RPG Releases Water Quality Report

By Bob Barbieri

The River Prairie Group released its latest report on the quality of streams in DuPage County. The report, “DuPage County’s Rivers--A System on the Mend,” illustrates water quality monitoring done by the group and puts it in context of other work in DuPage River and Salt Creek watersheds and the rest of the state of Illinois.

Photo by Bob Barbieri

The study shows that water quality in DuPage County streams continues to reflect the urbaniza­tion of the county. In particular, monitoring shows elevated levels of nitrate and phosphate. These nutrients come from fertilizer runoff and discharge from wastewater facilities. The nutrients feed algae and aquatic plants which cause low levels of dissolved oxy­gen or big fluxes in dissolved oxygen, which are detrimental to aquatic life. The group also found chloride levels that often violate national aquatic life criteria because of road salt use in the wintertime. Additionally, the report summarizers the work done by state, county, and municipalities to improve water quality. Finally, the report highlights the work done by the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, in conjunction with several DuPage County agencies and municipalities, to increase the health of the waterways through river habitat restoration. One of the best methods of river habitat restoration is through dam modification or removal. 

The RPG river monitoring network is one of a number of Sierra Club Water Sentinel groups in Illinois. Water Sentinels work to protect, improve, and restore our waters by fostering alliances to promote water quality monitoring, public education, and citizen action. The group’s river monitoring network is entirely volunteer-run, and this report is a result of over a decade of monitoring and involve­ment in local environmental planning efforts.

The report is important for the volunteer water collectors and testers because it gives meaning to the data so they are not just a bunch of numbers generated month after month. Collectors get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday mornings, rain, snow, or shine, and drop a bucket over the bridge then deliver the samples to the tester for analysis. The report puts problems in the spotlight, honoring the volunteers' contribution.

Photo by Bob Barbieri

The report highlights St. Joseph Creek, a tributary of the East Branch of the DuPage River, noting its low nutrient levels, which are seldom observed throughout the rest of the watershed. The group says that its excellent water quality would make it a perfect candidate for restoration. It also notes that St. Joseph Creek and other streams often have high levels of Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons, which come from coal-tar based road sealants and are carcinogenic. The report recommends a ban on toxic sealants as well as a ban on phosphorus-containing fertilizers and suggests increasing vegetative buffers and more Green infrastructure to protect DuPage County waterways from pollution. There is still much work to be done at the federal, state, and local level to improve water quality in Illinois and downstream in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

Collectors:

Jane Foulser (collector trainer), Shannon Burns (collector trainer), Joe Dick, Patti Schiewe, Keven Clower, Judy Toth, Karen Tredinnick, Chris Cyrsler, Dennis Clark, George Gibson III, Jessica Klaibor, Melinda Keith-Singleton, Jill Spealman, Celestia Boughner, Jane Keefe, and Dave Wilderman

Testers:

Bob Barbieri (program administrator), Bonnie Blake (co-administrator), Mary Ann Ciesla (monitoring assistant), Kate LaGory, Linda Volin, Luke Novak, John Zelasco, Jon Shuptar, Alison LaBarge, Kathleen Fischer, and John Cooper

The report can be found at the RPG Web Site: DuPage County Rivers.

River Prairie Group Supports the Virtual CEJA Lobby Day

By Connie Schmidt

No doubt many of you now reading these words were among the 1000 folks who signed up to lobby for CEJA, The Clean Energy Jobs Act, on November 12. There were exactly 1000 because the registration system could handle no more, and they shut down after that number! Incredible! Last year we were blown away with the busses from across the state bringing crowds to the capital that totaled around 700.  CEJA is even more important now, as evidenced by the turnout this year. 

The official rally lasted only a little over 30 minutes with elected officials in attendance, a very creative DJ knitting the speakers together with introductions, and people from frontline communities testifying to the importance of this legislation for their quality of lives and their communities. It was inspirational, indeed.

The real work happened in smaller individual lobby meetings planned by local captains who scheduled time with their senators and representatives. Many of the groups had 25-30 participants signed up to all demonstrate the powerful constituency that wants CEJA to pass soon. The captains set up individual virtual events with the officials and guided the discussion and questions for these meetings. 

