A Lively Book Discussion For Nature Lovers

 

 

Join us for lively discussion of nature and environmental themed books!
Everyone Welcome!

About the Book Club:

Beginning November 2 and November 4, 2025, River Prairie Pages meets on the first Sunday of November and March and again on the Tuesday after the first Sunday of November and March.

• November 2 @ 2 PM, Prairie Foods Co-op, 834 S. Westmore-Meyers Rd, Lombard
• November 4 @  PM, SCARCE, 800 S Rohlwing Rd, Unit D, Addison

There is no cost to participate. Light refreshments will be served or available for purchase (depending on location).

About Book Selections:

• Nature and environmental themed books; suggestions welcome!
• Selected books are approximately 300 pages or less.
• Selected books will be easily available through local libraries, thrift book sites and on Amazon. 

Pre-register if you would like to receive discussion questions ahead of time, along with other interesting tidbits about the author, the book content and related fun facts. Sign-up is not required but is preferred, with no obligation. To sign up, email or text Shannonburns112@gmail.com, 630-779-4893, (indicate "River Prairie Pages" in the subject heading).

Moderator:

River Prairie Pages is moderated by Shannon Burns. Dr. Burns has led book discussions for River Prairie Group and for the Forest Preserve District in DuPage County. To suggest a book for discussion, ask a question, or sign up for more information, email or text Shannon at Shannonburns112@gmail.com, 630-779-4893

River Prairie Pages First Book

Two Old Women, by Velma Wallis (1993)

Set in Alaska’s Yukon Region, this tale is based on an Athabascan Indian legend that has been passed on verbally generation after generation. The Author is an Athabascan Indian and heard the story from her mother before recording it in book form.

Two Old Women tells the story of aging women who have been known to complain more than they contribute to their tribe. As a result, when the tribe falls on hard times and must move on, the elders decide to leave the two old women behind when they move on.

In this award-winning tale of determination, betrayal and forgiveness, Wallis’ two heroines must decide to survive rather than give up. Through their journey, the old women find a new way of viewing their world through humility and strength that ultimately changes the tribe’s outlook on life.

Two Old Women provides a rich basis for discussing nature and environmental concerns. Additionally, this wonderful story lends itself to discussion of personal, local and global issues, such as individual responsibility for the whole, ways to be involved as part of the solution and the impact of aging on lifestyle and self-concept.

Join the discussion!  You’ll be glad you did.

Sierra Club Outing to Nicolas Conservatory and Anderson Gardens, Rockford, IL

By Jan Bradford

On Saturday, July 12, Sierra Club Outings leader Jan Bradford headed out to Rockford guiding a hike to the Nicolas Conservatory and Anderson Gardens. It rained the night before, so all were hoping there would be no rain on Saturday. The day started out bright and sunny with a light breeze and warmth from the sun.  

Jan arrived at the Conservatory first, with her group gathering soon thereafter. The small group was looking forward to seeing each other and the gardens. To the delight of the participants, it was Dinosaur Day at the Conservatory, which added a whole new dimension in the lush gardens. The group enjoyed the ancient plants such as Ginkgo trees and colorful orchids. They also learned about black pepper plants that make colors of peppers from an era long ago.

It looked as though a fella was taking pictures in the gardens outside the conservatory, but as they approached, the group realized it was yet another statue. Red-winged black birds darted about, threatening people in the gardens because they were protecting their babies. Once through the nesting area, the group observed swans, geese, fish, and other birds in the outside gardens.

The group headed to the bike trail leading to the nearby Anderson Gardens. There they saw many flowering plants and artwork, including a green dragon in the Rock River that someone put there for laughs. 

The next stop was the lovely Japanese gardens, also in the Rockford area. This sculpture garden was definitely worth the drive. There were lots of waterfalls, Japanese art, and garden design ideas. The group enjoyed the fish, turtles, ducks, and geese before heading back to their cars. This is a trip to repeat! 

Jan Bradford, Sierra Club leader since 2003

Prairie Food Co-op Opens in Lombard

By Jeff Gahris

It seemed like eternity for some of us, but the Prairie Food Co-op finally opened its doors on July 9th in Lombard. As the first food co-op in DuPage County, it has been 13 years in the making and is still a work in progress. After the ribbon cutting, with Jerry and Kathy Nash holding the shears, the crowd rushed in to shop. 

The store’s general manager is developing relationships with local vendors, but you may expect a lot of fresh organic produce, a bulk bin section, Halal meats, and much more. We celebrate the persistent hard work and achievements of the co-op organization, and look forward to shopping in the store. We also celebrate the commitment to community health by providing good food and the co-op’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Illinois Chapter Lobby Efforts

 By Linda Sullivan

This year, Illinois Sierra Club Lobby Team members brushed aside discouragement at the national situation and charged ahead, meeting with their state legislators as they have every year, working to pass environmental laws through the General Assembly.

Jeff Gahris and Linda Sullivan with
Rep. Terra Costa Howard

In Illinois we are moving ahead on the environment!

