World Association of Zoos and although certainly not all – survive on the lives of other species, Aquariums (WAZA), an organization representing over 1,200 zoos as do other animals, whether on land or in the sea. Fishing in a and aquariums around the world, and the U.S. Association of Zoos town such as Taiji is a tradition of livelihood passed down from and Aquariums (AZA) have both condemned the Japanese drive generation to generation. Dolphins also teach their young to fish. fishery hunts and related captures for aquaria. WAZA explicitly But, in my opinion, this issue has much more to do with prohibits member organizations from purchasing dolphins from drive exploiting another species for monetary gain and human hunts.” Animal Welfare Institute. entertainment and less, if not little, to do with fishing. For more information on The Cove, go to www.takepart.com/thecove

April-June 2010 NATURE Matters 5 Membership & COMMUNITY NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Outreach Plans ‘Green Spot’ for 2010 Resale Hello, Defenders! I’m very excited to be working with this remarkable, pro- Corner opens active organization that, for 40 years, New Outreach Director, Diane at Defenders’ Office has made such a positive impact here Oltman Ayers. in our county. This year, we have The “Green Spot” is here! We have re-opened our used book some great member activities planned: river and roadside clean- resale shop now inside the Defenders’ business office in ups, family outings, native planting days, and more. Watch our Woodstock. The Green Spot Resale Corner is open to the Web site and weekly e-bulletins for updates, or give me a call to public during regular office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 receive your updates by mail. p.m., Monday through Friday, with a nice selection of gently In April, we will be reviving our Young Defenders youth used books, small collectibles, posters, and environmentally group under the guidance of Bill Donato, the Defenders’ past board friendly gifts. president. Bill will also coordinate the new Climate Change We also invite you to bring in donations: used books in Committee, focusing on ways we all can “Think Globally and Act good condition, small household items or collectibles, hand- Locally” to lessen our carbon footprint. made crafts, “green” products, etc. You can drop off This year, we also plan to participate in more local parades, donations at the our office during business hours or leave expos and fairs. If you can help in your community or at our booth books (nothing breakable, please!) in the big, blue drop box at the McHenry County Fair, please let me know. We are also outside our door at 124 Cass Street. A special “Thank You!” forming volunteer teams for special events, computer technology, goes to the Village of Algonquin for donating this nice bin. and book resale projects, and we could use your help. Give me a Interested in volunteering at the Green Spot? Contact call or stop by the office anytime – my coffee pot is always on! Diane Ayers at (815) 338-0393, [email protected]. Diane is a past Defenders’ board member (1997-99) and a graduate of Southern IL University in Carbondale, with a degree in government and graduate work in community development, planning and public affairs communications. She has over 20 years of experience as a journalist and Environmental Scholarship media/marketing manager. Diane lives in Huntley with her husband, Rusty and six precocious cats. The Education Committee of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is offering a scholarship to high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior New Board Member Jim Donato who has demonstrated a commitment to his or her I was born in Chicago and have lived in the Chicago area my whole schoolwork, community, and the environment. Applicants life. I moved to Woodstock in 1998 and have enjoyed living in the cannot be a relative of a Defenders’ board member or staff. community very much. I am the proud father of a son and daughter The following criteria will be used to choose the winner of and also get to spoil three grandkids. I worked twenty two years in the scholarship: Research and Development in the Plastics Industry and have also run a Hardware store for seven years and worked in Retail Sales • A resident of McHenry County and Management. I am now retired and enjoy spending time with • Volunteer work/service for an environmental the kids and grandkids and reading. organization My volunteer work in the past includes coaching Youth • Two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher Soccer for sixteen seasons, serving on the Streamwood Park • Grade point average from high school transcript District Soccer Board, and was a soccer referee for twelve seasons. • An essay on goals and aspirations I enjoy many sports and am a Die-Hard Cubs fan. This is the year! (I say that every year.) The applications, which have been made available to high I have been on the Membership Committee for the Defenders school guidance offices, must be completed and returned to since last summer and also worked in our Used Book Store. I the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County by May 7, recently have begun working with the 2010 McHenry County 2010. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, Healthy Community Study Group representing the Defenders. please call the office at 815-338-0393.