Sadly, on the day of the big rally, it was declared that there would be no veto session. Hope was not extinguished for this enthusiastic crew, as a lame duck session may take place in January prior to the swearing in of the new session.

For anyone out there who is not familiar with CEJA, it is daunting at over 900 pages. This bill has been revised several times and is now referred to as the 4.0 version. Some of the important features to mention in this revision are:

• Utility Accountability ~ Bold new ethics requirements and consumer protection with increased transparency for both lobbyists and legislators.
• Economic Recovery ~ JOBS! Perfect for the economic recovery that is craved in all parts of our state. Included as well is a “Workers Bill of Rights” that insists on a fair transition for coal plant employees with job training and other protections from arriving at work to a padlocked gate.
• Racial and Environmental Justice ~ People from marginalized communities impacted by coal plant pollution are prioritized for Workforce training, and businesses owned by local residents and people of color are given incentives.
• Climate Change Action ~ This bill includes energy efficiency, gas inventory for efficiency, transportation infrastructure for EVs, and electrified public transportation, among many other features to address reducing the carbon footprint of the people of IL, thus helping to mitigate the Climate Crisis in our state.

So, if you are inclined, you may continue with lobbying by joining our effort to phone Governor Pritzker’s office every Thursday at 855-980-5638, and ask that CEJA be moved upon as quickly as possible. Sign up here for reminder emails. If you have questions on CEJA, you can contact Connie Schmidt at 630-234-3029 or twnstr111@msn.com and she will try to get the answers for you. 

Riding In and About DuPage with Ryan

By Connie Schmidt 

We’re BAAAAAACK, as they say! Programs with the RPG will begin again with 2021, so mark your calendars now for Sunday January 17 at 2:00 pm for our first one. It will be even easier to join us with Zoom from the comfort of your own home. Of course, we will miss seeing our friends in person, but we will love having community once again virtually.  Register here

Our kick-off program will be a presentation by Ryan Kadolph, a self-proclaimed “trail blazer,” discoverer, and adventurer who photographs and rides in and about DuPage. Ryan’s fabulous photos and story first came to light when he was featured by the Forest Preserve of DuPage County in their segment “Catching Nature: People enjoying Nature.” He combines his love of music with riding, enhancing his experience. According to Ryan, Lord Huron, an indie folk/rock group from LA, is especially inspirational in nature and perfect for biking and hiking.

Ryan lives in Glen Ellyn and can walk to downtown Glen Ellyn but can see the sign “Welcome to Wheaton” from his neighborhood, as well. He has easy access to the trail system via the Illinois Prairie Path and is also intimately familiar with the Great Western Trail. When Ryan got a new (used) car, the first addition was a bike rack so he could get out and explore as many different trails as possible. He gradually ventured on longer rides, intrigued with an interest in going further and exploring the side trails. He recommends the All Trails App as a great way to discover possibilities hidden in your own neighborhood.

Photography is a huge component of Ryan’s love for being out and about.  Landscape views are a favorite, and believe it or not, a video game opened that door for him. You will have to join the program to hear his backstory on that. 

Ryan explains that he has always been a biker, but now has more gratitude than ever for nature because the COVID-19 experience has driven him outdoors. He likes trying to see the good in a tough situation like the pandemic. “So many more people are out walking and biking and enjoying the outdoors together, on the trails and forest preserves,” he observed. 

Ryan went on to explain that he once heard that we have “one life and one world.” To him, this saying meant that he was obligated to share his beautiful experiences with others. He has formed a community on Facebook, sharing videos, music, and fabulous landscape photography with his followers.

Use the link below to sign up for this adventurous trek as Ryan leads us in and about DuPage County trails.  Register here

Photos by Ryan Kadolph

Salt Creek Wins!

By Deanna Doohaluk

On October 6, 2020, in a 5-2 vote, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (FPDDC) Board of Commissioners voted to allow the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW) to implement the Master Plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods. The Concept Master Plan includes the removal of the Graue Mill dam, intensive stream restoration along 1.2 miles of Salt Creek, and addition of recreational and educational amenities at the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. The work will also include provisions to maintain the mill’s raceway and power the waterwheel. 