Many thanks to the River Prairie Group Lobby Team members who met in-district with their legislators on the bills listed below. And a huge thank you to the legislators who stuck their necks out to cosponsor our bills!

The following bills were chosen by the Illinois Sierra Club Conservation Committee as most important to lobby on. Our lobbyists asked the legislators to cosponsor the bills, meaning that their names would show on the General Assembly website as sponsors (and take flak from industry lobbyists). We have listed those who cosponsored. It should be noted that just because a legislator chose not to cosponsor, that does not mean they will or have voted against the bills. 

At the time we went to press, this is where things stand:

Disposable Food Service Containers Act (polystyrene ban), SB 1531 (Fine)

This bill seeks to limit the amount of PFAS also known as “forever chemicals” consumed by Illinoisians through disposable Styrofoam and plastic. Prohibits sale/distribution in Illinois of disposable food service containers composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam beginning January 1, 2030. 

Update: This bill passed the Illinois Senate, but is still waiting for a vote in the House.

Legislators in the River Prairie Group area cosponsors:

Illinois Senate: Laura Ellman, Karina Villa, Rachel Ventura 

Illinois House: Diane Blair Sherlock, Terra Costa Howard, Anne Stava Murray, Janet Yang Rohr, Martha Deuter 

Mahomet Aquifer Protection, SB 1723 (Faraci) and HB 3614 (Ammons)

The Mahomet Aquifer is designated a sole source aquifer, meaning the contamination of the aquifer would create a significant hazard to public health, and there are no available alternative sources of drinking water to serve the population that relies on the aquifer. Ban carbon sequestration through and under the Mahomet Aquifer and its recharge areas and protect drinking water for Central Illinois.

Update: This bill passed both Houses and is expected to be signed by the Governor!  Hooray!

Legislators in RPG area who cosponsored:

Illinois Senate:  Karina Villa, Rachel Ventura, Suzy Glowiak Hilton

Illinois House: Diane Blair Sherlock, Anne Stava Murray, Dagmar Avilar, Maura Hirschauer, Janet Yang Rohr, Martha Deuter, Stephanie Kifowit

 

Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA), HB 3779 (A. Williams) and SB 2473 (Cunningham)

Seeks to strengthen energy efficiency including increasing electric and gas utilities’ minimum spending on low-income efficiency programs, prioritizes clean energy resources, promotes transmission improvements to strengthen the power grid, and supports transparent energy planning and modeling to strengthen our energy policymaking, support the implementation of CEJA, and right-size our clean energy procurement targets to meet our energy needs.

Update: Changes every day! At this time, the bill is in committee.

RPG legislators who cosponsored:

Illinois House: Anne Stava Murray, Terra Costa Howard

 

Clean and Healthy Buildings Act, SB2269 (Villanueva) and HB3525 (A. Williams)

Reducing buildings emissions is important for and beneficial to our state’s climate, as well as the individual health and finances of every Illinoisan. The Clean and Healthy Buildings Act modernizes new buildings first and then existing ones to run on clean electricity, replacing gas burners and stoves with safer, more efficient heat pumps and electric appliances.

Update: This bill is not expected to move until at least next year.

RPG area legislators who cosponsored:

Senate: Rachel Ventura

House: Anne Stava Murray, Terra Costa Howard

 

Transportation Choices Act (TCA), SB 1680 (Aquino)/HB2629 (Canty)

Transportation is now the largest source of carbon emissions, and the only one that is increasing. As part of comprehensive legislation to fund and reform mass transit, we must also take steps to reduce carbon emissions over time from this large source of pollution. The Transportation Choices Act would set gradual emissions reduction targets for transportation spending, to ensure we are achieving cleaner air and providing more balanced funding to all modes of travel, including transit, bicycle facilities, and safe pedestrian routes.

Update: In committee

RPG area cosponsors:

Senate: Rachel Ventura

House: Anne Stava Murray

 

You can get the final outcome of these bills and exact votes at https://ilga.gov/

 

RPG Outings Rock!

Come Explore, Enjoy and Protect with us.

Starved Rock: On April 26, we had 20 people signed up and come for a hike at Starved Rock State Park. On the hike, the group discussed the degradation of the trails due to lack of maintenance and overuse. This is a problem across the country as funding decreases and use increases. Outing Leader Ed Max identified wildflowers along the way, and leader Mike Davis discussed the park’s geology, including the sandstone deposits being discussed for fracking use. These two guys are a great team on many of our outings.

Glacial Park, McHenry County: Mike Davis led a geological interpretive hike on May 17 to discuss the glacial formations at this county park near Richmond, IL. Although there was some steep terrain the pace was not rushed as there were numerous stops where the geology was explained and discussed. This was an ideal hike for anyone wanting a greater grasp of the glacial history of NE Illinois.

Upcoming!