6 NATURE Matters April-June 2010 UPCOMING EVENTS

Welcome New Members! Defenders to host business, civic mixer After-hours Open House set for Earth Day, Thurs. April 22 Diane & Rusty Ayers, Huntley Jamee Beggs, Crystal Lake The Environmental Defenders will host a free Earth Day Open House Debby Bujnocki, Algonquin for area businesses and civic organizations from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Douglas Close, Huntley April 22 at our downtown Woodstock office. This informal, after-hours Steve Cook, Crystal Lake Julie Dobson, Algonquin “mixer” event will showcase our new Green Spot resale shop, the Tom & Mary Erlenborn, Bull Valley Margaret Marchi Environmental Library, recycling services and other Linda Galvao, Crystal Lake “green” resources offered at our 124 Cass St. location. Linda Henry, Woodstock McHenry County business people, local officials, and members of Leslie Krebs, Crystal Lake civic groups and nonprofits are invited to stop by after work to meet our Terry & Mary Nader, McHenry Defenders staff and volunteers, and to learn more about our 2010 April Neusser & Mike S. Nielsen, McHenry Business Partnership and outreach programs. A slide show on the Lucy Quinn, Algonquin proposed Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge will be shown at 6:00 Kenneth Santowski, Lakewood p.m., and delectable refreshments will be provided by Tarts and Truffles Verne Schultz, Crystal Lake catering, our business neighbor here in the Galleria building across from Ondrej Stonawski, Crystal Lake the Woodstock Square. Donna Ward, Woodstock Defenders volunteers, committee members, past and current board Cherie Zdany, Algonquin members, and other interested members are encouraged to attend this free event. RSVP is requested, but not required. For information or to Thank you for your support! respond to our invitation, contact Diane at 815-338-0393 or e-mail to: [email protected].

April-June 2010 NATURE Matters 7 Membership & COMMUNITY PAST EVENTS Annual Membership Meeting Check It Out at the Margaret By Barb Day Marchi Memorial Library Lois Johnson, Library Committee

A new book has been purchased from the funds donated in Margaret Marchi’s memory. It’s titled Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities, by Mark Benedict. Green Infrastructure gives examples from around the country advancing smart land conservation to protect and manage our natural and restored lands. The book is a detailed how-to for planners, designers, landscape architects, and citizen activists. Several recently donated items have also been catalogued and shelved in the library in the Defenders’ office. The Oaks of McHenry County, published in 2009, reviews the changes in oak stands since settlement. Without fire to control the landscape, trees may find an Outgoing president, Bill Donato, and incoming president, easier life, but the dense shade allows few young oaks to take hold. Nancy Schietzelt, share the honor of cutting the You can read about the mapping project undertaken in the county anniversary cake. and peruse township maps showing remaining stands. It’s located on the shelf under library code 570 MCC. On Saturday, March 13, well over 100 Defenders’ members A 2002 video, more fun, less stuff, and yes, it’s without the gathered to celebrate our 40th anniversary at the annual pot capital letters, can be found on the media shelf. This film points out luck dinner. It is always great fun to gather with folks we the challenges and rewards of the “new American dream.” Host might not otherwise see very often, and, OH, THE FOOD!! Danny Glover suggests that if we believe in a better future, chasing Nowhere else do you get the opportunity to eat like that. This more stuff may not get us there. We are likely to find more work, group elevates the potluck concept above and beyond all more stress, more debt, and more environmental problems. You’ll levels of air pollution in the stratosphere. If you haven’t see ordinary Americans creating new models for businesses and joined us before, please join us next year. consumers. President Bill Donato opened the evening stating that A children’s book, The Tree, by Dana Lyons, would be perfect the Board had set three objectives for the year and fulfilled to share with a child in your life before Earth Day or Arbor Day. The two of them, which included increasing services provided and beautiful illustrations show 800 years of a Douglas fir’s life and the hiring of a new Outreach Director, Diane Oltman Ayers. complement the powerful message of caring for nature. Be sure to Bill stated that he is leaving the Board so he can pursue read the author’s note at the back of the book as she tells who wrote the challenge of chairing the Defenders’ new Climate Change the song that became the words to the book. You can find The Tree Committee. Thank you Bill for all you have done for the under library code 580 LYO. Defenders thus far. Bill has pushed and pulled the Education Committee’s work, including the Earth Day event, which is w i d e l y r e c o g n i z e d The Education Committee continues to promote a public program within the based on the documentary, Kilowatt Ours. A volunteer from the county. He also committee will show the 35-minute version of the documentary brought some and lead a follow-up discussion. To schedule a program, requests amazing movies may be directed to the Education Committee of the Defenders to the fore through the office at 815-338-0393 or email [email protected]. through the Full John Darger won the reverse raffle by bidding Moon Theater. on the last ticket. Thank you, John and His tenure as congratulations!! president came