Image courtesy of DRSCW

The DRSCW would like to thank the River Prairie Group of the Illinois Sierra Club for your support and tireless efforts in getting this project approved. Your emails, phone calls, and public comments to the FPDDC played a huge part in obtaining the FPDDC support of the Master Plan. 

The next step will be the selection of a professional firm to prepare the bid packet for the project. Construction is planned for 2022. Track the progress of the DRSCW’s work on the implementation of the Master Plan at RestoreSaltCreek.org.

Deanna Doohaluk is the Watershed project manager for the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup

CEJA Marches Forward

Working to pass in Veto Session:  The Clean Energy Jobs Act

By Connie Schmidt

Across the state, the volunteer lobby team members of Sierra Club are scheduling meetings this fall with IL state legislators to encourage the vote for CEJA during the veto session in November. There are four reasons why this is an urgent need.

In light of the Commonwealth Edison scandal, Utility Accountability is extremely important and has been added to the bill. There are bold new ethics requirements and consumer protections embedded in this bill. Increased transparency with lobby and the legislature will create trust in the job of bringing clean energy to IL.

Illinois and the entire country and world are suffering from economic downturn. Economic Recovery is a cornerstone of this bill providing jobs in the Clean Energy sector as well in energy efficiency. New business opportunity, and boosting energy efficiency jobs, will be a boon for employment in IL for residents and their families.

Our society is facing self-examination of its practices and the need for Racial Justice in providing jobs and opportunities for Clean Energy in disadvantaged communities and those most impacted by the filthy fossil fuel industry. This bill has a workforce hub for fair-wage jobs and business opportunities geared toward providing some priorities to disadvantaged individuals in the population.

Last and most important, this bill is a vehicle to act to mitigate Climate Change through historic new practices. Electrifying the transportation sector is an example of this emphasis. More charging stations in all areas and communities, electrifying public transportation systems, and encouraging ride sharing are all highlighted in this bill. 

The CEJA bill is now over 800 pages long. It provides a roadmap for a carbon-free IL by 2030. We can and must encourage our state to be a leader to move our society forward with energy security, economic recovery, racial justice, and working to mitigate the dangers of Climate Change. Everyone is encouraged to contact their State Representative to either ask or thank them for their current support and to speak out for this issue to be called to question during the veto session. 

 

DuPage Monarch Project Hosts First County-wide Pollinator BioBlitz

 By Lonnie Morris

Photo by Cathy Street

“Milkweed for monarchs” has become the rallying cry for monarchs’ recovery, but having enough energy for completing the autumn migration to Mexico is also critical to their survival. Identifying where monarchs are refueling during migration is an important part of a strategy for their preservation, and a bioblitz is a good way to begin answering that question. 

DuPage Monarch Project participated in the bioblitz Parks for Pollinators to look for answers to that question along with many others. The September timing of this year’s blitz was perfect for capturing monarch flower visitations during peak migration in our area. 

National Geographic defines a bioblitz as “… an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.”  DuPage Monarch Project’s bioblitz included all of DuPage County and ran from September 12—20, focusing on pollinating insects, hummingbirds, and flowering plants. The free smartphone app iNaturalist, used for photographing and identifying species, provided a technology for conducting the bioblitz remotely.

Photo by Chris Doty

Turnout for the blitz was strong, with 159 participants. Over 880 photographs were taken, with 107 insect and 195 plant species identified. The most frequently observed insect was the common eastern bumblebee, with monarch butterflies a close second. Monarchs were observed on asters and goldenrod, confirming the importance of these species as nectar sources, but also in equal numbers on zinnias, thistles, and native sunflowers.

The diversity of insects identified ranged from skippers, moths, and butterflies to wasps, bees, flies, and beetles. Six ruby-throated hummingbirds, also migrating through DuPage at this time of year, were spotted.

Want to see what’s flowering and their insect visitors? All observations can be viewed on iNaturalist by clicking on projects in the dashboard then searching for Parks for Pollinators: DuPage Monarch Project.

DuPage Monarch Projects hopes you’ll join us for Pollinator BioBlitz 2021 as the search continues for the most beneficial monarch habitat.