Bluff Spring Fen: On June 26, our dynamic team of Ed and Mike will again pair up for a great hike and talk at this original prairie area abutting a very old cemetery. This is a special outing, with beautiful vistas and a variety of ecosystems. Our annual fen wildflower ramble never disappoints!  With over 450 species of wildflowers (many threatened), plus seeps that run cold, year-round, plus spectacular kames-you will be treated to a fun, educational hike, led by naturalist Ed Max and Mike Davis. This is an easy hike, with a few hills, and a loop trail. We try to start early, as the prairie can get warm by mid-day. A hat is a good idea! You’ll cross wetland stream beds, see huge stands of Black Berries, (not raspberries, but the big ones), usually at least 5 types of milkweed and interesting rock and glacial deposits. Sign up here.

Glacial Ridge Work Day: Would you like to help restore a local Woodland? Bruce Blake of the River Prairie Group is also a steward for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage and leads the restoration efforts at this very special location. Churchill Woods/ Glacial Ridge Forest Preserve is located at Walnut Glen Park, 860 Walnut St, Glen Ellyn, IL. We are working on restoring a unique local forest preserve in Glen Ellyn where two sets of tracks once stood on the north and south side of the area, protecting it from farming practices. Now the Illinois Prairie Path and the Union Pacific West line border the area.  A ridge trail provides a fun overlook of the area as well. Join us and learn what flowers and trees grow in a local forest. There are several days to sign up for. See our Calendar here.

 

Announcing a Book Discussion Club

 RIVER PRAIRIE PAGES

Join us for lively discussion of nature and environmental themed books!

Everyone Welcome!

About the Book Club

·       Beginning November 2, 2025, River Prairie Pages meets on the first Sunday of November and March and again on the Tuesday after the first Sunday of November and March.

There is no cost to participate.

Book discussions are held throughout DuPage County, in local small businesses and libraries. Locations to be announced.

Light refreshments will be served or available for purchase (depending on location).

About Book Selections

Nature and environmental themed books; suggestions welcome!

Selected books are approximately 300 pages or less.

Selected books will be easily available through local libraries, thrift book sites, and on Amazon.

Pre-register if you would like to receive discussion questions ahead of time, along with other interesting tidbits about the author, the book content, and related fun facts.

Interested?

Everyone is welcome, even if you haven’t read the book.

You do not have to be a Sierra Club member to participate.

Sign-up is not required but is preferred, with no obligation. To sign up, email or text:

Shannonburns112@gmail.com

630-779-4893

(indicate River Prairie Pages in the subject heading)

Moderator

River Prairie Pages is moderated by Shannon Burns. Dr. Burns has led book discussions for River Prairie Group and for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

To suggest a book for discussion, ask a question, or sign up for more information, email or text Shannon at Shannonburns112@gmail.com, 630-779-4893.

River Prairie Pages First Book

November 2 at 2 – 3:15 PM

November 4 at 7 – 8:15 PM

Location TBA

Two Old Women

by Velma Wallis (1993)

Set in Alaska’s Yukon Region, this tale is based on an Athabascan Indian legend that has been passed on orally generation after generation. The author is an Athabascan Indian and heard the story from her mother before recording it in book form.

Two Old Women tells the story of aging women who have been known to complain more than they contribute to their tribe. As a result, when the tribe falls on hard times and must move on, the elders decide to leave the two old women behind when they move on.

In this award-winning tale of determination, betrayal, and forgiveness, Wallis’s two heroines must decide to survive rather than give up. Through their journey, the old women find a new way of viewing their world through humility and strength, that ultimately changes the tribe’s outlook on life.

Two Old Women provides a rich basis for discussing nature and environmental concerns. Additionally, this wonderful story lends itself to discussion of personal, local, and global issues, such as individual responsibility for the whole, ways to be involved as part of the solution, and the impact of aging on lifestyle and self-concept. 

Join the discussion! You’ll be glad you did.

Save the Date - September 14, 2025

Behind the Scenes Tour of Springbrook Water Reclamation Center 

Representative Janet Yang Rohr and the River Prairie Group

Representative Janet Yang Rohr reached out to the River Prairie Group in 2021, and we had a hike together chatting about nature, Naperville Knoch Knolls Park, and her work in Springfield supporting the environment. We repeated the successful event in 2023 with RPG outings leaders, identifying plants both native and invasive, and sharing a great hike in the same area. 

This year, 2025, we decided to offer a unique outing featuring environmental work in her district. The state-of-the-art Springbrook Water Reclamation Center seemed like a perfect choice. On Sunday September 14 at 2:00 pm, we will meet at the site and have a behind the scenes tour of this amazing facility servicing one of our state’s largest cities and some neighboring towns as well.

On their website we learn: “The City of Naperville belongs to two watershed planning groups: the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW) and the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition (LDRWC). Through these groups, Naperville will work with member communities to complete various stream improvement projects throughout the watershed intended to focus on improving water quality, habitat and aquatic life.” 

Staff from the Center as well as members of the DRSCW, RPG leaders and Representative Janet Yang Rohr and her staff will also be on hand for this informative event. Please sign up here and watch for more information as the date approaches.