8 NATURE Matters April-June 2010 during an extremely the award. Many Defenders members participated in the Task challenging time and Force, serving on subcommittees that worked to develop we thank him for his policy recommendations on topics such as aquifer recharge perseverance! areas, water conservation, protection of water-dependent Dwight Dalton, ecosystems and water quality protection. Suzanne Johnson, From time to time the Defenders gives a volunteer award Cynthia Kanner and to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call in Jim Wigman were their efforts to protect our Earth. This year Cindy Skrukrud unanimously elected presented the award to Lynn Rotunno. Although Lynn was to another term on unable to attend the festivities, she sent a video from the Board of California, expressing her thanks. Lynn represented the Pat Dieckhoff receives the Theta Award. Directors. John Defenders and the Sierra Club on the Northeastern Illinois Headley will not join Regional Water Supply Planning Group (RWSPG) for the last the Board for another term and we thank him for his service over three years. She was selected by the environmental advocacy the past two years. caucus to be one of two representatives to the 35-member Nancy Schietzelt, Roy Asplund and Joe Starzynski organized a group, which includes representatives from 11 northeast great raffle this year. John Darger was the big winner of the counties in Illinois and from municipalities, academia, reverse raffle after buying the last ticket, which was auctioned off agriculture, business real estate, wastewater, conservation and for $305! John won $1,000. Tom von Geldern helped to push the resource management. price up with generous bids and John followed suit, with the One of the winning bid. The Defenders received $2,128 from the evening’s highlights of the various raffles. Thank you to everyone who participated and to evening was when Pat those individuals who donated silent auction and bag raffle items, Dieckhoff presented a which included everything from fresh eggs to camping lanterns. Lifetime Achievement A special thanks is also extended to the following businesses for Award to Alice and donating raffle items: Conscious Cup Coffee in Crystal Lake, Bill Howenstine – they Bella Medica in McHenry and Levin’s Shoes and Dry Goods in truly are the heart and Marengo. soul of what the Bill Howenstine presented the Theta Award this year to Pat Defenders stand for. Dieckhoff, who was recognized for her hard work in the area of Alice and Bill together The Howenstines, longtime Defenders’ recycling. Pat has held a number of positions within the have a very small members, receive the Lifetime Defenders in the past, including a part-time staff position. carbon footprint and Achievement Award. Currently, she is Director of the Lou Marchi Total Recycling lead by example. Bill Institute at MCC. Pat was one of Bill’s students when she was a Professor of Geography and Environmental Science at attended Northeastern Illinois University to obtain her Master’s Northeastern Illinois University for 35 years and influenced degree. Bill talked about her thesis on the Hollows in Cary, which many of us, both professionally and personally. Alice was one was a gravel pit and is now owned by the McHenry County of the original recycling advocates in McHenry County. They Conservation District. It is a lovely preserve available for all to have hosted the Defenders corn roast for over 25 years and enjoy. donated proceeds from their Pioneer Tree Farm Christmas tree For many years, the sales each year. They have shown us all how to stand up for Defenders has presented what we believe in in a very direct, friendly, and respectful an award to a group or way. organization for their The evening also included a review introduced by Tom efforts to preserve the von Geldern of the Defenders’ past 40 years of natural environment in the accomplishments. This was done in a fun and thorough way, County. Cindy Skrukrud decade by decade, by Alice Howenstine, Anne Basten, Cindy presented that award this Skrukrud, Lenore Beyer-Clow, and Lois Kantor, one of our year to the McHenry youngest members and most active volunteers, who brought County Groundwater us up-to-date. Thank you for taking us down memory lane and Protection Program Task for reminding us of all the ways the Defenders have really The County’s Water Resources Manager, Force. This task force is made a difference. Cassandra McKinney, accepts the led by Cassandra The evening concluded with a presentation by Cindy organization award for the McHenry McKinney, McHenry Skrukrud and Lenore Beyer-Clow on the proposed County Groundwater Protection County’s Water Resource Hackmatack Wildlife Refuge, a fitting way to conclude an Program Task Force. Manager, who accepted evening that honors our county and those who defend it.

