Green Drinks - September
2025-09-03 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Clair Ryan – Recycling Program Coordinator, Kane County. Clair began as the Recycling Program Coordinator for Kane County’s Department of Water and Environmental Resources in January of 2022. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining and implementing the County’s Solid Waste Plan, planning and implementing recycling events, and for public outreach and education. While relatively new to the materials management field, Clair has long been interested in recycling and the fate of our collective “stuff” as a citizen, and is quickly learning the details and players.
Gina – Account Manager, Helping Hands. Gina has been in the recycling business since 2016. She worked for one of the largest waste recycling companies with paper, cardboard and plastics. Because of her passion for a greener environment, she chose to work in the textile industry. She has been working with Helping Hands since 2019. She Helps not-for profit-charities and other organizations keep reusable textiles out of landfills.
Barb says recycling was ingrained into her. However, she became focused on the issue, when, she went back to school, Northeastern Illinois University, and received her Bachelor’s in environmental studies with a focus on natural areas management. Bells went off in her head when she took a class on solid waste issues. Lou Marchi was the professor. Prior to that she had been assistant editor on a trade press magazine, Pollution Engineering. Over time the magazine focused a lot of space on hazardous waste issues, but her interest remained in solid waste. Barb has been a member of the board of directors of Citizens For Conservation in Barrington, Stillman Nature Center in South Barrington and, of course, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. It was Alice Howenstine telling Barb about the recycling activities the Defenders work at that encouraged her to become active with them. She has a website,

www.oldstufftonewstuff.com She has been trying to develop it for years and welcomes any thoughts or comments about it.

MCCD's First Fridays Concerts - Defenders Meetup!
2025-09-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio, Glacial
Join our Defenders Meetup at MCCD’s First Fridays Concerts! Enjoy music, meet members, & learn about the Defenders.

Join us on the first Friday of each month this summer for an evening of music under the oaks! Bring a picnic dinner, enjoy the beautiful view and stay for a free concert from talented, regional musicians.

Seating is first-come, first-serve.

Find us at our yellow tablecloth!

Lost Valley Visitor Center Patio, Glacial Park
7-8:30 PM
July 11, August 1, and September 5

FREE & All Ages

Invite your friends and we will see you there!

McHenry County Water Forum
2025-09-10 17:30 - 20:00 | McHenry County College Auditorium
Watersheds
Water Quality, Flooding, Land Use, and Resiliency in McHenry County
Learn How Our Water Works, The Threats To Our Water, And How You Can Help Protect It
Featuring Presentations By:

Cecily Cunz, Senior Environmental Planner – Baxter and Woodman Consulting Engineers
Brad Andresen, Chief Ecologist – Village of Algonquin
Michelle Zimmerman, Assistant Director of Public Works – Village of Algonquin

Hosted By:

The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development with support from our sponsors and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
Fully Catered by Dukes Ale House and Kitchen:

Our goal is for everyone to go home smarter… and fuller… than they arrived!
No registration needed, just bring your curiosity and a healthy appetite

Recycling Drive
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
ACCEPTED MATERIALS AT DEFENDERS RECYCLING DRIVES
Batteries‒ Household (A, C, D, AA, AAA, Lithium, Ni-Cad, Button and NI-MH) are accepted for $1.00 per pound, which only covers our costs to get them recycled. Lead batteries (car, motorcycle, sump pump, marine) are accepted at no charge.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs–The following are accepted for a fee, which only covers our costs to get them recycled:4-foot, $.50 each; 8-foot, $1.00 each; Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs used in lamps and lighting fixtures, $.50 each
Packing Peanuts that are clean, dry, in a box or bag, are accepted
Solid Styrofoam is accepted at no charge providing it is clean, with no glue, tape, food or anything else attached to it. Soft material that bends and is generally used in packaging is not accepted. If it has a smooth cover (usually blue or pink in color) on it, it is not accepted.
Textiles–Clothes, blankets, towels, shoes, etc., with holes, worn out, torn, accepted at no charge, BUT they must be clean.

