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Join us in improving our communities with a Community Project held throughout the year in McHenry County. Here are a few highlights. Check our Calendar of Events for this year’s event schedule.

Earth Day Celebration

Each year on a Saturday in April, the Environmental Defenders team up with the McHenry County Conservation District to host an Earth Day celebration at Prairieview Education Center. From performances by Off Square Music, to puppet shows, guided nature hikes, and a restoration service project, the day is filled with activities for young and old. Many environmental exhibitors highlight their organizations and goods.

“It’s Our River Day” Celebration and Clean-up

The Environmental Defenders and the Village of Algonquin co-sponsor the annual “It’s Our River Day” celebration and clean-up. Held on a Saturday in September at Cornish Park along the shoreline of the beautiful Fox River in historic downtown Algonquin. This is a local celebration of the statewide “It’s Our River Day,” founded in 2004.

Local conservation groups give presentations and participants will have the opportunity to meet representatives from different environmental, outdoor and governmental groups, as well as “green” businesses. Adults and kids will learn about the environment by visiting booths with educational information, volunteer opportunities, kids activities, and more.

The Sierra Club provides bags and gloves for the shoreline clean-up at the main location at Cornish Park. Everyone is welcome to lend a hand with the clean-up. The event is free and open to the public.

Make a Difference Day

You are invited to “make a difference” by helping with restoration efforts at The Environmental Defenders’ Kishwaukee Headwaters property on Dean Street in Woodstock as part of the national “Make A Difference Day” celebration. Volunteers will be removing invasive species and collecting trash around the perimeter of our property as well as the Soil and Water Conservation District property. The event begins at 9:00 a.m.and concludes at noon.

Volunteers are asked to wear work clothes, gloves, and boots and meet at the Soil & Water Conservation District building at 2222 Dean Street (corner of Dean and Route 14). All necessary equipment, water, and snacks will be provided. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Nancy Schietzelt at 815-356-1710. Come help us make a positive difference in our environment and enjoy some time outdoors!

Restoration Work Days

Join us on one of our Restoration Work Days and help preserve our natural areas in the county. Each month we visit three areas: Sterne’s Fen, Triangle Prairie and the Defender’s Property.