Photo by Chris Doty

Parks for Pollinators Bioblitz is sponsored by the National Recreation and Parks Association and Scotts Miracle-Gro. Parks4Pollinators website

DuPage Monarch Project: Communities Protecting Pollinators is a partnership of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Sierra Club’s River Prairie Group, The Conservation Foundation, and Wild Ones Greater DuPage Chapter.  https://dupagemonarchs.com/

Update on the Master Plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods

By Deanna Doohaluk

Following a number of virtual public open houses to solicit public comments, the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW) will be taking its Master Plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods to the FPDDC Board of Commissioners, the site’s owner. The DRSCW will be asking to be allowed to move forward with a detailed design for the project. A vote may occur as early as the FPDDC’s October 6, 2020, Board Meeting. A central part of the master plan is to replace the site’s 1933 dam with a rock riffle, allowing safe passage for paddlers and fish. For these fish species it would be the first time they got to travel the 17 miles upstream of the dam in 90 years.

A total of 172 comments were received during the open houses and their 30-day comment period. 91% of the public comments were supportive of the Master Plan, and 86% indicated strong support. 9% of the comments were opposed to the plan, with 8% strongly opposed.

Please consider reaching out to your FPDDC Commissioner via email or phone, and encourage them to support the Master Plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods. You can find your FPDDC Commissioner and their contact information at FPDDC Board of Commissioners.

More information on the Master Plan can be found at RestoreSaltCreek.org.

Seeking out those fabulous fall colors

By Ed Max, RPG outings leader

Good luck with that?  Perhaps. With this ongoing drought, fall colors may disappoint a tad in most areas.

But maybe not all.

The one family of trees that rarely disappoint are the maples, sugar maples in particular. Though not found throughout our area, you'll know when you see a sugar maple stand in mid-October, with their fiery red, orange, and yellow foliage.

And such a place can be found off Route 47 near Elburn: Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve.

This unusual geological formation is smothered in Sugar maple, which in itself is unusual. (This species is fond of the rocky gravel and alkaline habitat beneath, as on this kame). Saved from being quarried years ago, this lovely Kane County preserve is thriving and expanding because of untold hours of Forest Preserve and volunteer effort. Johnson’s Mound should be on your radar this fall (and in spring, too, for excellent wildflowers).

There are several hillside trails along with a lovely winding road to the top, where you'll find a fantastic 1930s-era stone shelter (of the CCC Depression era).  Depending on your physical condition, you can hike the slope up to the top from below, or simply drive up to the peak. 

Bring a snack and enjoy the hilltop vistas of surrounding prairie and agricultural fields and, of course, the grand old sugar maple forests that abound here. Other species found in this preserve are oak, hickory, and basswood. Fall-blooming wildflowers, too, such as aster and goldenrod, add great yellow and purple hues to the forest floor.

So, get out and soak up the sounds and smells of fall--it’s here, and peak colors should arrive in the next two weeks!

 

Take a Hike at West Chicago Prairie!

By Ed Max

If you've never been to the West Chicago Prairie, consider a trip there soon. It’s a good time of year for hiking prairies and grasslands, as the vegetation is still manageable and vistas are great. West Chicago Prairie is a remnant prairie; much of it is intact and has never been tilled under or destroyed, thus making it one of the best-quality black-soil remnant prairies left in our area. (Sadly, only 1.5% of native prairies remain in Illinois.) 

In late spring and early summer species to be seen are Shooting Star,

the unusual and parasitic Betony seen here, 

and Hoary Puccoon -

all rare species in this magical place. In June even rarer plants can be seen, such as Wild Blue Indigo (baptisia species), a tall blue legume native to our prairies, seen with Golden Alexander,

and the even more rare Cream Wild Indigo,

and the magnificent Canassia (below).

All told there are well over 400 different species in this nature preserve, and it is vast. It is not a hard hike: relatively flat, with several miles of trials, in both prairie and oak savanna. Bring water and a big hat if it’s sunny, and wear long pants and boots.

Late May and early June are best for seeing the prairie in spring bloom, and late summer for seasonal color.