Big Fall Book Sale - Members Only EARLY ACCESS
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Algonquin Township Road District, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is hosting our Annual Big Fall Book Sale from September 20 – October 4. It will be located at the Algonquin Township Road District Building B Garage.
There will be a members-only preview sale Friday, September 20, 6-8pm. If you are not an Environmental Defenders’ member but would like to participate in the pre-sale, you will be able to join online at mcdef.org. The sale begins Saturday, September 20 10am-4pm, and continues running from 10am-4pm through Saturday, October 4. The sale will be closed on Sundays.
A $10 Bag Sale will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 2-4.
There will be thousands of like-new books available for purchase with no book over $10. Search through thousands of books and many genres. Stop by and find some paperback treasures!

Big Fall Book Sale
2025-09-20 - 2025-10-04 | Algonquin Township Road District, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States

BMP Talk and Tour: Water Reuse in McHenry County and Beyond
2025-09-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Village of Huntley’s West Wastewater Treatment Plan
BMP Talk and Tour: Water Reuse in McHenry County and Beyond
This Talk and Tour will provide an update on water reuse efforts in the state of Illinois and includes an informational tour of the Village of Huntley’s West Wastewater Treatment Plant. Treated effluent from the plant has been reused for irrigation since it was built in 1999.
We will hear from Sharon Waller, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and secretary of the new Illinois Section of the WateReuse Association and Village of Huntley Public Works staff- Tim Farrell, Director and Adrian Pino, Chief Wastewater Operator.
To register, please RSVP at tinyurl.com/BMPTourSignup. Directions and parking instructions will be sent after you have RSVP’d.
More info on the WateReuse Association and its Illinois Section can be found at watereuse.org/sections/illinois/.

Sterne’s Fen Restoration Workday
2025-09-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Sternes Woods Park, 5617 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014
THE GROUP

We meet once a month at Sterne’s outdoor pavilion, 5617 Hillside Dr. from 9-11AM. Volunteers have a chance to learn about restoration ecology and what makes Sterne’s Fen special. Please bring a water bottle and a pair of work gloves. The park district will supply loppers and bow saws. Invasives like honeysuckle and buckthorn are crowding out the native fen species. The brush also prevents the use of controlled burns on the fen. Email Brice Alt, volunteer site steward, to receive a monthly workday reminder: bricemaieralt@hotmail.com.

THE PARK
Sterne’s Woods & Fen became an Illinois State Nature Preserve in 1994 to preserve and protect its unique ecology. A fen is a rare type of wetland in which cold groundwater that is high in calcium and magnesium seeps to the surface. The unique water chemistry supports plants that grow nowhere else. Sterne’s Fen is home to at least 10 rare or endangered plant species. The surrounding parkland acts as a buffer to the fen and includes prairie, oak savanna, and flatwood ecosystems. Every one of those ecosystems can benefit from the efforts of volunteers. Join us once a month and learn about them!

THANK YOU
Much thanks to the local groups who have volunteered with us at Sterne’s: the MUDD trail running club, the Silver and Sleepy Hollow Creeks Watershed Coalition, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, the BREAK, Jacobs High School Interact, Crystal Lake South Elementary, Girl Scout Troop 888, Cub Scout Pack 156, and Boy Scout Troops 158 and 368. We can accommodate community groups! Just give us a heads-up of how many volunteers to expect.
NEWS
A video about Sterne’s Fen: https://youtu.be/DMVPl80PDQ0
Park district updates: https://www.crystallakeparks.org/project-updates#SternesFen
Who was Ted Sterne? The Crystal Lake Historical Society article: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h61unofnnnx06kg/Ted%20Sterne%20.pdf?dl=0
ECOLOGIC RESTORATION
By volunteering at a Sterne’s workday you’re helping with the ecologic restoration of an exceedingly rare type of habitat.
To learn more about restoration ecology, here’s a quick video: https://youtu.be/VNwQ6cRMTKI
Sterne’s Fen has a management plan: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ekp2nfniddn1d6/1989%20management%20plan.pdf?dl=0

Green Drinks - October
2025-10-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Midwest Organics Recycling (MOR) is a commercial composting operation located on Darrell Road NE of Island Lake. MOR was established to explore the environmental benefits associated with manure composting, while looking for a solution to sustain the viability of one of the last dairy operations in a quickly urbanizing county. Over the years, their operation has grown substantially, enabling them to offer organic waste processing services and provide customers with Organimix compost in McHenry County, Lake County and surrounding areas..
Andy Klink, General Manager at MOR for 10 years will talk about where our yard waste goes, the benefits of composting, and the State of Composting in Illinois. He obtained his BA in Business and Spanish from Augustana College. He lives in Crystal Lake with his wife Riley and 3 kids.