April-June 2010 NATURE Matters 9 The Environment Recycling NEWS and Health By Jim Donato Defenders’ Recycling Drive now taking I recently represented the Defenders at a Styrofoam™! meeting of the McHenry County Health By Diane Oltman Ayers Community Study Partners. This was in response to a call for any interested parties to So, you’ve unpacked that new participate in their 2010 Study. The 2006 computer or flat-screen TV, but Partners who funded and conceived the study the huge box, and its consisted of ten organizations who share a Styrofoam™ packing, are still strong interest in the well-being of the sitting in the garage. You don’t community. The McHenry County Health want to dump it in a landfill, but Department served as the lead agency for the what can you do with it? Now project. you can bring it to our monthly As stated by the Partners, “The Healthy Defenders’ Recycling Drive! Community movement is based on the concept “Styrofoam™ lasts From left to right: Kevin and Doris Kovalovsky, that the health of a community goes well beyond forever. It doesn’t biodegrade,” local residents who brought in block styrofoam to the statistics that describe how healthy the says Ken Santowski, a recycle; Ken Santowski, Defenders’ member and population is or what medical resources are Lakewood village trustee; and John Murphy, a Defenders’ member and available. Rather, each community develops a Defenders’ volunteer helping with the drive. Lakewood village trustee who shared vision of what it can be in terms of has volunteered his time, and his Ford cargo van, to keep expanded polystyrene quality of life. Policies and actions through out of our natural environment. committed people working together can bring “I do this through my business, Chicago Logistic Systems, which is based about change. While intervening to address in Elgin,” he explains. “In the past, we’ve taken household batteries because we community problems is important, the Healthy know a place that will take them. Recently, we learned about a new company in Community focus is on prevention, slowing or Aurora that plans to start recycling white Styrofoam™, so we’ve decided to offer stopping problems before they occur by drawing that service, too.” on community resources and collaborative Pre-formed polystyrene chunks from packing boxes and food containers action.” may be recycled as long as they are clean and white. Drink cups and carry out The purpose of the study, as further stated, containers must be rinsed and free of food residue. No colored material may be is as follows: “The McHenry County accepted. Community Study seeks to improve the health, And what about those packing peanuts? The best use is reuse. Recyclers human services and quality of living for won’t take them, but if they are clean and bagged, you can drop them off at the McHenry County residents. The first step in Defenders’ office where we re-sell them for just $5 per large bag. moving toward a better place to live is to assess Each month, the Defenders’ Recycling Drive collects items that local trash the current status of the community. How are we haulers will not accept: household batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs. doing in terms of the health and well being of Collection hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month. local residents? How is the current health and The event is held at the Farm Bureau on Woodstock in even-numbered months, human services system working in order to meet and at the Metra station in McHenry on odd-numbered months. needs? What are the strengths and weaknesses Area residents can drive up with their recyclables, and Defenders of living in our communities? What unmet volunteers will help them sort, weigh, and load the items into our recycling needs or gaps exist that are not being met?” trailer. We also accept car batteries and re-usable – NOT popped! – bubble wrap. The Study consists of four component There is no fee to drop off your hazardous products, but a small donation is studies: The Community Analysis, The requested to offset the cost of transporting and processing. Adult volunteers are Household Survey, The Focus Groups, and the always needed, so if you’re interested, call the office at (815) 338-0393 to learn Key Informant Study. more. I believe the Defenders can benefit from Santowski was surprised at the big response to his first Styrofoam™ being involved with the 2010 Study. After all, collection in February. “I didn’t know what to expect, but this is great,” he said. our health is directly related to the health of our “Next time, I’ll have to bring a bigger truck!” environment. With that in mind, I look forward to representing the Defenders at future meetings.