The Prairie is located in West Chicago, west of Rt. 59. Go west on Hawthorne Lane to Industrial Drive, and go left to the parking lot. You can also access this park by bike on Geneva Spur bike trail, which is a wonderful path near the DuPage airport.

Get out and enjoy!

All photos by Ed Max

CEJA - The Clean Energy Jobs Act and What is Going on Now?

By Connie Schmidt

In the Springfield office of State Representative
Grant Wehrli (left)

The Clean Energy Jobs Act is our solution to many issues involving the transition away from fossil fuels here in Illinois. In 2016, the Sierra Club along with other enviros AND clean energy industry AND several utilities all worked together to pass The Future Energy Jobs Act. That started the real transition here in Illinois. Now we have introduced the CEJA and are trying to at least quadruple the effect of the previous law as well as add some new benefits to workers and citizens, such as more support for gas energy efficiency, a fossil fuel workers “bill of rights” for job transition when plants are shuttered, far more emphasis on clean transportation, as well as the support for clean energy construction projects; including commercial, community, and residential. One of the most pressing components of CEJA is to fix a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision that only supports Fossil Fuel industry for funds assessed to customers for peaker power plants. CEJA allows Illinois to use its FERC funds for clean energy and some nuclear to help transition away from ONLY fossil fuels, which is the FERC requirement. CEJA is a big ask! And it is more complicated this time because Solar installation industry created their own bill, which focuses only on funding Clean Energy projects, and none of the other areas mentioned above in CEJA. Legislators are hearing from both factions AND from the fossil fuel industry, which of course has their own lobbyists and asks. So in January and February, there was little movement.

Then came our Lobby Day on March 4. Many of you were no doubt there as nearly 700 participants crowded the rotunda carrying signs and cheering for the myriad of speakers supporting CEJA. Buses came from all over the state with young and gray-hair enthusiasts anxious to meet with legislators to deliver talking points supporting our clean energy transition. It was a very successful day for “The good guys”! 

With State Representative Deb Conroy (right)
outside the House Chamber in Springfield

Following Lobby Day we were thrilled that the governor convened some bipartisan working groups of members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, industry, and environmental organizations. The hope was that some form of CEJA may be rewritten to combine needs of the installers as well. They met only briefly, then the pandemic struck and all was canceled to support the safety and survival of Illinois residents.

We are all still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 virus that has gripped not only Illinois but also the entire globe. Many companies and businesses have shuttered; however, others have taken to virtual meetings on a variety of platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts. Unfortunately, the Illinois State legislature has no statute for how to meet in such a situation so the governor has been forced to focus on the pandemic, and the legislators are focused on supporting their constituents with rent and utility bill relief, and any other issues have been left in the dust. Hopefully, the state legislature will be back in session, with some changes of course, later this fall. But for two issues encompassed within CEJA, waiting is devastating. First, any changes to the national FERC order (how we fund our peaker needs for power) must happen by June 1. At the time of writing this, we are in full swing asking to move that date back to fall, but there is no change yet. In addition, the pool of funds supporting the clean energy projects from FEJA is running out and will be empty by the fall. This could mean huge layoffs in workers for energy efficiency supported projects as well as residential, commercial, and community solar projects. 

At the writing of this article in early May, some work groups are starting to convene, and a huge campaign has just been launched to encourage a postponement of the FERC decision. Individual groups across Illinois are continuing to raise interest. The River Prairie Group held a joint Zoom informational call with CUB (Citizen’s Utility Board) to inform members of energy efficiency projects and solar installation that can take place quickly now in order to receive state incentives. Other than that, we are on hold.

In the Springfield office of State Senator
Suzy Glowiak-Hilton (center)

But Climate Change is not on hold, and the need for us to make changes in our behavior patterns is great. Yes, with decreased transportation emissions, our skies are cleaner, but remember that this is temporary. Creatures great and small are scurrying forward without a concern for physical distancing, but the need to continue to protect their habitat is significant as the administration’s greed for the earth’s finite resources is ever present. Our waters are clear and hosting aquatic life not seen for years, yet the threat of boat traffic will be ramping up with relaxed pandemic cautions, and the pollution and debris will soon return. Our work is pivoted now to help our local communities survive with housing, utility relief, and food sourcing, but we will return to our causes, and hopefully we will be stronger than ever. AND Clean Energy in Illinois will be at the top of our list!