Annual Bike Ride
2025-10-05 13:00 - 14:00
Join the Environmental Defenders’ Transportation Action Team on a scenic bike ride Sunday, October 5 starting at Food Shed in Woodstock at 1PM, and looping through McHenry County College and Crystal Lake before returning to Food Shed. We will ride for a total of about 15 miles at a relaxed pace. Contact Gary Kanner at kannergary@gmail.com for any questions and if you plan to participate.

Recycling Drive
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | McHenry County Fairgrounds, 12015 Country Club Rd, Woodstock, IL, 60098, United States
ACCEPTED MATERIALS AT DEFENDERS RECYCLING DRIVES
Batteries‒ Household (A, C, D, AA, AAA, Lithium, Ni-Cad, Button and NI-MH) are accepted for $1.00 per pound, which only covers our costs to get them recycled. Lead batteries (car, motorcycle, sump pump, marine) are accepted at no charge.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs–The following are accepted for a fee, which only covers our costs to get them recycled:4-foot, $.50 each; 8-foot, $1.00 each; Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs used in lamps and lighting fixtures, $.50 each
Packing Peanuts that are clean, dry, in a box or bag, are accepted
Solid Styrofoam is accepted at no charge providing it is clean, with no glue, tape, food or anything else attached to it. Soft material that bends and is generally used in packaging is not accepted. If it has a smooth cover (usually blue or pink in color) on it, it is not accepted.
Textiles–Clothes, blankets, towels, shoes, etc., with holes, worn out, torn, accepted at no charge, BUT they must be clean.
Document Shredding will be available at the recycling drive.
Electronics will be taken by Elgin Recycling:
TVs under 21”—$25, TVs over 21”—$35
https://www.elginrecycling.com/electronics/
NOTE: All Woodstock residents can recycle batteries and lightbulbs at no charge. Bring your ID with you.

Roadside Clean-up
2025-10-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Cary Algonquin Rd
Cary Algonquin Rd. from Fox Trails Dr. to Main St. (next to Fox Bluff Conservation Area)

Meet our Waste Reduction Team + other Defenders members
Children over age 10 welcome, with adult present
Please bring gloves
Dress for the weather

Email alange090@gmail.com for more details + to let us know to expect you!

CANCELED: Yoga in the Park
2025-10-19 13:00 - 14:00
CANCELED: Yoga in the Park
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
1PM-2PM
Downtown Woodstock
Southwest Corner of Judd & Madison St
Near Casting Whimsy tea shop
Bring a yoga mat & wear something comfy

BMP Talk and Tour: Keeping Children Safe from Toxic Pavement Sealants
2025-10-24 13:00 - 15:00
Did you know that many of the blacktop sealants currently used on asphalt surfaces contain a toxic waste product that is formed from the burning of coal? This toxic waste product is coal tar that includes extremely high concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) that are linked to cancer and are toxic to aquatic wildlife.
As the coal tar-based sealants break down, particles are carried by wind and runoff exposing people and wildlife to these toxic PAH’s. Please join us for this important Talk and Tour Workshop to learn all about toxic pavement sealants, the non-toxic alternatives, and how we can keep children safe.
Our distinguished guest speakers include:

Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor-author of 2024 legislation banning coal tar and high PAH sealants in Cook County
David Schuh, Director of Operations at Crystal Lake School District 47
Aaron Martin & Aaron Burlingham, Illinois Dept. of Public Health on the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act

To register, please RSVP at tinyurl.com/BMPTourSignup

Craft & Sip
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Kishwaukee Brewing Company, 1900 Dillard Ct, Woodstock, IL, 60098, United States
Register for EventJoin us for an afternoon of craft beer and crafting vases while fundraising for the Environmental Defenders of McHenry Count. Please register for this event. All materials will be provided and a food truck will be on-site to grab a bite to eat. We will be creating DIY Book Vases out of recycled books.

