The work of the Environmental Defenders is successful thanks to the passion and dedication to environmental stewardship of our many volunteers.  You can become a member of this vital work that recognizes the important link between a healthier environment and human commitment to the causes that protect and preserve our corner of the planet.

Feel free to visit any of our Action Teams at their regular meetings and see what works best for you!  However you choose to be involved, know that we can’t bring lasting change without you!

Outreach

If you’re interested in working on programming ideas for our membership, helping us diversify our organization and helping to grow our numbers through tabling opportunities and other avenues, this is the team for you. Without our dedicated members who volunteer and help fund our organization through their annual membership contributions, we would not be able to operate. The Outreach Action team also offers speakers through its Speakers’ Bureau on various environmental topics and is co-organizer of Earth Day. The Team also offers scholarships to high school seniors and advocates for environmental clubs in McHenry County schools.

Fundraising

This team helps raise much needed funds for our organization. There are events schedules throughout the year including the Annual Summer Use It Again ‘Garage’ Sale at the Algonquin Township Garage.

Recycling

The Recycling Action Team manages our styrofoam recycling centers around the county and organized annual recycling events. This team also provides resources for recycling and county guidelines.

Transportation

The Transportation Committee promotes the development and implementation of policies and professional practices that ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities and encourages the public to use eco-friendly transportation options, including public transportation, carpooling, bike path use and other alternative means for commuting and running errands. They also advocate for new or improved road construction to incorporate bike paths/lanes and for increased public transportation options. This team is on the move!

Waste Reduction

Join the effort on projects and programs in our community that will bring about change in Plastic Waste and Food Waste Reduction. We are advocating for change in our communities! Be a part of this exciting team.

Water and Natural Resource Protection

The Defenders’ Water and Natural Resources Committee focuses on both water issues and natural resources issues. They are busy tracking construction site erosion problems, proposals for new gravel pits and oil pipeline pump stations, and giving our groundwater education presentation, “Water: Our Most Precious Resource”. If you are interested in helping us protect the groundwater, rivers, lakes, creeks and wetlands of McHenry County, join us at our monthly meetings.