To get involved with the DuPage Clean Energy Coalition drop a note to:  dupagecleanenergy@gmail.com. 

As of May 26, the Illinois Budget has been passed by the Illinois House and Senate, and is expected to be signed by the governor. It does not include support for CEJA. We are disheartened; however, we are counting on the veto session in the Fall for movement. Join the conversation with the DuPage Clean Energy Coalition for more information. (See contact above.)

Spring Brook Restoration Update

By Scott Meister

Connie Schmidt and Ed Max view a newly restored
section of Spring Brook. Photo by Jeff Gahris.

In 2019, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County embarked on the second phase of stream restoration along Spring Brook creek as it flows through Wheaton and Warrenville. The two-year project, currently underway within Blackwell Forest Preserve, will remove a dam, allowing fish to swim upstream; create better habitat for fish, mussels, and macroinvertebrates; reduce erosion; and re-route the Regional Trail outside of the floodplain.

During the first phase of restoration in 2015, the Forest Preserve District meandered Spring Brook and created wetlands within St. James Farm Forest Preserve. The current, second phase of the project begins at Winfield Road, continues for approximately one mile downstream, and is expected to continue through 2020. Currently in the planning stage, the third and final phase will continue restoration along Spring Brook until the creek meets the West Branch of the DuPage River in Warrenville.

To learn more about the current project and see pictures, follow this link: Spring Brook Restoration

- Scott Meister is Manager of Natural Resources at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Spring Brook in St. James Farm Forest Preserve. Photo by Jeff Gahris

Land Acknowledgment: Honoring the Traditional Native Inhabitants of the Land

Sierra Club and many other groups are beginning meetings with a meaningful gesture to create awareness of the original people of our land, called a Land Acknowledgment. It offers recognition and respect to the Native American people and may begin on a small scale to repair the relationship with Native Communities. Colonization is an ongoing process. Stealing land continues, as we see in pipeline extensions through sacred territory. 

We have started meetings by presenting information such as history of the local tribes, artwork, and current plans for cultural awareness. Below is a link to a poem written and performed by Michael Schmidt, accompanied by native flute and drum music honoring the often forgotten native people and their strife. Through acknowledgment, we all may become more caring and committed citizens for just and equitable conditions for all people on our planet. 

 https://soundcloud.com/twistedtuneman/sun-day-moon-dancer-1

Call for Art for "Pollinators in Action: Flowering Journeys" Exhibit at Mayslake Peabody Estate

Submissions due Feb. 1 – April 15 for exhibit that runs May 6 – June 29

Artists are invited to submit artwork Feb. 1 – April 15 for “Pollinators in Action: Flowering Journeys,” an art exhibit featuring pollinators May 6 – June 29 at Mayslake Peabody Estate at 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook.

The exhibit is designed to showcase these easily overlooked but vital critters through eye-catching works of art. The exhibit will also feature fun facts about pollinators to help visitors connect the beauty of pollinators to the critical role they play in our ecosystem.

“You might not stop to admire a beetle on the sidewalk, but a stunning painting of a beetle might catch your eye,” said Mayslake heritage interpreter Kendra Strubhart, who is curating the exhibit. “The show is meant to encourage our community to celebrate the actions of all pollinators.”

The exhibit is a collaborative initiative between the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the DuPage Monarch Project. It’s part of the Forest Preserve District’s effort to highlight pollinators through programs, hikes, lectures and performances April – June 2020.

Artists are encouraged to show some diversity in their submissions “Animals are not the only means of pollination,” Strubhart said. “If someone is inspired by how the wind carries pollen, we want to see what a work of art by that person looks like.”

Artists can submit work by filling out an online application form. Questions? Contact Shannon Burns at sburns@dupageforest.org.

Guidelines for submissions include:

● Artwork should represent the artists’ interpretation of the theme “Pollinators in Action: Flowering Journeys.”

● Subject matter should be DuPage- or Illinois-inspired.

● Participants should be Illinois residents.