Repair Fair at the Green Living Expo
2025-11-01 11:00 - 14:00 | McHenry County College Auditorium
Mark your calendars to attend our Repair Fair in partnership with McHenry County College on November 1st at the Green Living Expo. The Green Living Expo will be from 10am – 3pm. There will be presentations, exhibitions, and organizations to visit and learn about. From 11am-2pm, experts will be available onsite to help repair:

Lamps and Light Fixtures
Small Household Appliances (toasters, blenders, etc.)
Clothing Repair (no tailoring)
Bicycle Repair
Small Engine Repair (lawnmowers, etc.)

No electronics, computers, computer screens, or cell phones.
Projects must be able to be fixed in under an hour.
Limit three items per person. Walk-ins only—first come, first served.

Share with someone who might have an item to fix!

Green Drinks - November
2025-11-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Forest Carbon Credits in McHenry County
Lisa Haderlein, Executive Director of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, and Jessica Beverly, Forest Carbon Program Director for TLC will join us to talk about urban forest carbon credits in McHenry County. They’ll touch on how a project is created, such as the two owned by TLC and one owned by the McHenry Conservation Foundation and how a nonprofit carbon credit registry is helping to create carbon offsets available for purchase in our own backyard. They will also discuss the voluntary carbon market in general and how important small projects like these are to reach climate goals.

Holiday Toy Swap
2025-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Holiday Toy Swap
Monday, December 1, 2025
McHenry County College Cafeteria
4PM – 8PM
Skip the big box stores this holiday season and swap out your gently used toys for new-to-you toys!

FREE FOR EVERYONE
Toys for all ages welcome!
Battery operated toys must be functioning
Stuffed / Plush toys must be clean + fragrance

Green Drinks - December
2025-12-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Celebrate 2025
An Environmental Year in Review
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 5 – 7 PM
Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen
Come engage, learn, and celebrate the successes accomplished through the leadership of our local environmental organizations and their members! Each organization will give a short presentation on their 2025 accomplishments to create a better McHenry County. Toast their work for 2025 with us!
Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, Green Drinks Co-sponsor
Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Green Drinks Co-sponsor
Friends of the Fox River
Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
Food Shed Co-op
Land Conservancy of McHenry County
McHenry County Audubon Society
McHenry County Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby
McHenry County College Sustainability Center
McHenry County Conservation District
McHenry County Conservation Foundation
Small Waters Education
Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee
5 pm begins out social hour to mix, mingle and meet like-minded peers. Program starts at 5:45 pm! We encourage all guests to order food before the presentations begin or make a dining room table reservation for after the presentations.
Food and beverages available from Duke’s menu: before, during or after the event. Kitchen closes at 8 pm.

Small Business Saturday (Do-over)
2025-12-06 09:00 - 17:00 | The Green Read, 61 N. Williams, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014
Due to the wintry weather, we’re re-doing Small Business Saturday! We’ll now be celebrating on December 6th! Stop by The Green Read & The Green Spot to shop second-hand and support our local environment. ♻️💙

Santa Storytime
2025-12-20 11:00 - 12:00
Santa Storytime
Saturday, December 20 | 11AM at The Green
Visit with Santa and listen to him read stories with an ASL

Green Drinks - January
2026-01-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Coffee & Environmental Stewardship
Michael Shipley, owner and operator of Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters, shares his insights on environmental stewardship and community. With over twenty years of roasting and serving coffee, the presentation will draw from his experiences as a small business operator, managing cafes and sourcing and purchasing green (unroasted) coffee from around the world. Learn about the common challenges and success of the environmental movement in the coffee industry both at home and at origin.

People in Need Forum
2026-01-31 08:30 - 13:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
The public is invited to the annual People in Need Forum, held each January at MCC, to learn about the abundance of resources and support available to them and others. Exhibitors showcase essential community resources available to help those in need and present workshops on topics such as teen dating, senior issues, caregiver resources, LGBTQIA+, substance abuse and addictions, and human trafficking.

Green Drinks - February
2026-02-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Paddle the Kish with Pat Lawlor

The Great Seed & Soil Event
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
The Great Seed and Soil Event is back for its third year brought to you by the Center for Agrarian Learning at MCC and the University of Illinois extension Master Gardeners! This popular annual event is designed for anyone interested in growing their own food and expanding home gardening skills.
We have amazing vendors and non-profits, kids’ activities and demonstrations throughout the day, and lots of free seeds to give away! Come pick out veggies, herbs, natives, and flowers for free!

