Environmental Defenders awards 2008 scholarship

On Monday June 16, 2008, Defenders' president Bill Donato awarded Spencer N. Hippler of Algonquin the 2008 Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Scholarship. This $500 scholarship is offered to college bound graduating high school seniors interested in pursing a career in environmental work.  We chose Spencer for his outstanding demonstration of commitment to his schoolwork and community.  

Spencer's achievements include: Eagle Scout –December 2003, Order of the Arrow-July 2003, Carl J Mitchell Conservation Scholarship Award-March 2007, John G. Shedd Aquarium High School Marine Biology Program-June 2007, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Mission Trip, Rockford IL. - July 2004, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Mission Trip, Red Lake, MN. – July 2005, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Mission Trip, Gulfport, MS. – July 2007, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Mission Trip, Red Lake, MN. – July 2005, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Katrina Response Team – September 2005, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Katrina Relief Food Drive. – February 2006, Light of Christ Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School- 2002-2004, Light of Christ Camp on the Rock. – 2002- 2004, District 300 “Say Yes” 2006, Volunteered at the McHenry County Conservation District- September 2007-08,Lake in the Hills Fen Conservation Project- January 2008, and the McHenry County Defenders. 

During this time, Spencer also worked at the Inverness Golf Club and Ed’s Rentals. We would like to acknowledge his exceptional dedication for helping others in the community while maintaining work and his schoolwork.  Spencer will be attending Carroll University in fall of 2008. We wish him luck and success in all of his future endeavors.

Endangered fens and diminishing groundwater get their half hour on Monday evenings at 8:30 pm. The region’s natural treasures, the threats confronting them and the individuals working to make it better will feature in these environmental telecasts aimed at local viewership on Comcast Access Channel 17 (Channel 74 in Crystal Lake).

Many past programs are available online, including recent research on the destructive impact of salt on Bull Valley’s pristine fen communities, the county’s presentation of its draft groundwater study, and the Wildflower Propagation and Preservation Committee's Natural Landscaping Seminar

Environmental advocates and all interested viewers are welcome to comment and suggest future programs to producer Steve Wenzel.

To see what's on this week and view past programs,  CLICK HERE.

Earth Day 2008 - "Bring It On Home!"

Our Earth Day celebration was held on April 19 at MCCD's Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake, and featured environmental exhibits and vendors, hands-on children's activities, musical entertainment and drum circle, and a recycling fashion show.

Computers, Gym Shoes, CD's, Videos, Eyeglasses, Ink Cartridges, Batteries, 

TVs, Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, and Cell Phones were collected for recycling. Music was provided by Hartland Express & Cary Grove High School World Music Ensemble.