● Subject matter must be appropriate for all ages.

● Artwork must be hangable.

● Artists must be able to drop off their artwork on May 4 between 6 and 8 p.m. and pick up their artwork on June 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The DuPage Monarch Project is a countywide effort by the DuPage Forest Preserve District, Conservation Foundation, Sierra Club’s River Prairie Group and Greater DuPage Wild Ones to provide education about monarchs and increase suitable monarch habitat in DuPage County.

2020 Dates to Remember

Feb. 1 – April 15: Online submissions due

May 4, 6 – 8 p.m.: Artwork drop off Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

May 6 – June 29: Gallery hours
Monday – Friday Noon – 3 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May 7, 6 – 8 p.m.:
Artist reception

June 29, 6 – 8 p.m.:
Artwork pick up

Nature's Best Cafe

By Connie Schmidt

Simitrio Cruz

Here is a treat for you: an independent, family-owned restaurant in a residential section of Naperville. Nature’s Best Café is located at 1904 Brookdale Road, just a few blocks east of Rt. 59. The owners are husband-wife duo Evonne and Simitrio Cruz, with Simitrio running the day-to-day operations while Evonne teaches school. In 2016 they opened the café with the philosophy: Eat healthy, feel better.

This gem is part coffeehouse, breakfast or lunch spot, friend or committee gathering area, and Friday night music venue. They serve fresh delicious food, made from scratch daily. When possible, produce is locally sourced with many vegan and gluten-free options. There is a wood stone oven for the assortment of hand-tossed pizzas. (Yep, there is gluten-free crust, too.) They are a local seller of the amazing “I Have A Bean” coffee, complemented by fresh baked goods and amazing ice cream.  Michael and I stumbled in here after a friend’s recommendation and were thrilled.  I hope you will be, too. 

Calling Our Elected Representatives

Simply calling our elected representatives about environmental issues we care about makes a difference. See list below of representatives who have districts that include DuPage County.

Our Elected Representatives – State

State Senate:

Tom Cullerton (D), District 23

Springfield (217) 782-9463

District (630) 903-6662

Laura Ellman (D), District 21

Springfield (217) 782-8192

District (630) 453-5488

Suzie Glowiak Hilton (D), District 24

Springfield (217) 782-8148

District (630) 785-3177

Don Harmon (D), District 39

Springfield (217) 782-8176

District (708) 848-2002

Laura Murphy (D), District 28

Springfield (217) 782-3875

District (847) 718-1110

Illinois House:

John Connor (D), District 85

Springfield (217) 782-4179

District (815) 372-0085

Deb Conroy (D), District 46

Springfield (217) 782-8158

District (630) 415-3520

Terra Costa Howard (D), District 48

Springfield (217) 782-8037

District (630) 812-9292

Amy Grant (R), District 42

Springfield (217) 558-1037

District (331) 218-4182

Stephanie Kifowit (D), District 84

Springfield (217) 782-8028

District (630) 585-1308

Deanne Mazzochi (R), District 47

Springfield (217) 782-1448

District (630) 852-8633

Anne Stava Murray (D), District 81

(217) 782-6578

District (630) 605-0595

Michelle Mussman (D), District 56

(217) 782-3725

District (847) 923-9104

Diane Pappas (D), District 45

(217) 782-4014

District (224) 520-8838

Karina Villa (D), District 49

(217) 782-1653

District (630) 326-9319

Grant Wehrli (R), District 41

(217) 782-6507

District (630) 696-4160

Kathleen Willis (D), District 77

(217) 782-3374

District (708) 562-6970

Our Elected Representatives - Federal

U.S. Senate:

Tammy Duckworth

DC (202) 224-2854

Belleville (618) 722-7070

Richard Durbin

DC (202) 224-2152

Chicago (312) 353-4952

Members of Congress:

Sean Casten, 6th District 

DC (202) 225-4561

District (630) 520-9450

Bill Foster, 11th District

DC (202) 225-3515

District (630) 585-7672

Raja Krishnamoorthi, 8th District

DC (202) 225-3711

District (847) 413-1959

Lauren Underwood, 14th District

DC (202) 225-2976

District (630) 549-2190