10 NATURE Matters April-June 2010 The Defenders thanks Crescent Moon, a new coffee house in Algonquin, for donating coffee at the Algonquin Green Voice Green Guide 2010 meeting in January. The latest edition of the McHenry County Official Green Guide will be in the Northwest Herald as an insert on April 22nd. It will be available in print and online after that date. It is chock full of new recycling and reusing information, including everything from where to take outdated electronics to what to do with no longer usable CFL bulbs and household chemicals. The Green 301 S. Main Street Guide also includes a Green Living section about where to buy Algonquin, Illinois green products locally and online. For quick access, go to 847-458-2262 www.mchenry.edu/recycling. If you would like a printed copy or have other recycling questions, call (815) 479-7817 or email [email protected].

Membership Form The Defenders thanks Tarts & Truffles for the lovely cake! Levels of Membership Supporting – $250...... Located on the Patron – $100...... Woodstock Square, Organization – $50...... 124 Cass Street. Family/Basic – $50...... Senior – $25...... Student/Other – $10...... Tha Thanknk you Tarts & Truffles for Subtotal: $______he hel lpingping usus celebrate!!celebrate!! Additional donation: $______Total contribution: $______www.tartsandtruffles.net Name #1 Name #2 Address City State Zip Township E-mail #1 E-mail #2 Phone

Year moved to McHenry County: Number of individuals residing in household:

My check is enclosed.

Please return completed form to: Environmental Defenders of McHenry County 124 Cass Street, Suite 3 Woodstock, IL 60098 OR Photo of the Quarter by Mick Curtin of Algonquin. Join on-line at www.mcdef.org Send your photos that appreciate the beauty of McHenry Questions? Call 815-338-0393 County to Cynthia Kanner, [email protected]. Code: nwsltrspring2010

April-June 2010 NATURENATURE Matters 11 Calendar of EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

APRILAPRIL Wednesday, April 7 “Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 17 Earth Day 2010 at Prairieview Education Center. See details page 7. Thursday, April 22 Open House Mixer – Defenders’ Office, See details page 7. MAYMAY Wednesday, May 5 “Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 15 Fox Rescue Please www.mcdef.org Saturday, May 22 Canoe Trip – Turtle Creek. 11:00 a.m. Contact Cindy Skrukrud at periodically for [email protected]. announcements of other NEJUJUNE timely events and watch for Wednesday, June 2 “Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m. important information Saturday, June 12 Canoe Trip – White River. Contact Dan Wilson at 815-403-7976. through the Defenders’ E-News! Saturday, June 26 Canoe Trip – Nippersink Creek. Contact Dan Wilson at 815-403-7976. JU JULYLY Wednesday, July 7 “Green Wednesdays” at Dukes Alehouse, Crystal Lake. 5-7 p.m. Saturday, July 10 Canoe Trip – Kishwaukee River. Contact: Neill Sachs at 815-568-3019 or [email protected]

Save the Dates: Saturday, September 18 – “It’s Our River Day” in Algonquin. 1-4 p.m. Sunday, September 26 – Canoe Trip on the Fox River Saturday, October 23 – “Make a Difference Day” Saturday, November 6 – Bioneers Green Expo at MCC. www.mcbioneers.com

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124 Cass Street, Suite 3 Woodstock, IL 60098 www.mcdef.org