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Environmental Defenders of McHenry County |
 Environmental
Defenders of McHenry County (formerly McHenry County
Defenders) is a citizen organization dedicated to the
preservation and improvement of the environment. The
organization is committed to building sound ecological
relationships between people and the natural world that
supports all life. For over thirty-five years, this
grass roots group of over 1,000 members has been
educating and advocating for a variety of environmental
issues. From protection of our high quality streams to
addressing suburban sprawl, from transportation to
recycling, from wild flower preservation to prairie
restoration, the Defenders are at the forefront
informing, educating and demonstrating ways citizens can
ensure a healthy environment, now and into the future.
Active volunteers participate in issue committees, which
address pertinent environmental concerns. As growth in
McHenry County accelerates, the Defenders promote
conservation design and alternatives to sprawl. The Land
Use Planning committee addresses issues related to local
planning, zoning, transportation and sensible growth.
Water resource protection is a priority issue as
Defenders safeguard the groundwater, surface water and
wetlands in McHenry County. Defenders closely monitor
the depletion of our groundwater due to growth and
contamination. McHenry County is home to two of the
highest quality streams in the state, the Kishwaukee
River and the Nippersink Creek. Educational efforts
directed toward municipal decision makers, private
landowners and the general public focus on watershed
protection through best management practices,
conservation development, and an understanding of the
value of the natural resources to the community. The
Defenders also sponsor Friends of the Kishwaukee and
Friends of the Nippersink.
The Education committee conducts activities such as
Earth Day and Full Moon Theaters. The Earth Day event is
a collaborative effort with other environmental groups
in the county and includes interactive booths on
alternative energy, worm composting, recycled products,
wildlife in need, and conservation.
Defenders holds a monthly recycling drive to collect the
household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact
fluorescent bulbs that are not taken by most waste
haulers. Through these recycling efforts, Defenders
keeps these hazardous materials out of the landfills.
The organization provides educational opportunities on
the benefits of waste reduction and advocated for the
institution of curbside recycling throughout the county.
In order to preserve our natural resources, the Natural
Resources committee educates the community about the
advantages and techniques of natural landscaping and
manages roadside prairie restoration projects.
The heart of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry
County is its membership. This grass roots organization
started in 1970 as a small group of environmentalists
concerned with recycling and transportation. Now these
issues are part of our daily lives. For more information
call us, visit our website, or stop by our office on the
square in Woodstock. Join us and become a citizen
working for a healthy environment. |
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124 Cass Street, Suite 3
Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-0393 Website:
mcdef.org |
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