Micro-Talks
Three informative talks will be happening throughout the day:

10:30 a.m. – Why and How to Build a 10-by-10 Pocket Prairie with Will’s Native Perennials
11:30 a.m. – Urban Agroforestry: A Food Forest at Home with Stephanie Tesmer
12:30 p.m. – Composting: Home and Commercial with Midwest Organics Recycling and Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition

Demonstrations
The Master Gardeners will be hosting gardening demos throughout the day, including:

Composting
Winter sowing
Indoor lighting
Kids’ art projects

Registration
Registration is not required, but you may sign up in advance. Contact Sheri Doyel or call (815) 479-7618 for more information.

Annual Auction: Donations Due
2026-02-13
Important Dates
Donation Due Date: February 13, 2026
Auction Start: February 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Auction End: March 6, 2026, at a time to be determined.
HOW TO DONATE
Donating is simple! Please contact the Fundraising team at basten1@sbcglobal.net to discuss your ideas and/or submit a description of your donation. Please drop off your donation at the Defender’s office at 114 S Jefferson St, Woodstock (call 815.338.0393 to make sure someone is there to receive your item).
Seeking Donations of All Kinds
Do you have a creative flair, a special talent, or access to unique experiences? We are seeking donations of all kinds for this year’s auction, including:
Gift baskets (themed, gourmet, spa, etc.)
Handmade items (artwork, crafts, jewelry, quilts, and more)
Experiences (private lessons, tours, tickets to events, vacation rentals, and more)
Gift cards from local businesses
Services (photography, home improvement, wellness sessions, etc.)
Homemade/homegrown delicacies (jams, eggs, breads, pies, cakes, etc.)
And much more—your imagination is the limit!
Why Your Support Matters
Every donation—big or small—helps us reach our fundraising goal and ensures we can continue our vital work throughout the year. Plus, your contribution will be featured in our online catalog, giving you or your business great exposure to our community of supporters. Thank you for considering a donation to our 2026 Annual Online Fundraising Auction.
Together, we can make this event our best yet!

Community Open House for Comprehensive Conservation Plan
2026-02-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood, IL, 60071
Forward to 2040 with a Vision to 2071
The McHenry County Conservation District is excited to be creating a Comprehensive Conservation Plan, titled “Forward to 2040 with a Vision to 2071” to guide the District’s path for the next 10+ years, and create a vision for the future extending to the District’s Centennial Anniversary in 2071. The plan will help determine District priorities and where future resources will be focused.
As part of this planning process, the Conservation District has enlisted Upland Design, LTD. who bring with them a collection of experts from aQuity Research, Engineering Resource Associates, Dewberry, Vetter Consulting Enterprises LLC, and 110%.
Upland Design and the Conservation District will be holding two Community Open Houses to gain feedback from residents and site users. We invite you to attend and share your ideas for the future of Conservation in McHenry County. The District will also be creating and issuing a statistically valid community survey that will be distributed in future months, and will be hosting pop-up events and other ways for site users to share their ideas throughout the creation of this plan.
Attend an Open House
Join us at one of the following COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES to learn about the planning process and share your thoughts. Registration is not required.
Wednesday, February 18, 5pm-7pm, Lost Valley Visitor Center
Wednesday, March 4, 5pm-7pm, McHenry County College

Annual Auction is Open!
2026-02-20
Important Dates
Donation Due Date: February 13, 2026
Auction Start: February 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Auction End: March 6, 2026, at a time to be determined.
How Can you Bid on Donated Items?
Before the auction goes live, the EDMC staff will send out an email giving you the link to start reviewing the items up for auction and start bidding. Watch for this to happen starting before the bid opening date. Bid high and often to make this a memorable fundraiser!

WPPC's Annual Natural Landscaping Seminar
2026-02-28 08:00 - 16:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Join us for our 2026 program!
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
McHenry County College at Luecht Conference Center
8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL
Online Registration is now open!
Online or Mail-in Pre-Registration: $50 now through February 22. Mail-in registration must be received by February 22. At the Door: $55

Community Open House for Comprehensive Conservation Plan
2026-03-04 17:00 - 19:00 | McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
