Sterne’s Fen Restoration Workday
2025-06-22 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-24 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Duke's Alehouse Pride Ride
2025-06-22 11:00 - 14:30 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Pride Ride Event Schedule
Join us for a special Pride Ride on June 22nd! We’re hosting a fun bike ride starting at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen and ending at the Food Shed Co-op. It’s going to be a fantastic day of community, celebration, and good times. We’ll have games and activities at the Food Shed Co-op patio. Stay tuned for more details as we finalize the plans in the coming weeks. We’re so excited to have you join us!
Sunday, June 22nd from 11:00AM – 2:30PM (and beyond)
$45 per guest includes:

2 drink tickets
Duke’s homemade snacks
Sack Lunch provided by FoodShed Coop
Games and Activities
Live Entertainment
Goodie Bag

Morning Activities
11:00 AM: Registration and Check-in at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
11:30 AM: Welcome and Safety Briefing
11:45 AM: Start of the Bike Ride to FoodShed Coop
Mid-Day Activities
12:15 PM: Lunch Break at FoodShed Coop
1:00 PM: Games and Activities
1:45 PM: Start of the Bike Ride back to Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
Afternoon Activities
2:30 PM: Arrive at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Outdoor Block Party with Food and Drinks

Grow Geo Power Hour
2025-06-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom, IL
The Defenders is partnering with CUB and GAOI to present Grow Geo Power Hour

Green Drinks - July
2025-07-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States
Urban Agroforestry
Presented by: Stephanie Tesmer
In this presentation, we will explore how urban agroforestry – integrating trees, perennial plants, and annual beds into urban landscapes – can enhance food security, boost biodiversity, and improve urban microclimates. We will discuss how transforming basic lawns, into productive green spaces can create local food resilience and boost community well-being. At the end you will see how we put all of this into practice on our suburban 1/3 of an acre site near McHenry.
Stephanie is an Environmental Scientist who spends her days caring for her food forest and advocating for her community’s environmental needs.
Attend on Zoom

MCCD's First Fridays Concerts - Defenders Meetup!
2025-07-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-01 19:00 - 20:30, 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!

Food Truck Frenzy
2025-07-19 11:30 - 20:00 | Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill Street, Huntley, 60142, United States
The Food Truck Frenzy is coming to town, and so is composting!

The Defenders will have a booth for compost education with a compost bin. Composting for the event is sponsored by the Defenders and will be available for the entirety of the event.

For more details, please visit the Food Truck Frenzy 2025 website.

BMP Talk and Tour: Stream Restoration for Flood Reduction and Water Quality
2025-07-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Dixie Creek
BMP Talk and Tour: Stream Restoration for Flood Reduction and Water Quality
Brad Andresen, Parks and Forestry Supervisor, Village of Algonquin

County Fair
2025-07-29 12:00 - 2025-08-03 20:00 | McHenry County Fairgrounds, 12015 Country Club Rd, Woodstock, IL, 60098, United States
Come join us at the County Fair!

The McHenry County Fair will soon be here from July 29 – August 3. The Defenders have a great spot this year to share our message with the public in Building C with several tables of displays and air conditioning! We need your help to spread our environmental message to residents. This is the best opportunity to reach families in the community. Please sign up for as many slots as you are interested in.

Volunteers are responsible for entrance to the fair: The Fair is not offering free tickets. The cost of a weekly pass is $30, a one day adult ticket is $10, but for seniors 60+ a one day ticket is only $5.

https://signup.com/go/UXwapHo

Teachers' Night Out with MCSEEP
2025-08-05 17:30 - 20:00 | The Green Read, 61 N. Williams, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014
Tuesday, August 5th 5:30 – 8:00pm at The Green Read, 61 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake

Learn about McHenry County Schools Environmental
Education Programs (MCSEEP) for K-8 teachers
Shop for books for yourself (or your classroom!)
Choose a free book from our cart for every $25 spent
Hands-on activities available to see & do
Refreshments

Sponsored by MCSEEP. For more information contact Pam King at mcseepdirector@gmail.com

Green Drinks - August
2025-08-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014, United States

Defenders’ Picnic
2025-08-09 12:00 - 15:00 | Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13119 Pleasant Valley Rd, Woodstock, 60098, United States
Join the Defenders for a nostalgic afternoon of connection, nature, and community on Saturday, August 9th from 12–3 PM at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area in Woodstock!
This is more than just a gathering—it’s a chance for members to relax, reconnect, and celebrate everything we stand for, surrounded by the beauty of Pleasant Valley.
Bring a dish to share, and let’s create a delicious spread together! Please be conscious of plastic foodware and excess packaging waste. Thank you!
Know someone who cares about the environment? Bring them along—they might just become our newest member! Please RSVP below.
RSVP

Monarch Family Fun Fair
2025-08-10 12:30 - 16:00 | Crystal Lake Park District

BMP Talk and Tour: Successful Natural Areas Management for Homeowner Associations
2025-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | McAndrews Glen Subdivision, Bull Valley
BMP Talk and Tour: Successful Natural Areas Management for Homeowner Associations
This Talk and Tour will provide a first-hand look at successful natural area management at the McAndrews Glen subdivision in Bull Valley. It will also include a brief visit to the adjacent Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve.
Dennis Dreher, Geosyntec Consultant and volunteer Nature Preserve steward, will lead the tour and discuss elements of successful management of 25 acres of natural area in the McAndrews Glen. The subdivision was developed 20 years ago following a conservation design theme with homes clustered within naturalized open space. The natural area, which includes four detention basins, was formally designated as a common area in the plat of subdivision and the approved HOA covenants require long-term ecological stewardship of the area.
The HOA natural area abuts Boloria Meadows Natural Preserve, owned by The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. To better protect the Preserve and to enable flexible ecological management, 6 acres of HOA natural area were placed into a Nature Preserve Buffer that is cooperatively managed by the HOA contractor and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
The natural area is routinely managed by a contractor hired by the HOA. The management approach focuses on control of invasive species and regular controlled burning. While the overall appearance and ecological quality of the natural area has improved significantly over time, some ongoing issues with invasive species persist.
The tour will visit several representative zones in the natural area as well as the adjacent Nature Preserve. Discussion will address several important topics:

The role of the HOA in funding and overseeing natural area management. (A HOA board member has been invited to participate.)
Considerations in hiring and overseeing natural area contractors.
The role of local government in approving effective institutional arrangements, including covenants. (A representative of the Village has been invited to participate.)
Effective communication with HOA residents.
Synergies and opportunities of cooperating with The Land Conservancy and other adjacent landowners.
Benefits of sound natural area management to stormwater and water quality.
Cost savings of natural area management vs. turf grass maintenance.

To register, please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/BMPTourSignup. Directions and parking instructions will be sent after you have RSVP’d. These popular Talk and Tour programs showcase Best Management Practices successfully implemented in McHenry County. The programs are a collaborative effort with the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development.

Moss & Marrow Tattoo Fundraiser
2025-08-16 12:00 - 20:00 | Moss and Marrow Tattoo Studio
Get ready for another Save the Bees tattoo Flash Sale put on by our wonderful business members Moss and Marrow Tattoo in Crystal Lake! 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Defenders! We’ll see you out there!

Green Drinks - September
2025-09-03 17:00 - 19:00 | 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.

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/.

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 | IL
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 | IL
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 | IL
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.
