Why Butterflies Need Volcanoes

 

Join the friends of the DuPage Monarch Project for a virtual program on February 28 at 7:00 pm. This will feature a one-hour presentation from naturalist Emily Stone. Emily traveled to Michoacán, Mexico, in December 2022 to visit the sanctuaries where monarch butterflies overwinter. The temperate fir forests that cradle the butterflies sit atop high peaks of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. In a delicate balance between staying cool enough to conserve fat stores and warm enough not to freeze, the monarchs seek out a variety of microhabitats even as the climate changes around them. The tangle of relationships will astound you. Sign up here for Zoom link.

Emily is an award-winning writer who pens a Natural Connections column for more than 15 local newspapers. She has compiled the best of those articles into two Natural Connections books. The second of those books Natural Connections 2: Dreaming of an Elfin Skimmer, won second place in the Outdoor Writers Association of America 2020 Excellence in Craft Contest.

Emily loves to cross country ski, mountain bike, garden, and paddle (especially in the Boundary Waters). 

Reducing Our Reliance on Plastics to Save the Planet

Presented by Anu Vermu, Accelerate Climate Solutions, Naperville. (Summary by Bonnie Gahris)

On October 25 at our program meeting, Anu Vermu presented an interesting look at the history of plastic use and the dilemma we now face. She said we have been such a large presence on this small planet. In the United States of 200 years ago, we lived mostly on farms, while now we’re mostly urban. Our ecological footprint has grown. We are now using enough resources for five planets. Interestingly, only five percent of families now cook from scratch, which means more trash and waste.

The Anthropocene* markers are nuclear, agriculture, marine pollution, chicken bones, and plastic pollution. On the other hand, there’s no waste in nature. But nearly everything we do creates trash, and plastic is a big part of it. Where do we intervene as consumers? Plastic is moldable and light but breaks easily into very small pieces. Nine billion tons of plastic have been produced to date, including:

• 100 billion plastic bags per year in U.S. alone
• 280 billion beverage containers per year, of which 78 billion are bottled water products
• 56.1 billion individual plastic utensils
• 9.7 billion cigarette butts
• 120-130 billion plastic cups

Recycling is challenging. Aluminum is highly recyclable, but there are many kinds of plastics, #1 to #7, as shown below. Naperville alone uses 55 million bags per year.

There is no producer responsibility. Recycling is a commodity market. Producers promote recycling because it makes us feel better. We’re not recycling, we’re collecting!! Recyclability doesn’t mean anything. Consider that one percent of disposal problem compares to 99% of production/consumption problem.

In short, recycling is a broken system because:

• Low oil prices keep price of virgin plastic very low.
• Countries in Asia don’t take our dirty bales of plastic any more.
• Low weight and low-price packaging are not profitable for recycling.

A DANGEROUS GAME

The idea of a circular economy with plastics is not feasible. Recycling is necessary, but not necessarily ideal. The following illustration shows how waste prevention is best for the environment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• We need repair shops to fix broken products. Ask your city to open a repair shop.
• Check out Illinois Environmental Council for bills on recycling.  See https://ilenviro.org/waste-reduction/
• We need to revise our concept of reuse.
• Illinois is a pre-emptive state, where you can’t put a ban on a ban. There are ways everyday you can refuse plastic. Think about how we use plastic. Start by doing an audit in your own home of your practices.

 CONCLUSION

Anu made it clear that consumerism is at the heart of the problem. Let’s start by saying “we have enough.”

____

*Period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

River Prairie Group OUTINGS Committee

By Connie Schmidt

Outings! The cornerstone of the Sierra Club from its inception. Getting folks outside to experience nature in hopes that they will be:

• Refreshed and invigorated to have a life more connected to the natural world.
• More inclined to want to protect these wild spaces for others to enjoy.

The River Prairie Group of Outings leaders is one of the, no let me correct that, is THE most engaged group in the state! They meet on the first Wednesday of each month. They meet in-person as much as possible and sometimes virtual if that works better because of weather and scheduling. The in-person events are a great bonding opportunity of having a main course dinner provided by the host, with supplemental dishes from some of the members. There could be between 10 and 18 people present at a meeting. The June meeting is especially nice because the River Prairie Group Ex-Com hosts the Outings leaders and provides the meal and listens in on their planning process.

The leaders are a special bunch. They have wilderness first aid training and training on handling group situations. Some of the leaders are secondary and don’t require the specialized training and are co-leaders for the trips. Those leaders who have been active for years are happy to walk new leaders through the training process. 

The purpose of this article is really twofold. We want you, the general newsletter reader, to know that our outings are led by fun, well trained, interesting people who truly love getting others out into the spaces they enjoy. In addition, we welcome new leaders into our fold to come to an Outings meeting to meet the “old timers” and consider becoming leaders themselves.

So, whether you are just interested in signing up for a day hike, a bike ride, or even a cross- country ski adventure, we hope you will come out into the wild with us. And if you have a wild place you love and would like to introduce others to it, we want to train you to become a leader with us to do just that. And maybe….just maybe….you will want to become more active in some of our other programs to help protect the wild places here in DuPage and beyond. Check out the Outings Calendar here for newly added outings.

Contact Connie Schmidt at (630) 234-3029 or Mike Davis at (773) 817-4967 to discuss joining with us.

Photo by Connie Schmidt: Hike in Naperville Knoch Knolls Park with State Representative Janet Yang Rohr

Dams are Never Good for Rivers

 By Dennis Streicher

In 2004, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) finalized and published its report on whether the three rivers in DuPage County were meeting the goals of the Clean Water Act (CWA). One of those reports was titled “Total Maximum Daily Loads for Salt Creek, Illinois” (TMDL). To anyone paying attention to this report, it was not a surprise that it (and two other reports on the East and West Branches of the DuPage River) declared that Salt Creek was not meeting the goals of the CWA. As part of the mandate from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Illinois had to find a way to bring Salt Creek into compliance with the CWA. The result was that IEPA proposed more strict limitations on publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) on Salt Creek. However, upon reading the report, it was apparent that the largest remaining impairments to the river were systemic, the results of decades of neglect by the communities bordering the river watershed--not an unusual situation in any place that is lucky enough to have a river in the neighborhood.

None of the insults on the river could be solved or removed by the POTWs. We needed a watershed-wide approach instead. At the time, I managed a POTW that discharged to Salt Creek. I and the managers of two other POTWs (one on the East Branch and the other on the West Brach of the DuPage) formed the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW). We studied the TMDL and took to heart one of the suggestions, that the Graue Dam at Fullersburg was the major cause of the dissolved oxygen (DO) impairment on Salt Creek. Our task was clear: the dam had to be removed if Salt Creek would ever get close to meeting the goals of the CWA.

The next 16 plus years were spent more closely studying all the stressors on the rivers in DuPage County. IEPA measures how close a river is to achieving the goals of the CWA by evaluating the diversity and number of vertebrates (fish) and invertebrates (insects) living in the river. They are, after all, the best indicators of the overall water quality and habitat of the river. Powered by a motivated and highly skilled staff, the DRSCW did habitat assessments and detailed chemical evaluations. Sediment oxygen demand studies were completed, and we made detailed evaluations of the fish and insects. The DRSCW identified several physical projects that would help improve the rivers. Some were completed and resulted in measurable improvements in the watersheds where they were done. Subsequent assessments of the biotic life and of habitat in the rivers also improved.

But on Salt Creek one key project still needed to be done. We had to reconnect the river to the larger watershed downstream. We had to remove the Graue Dam! Our studies show that there are 16 more species of fish downstream that could migrate upstream when the dam is removed. Aside from the physical barrier of the dam, the dam creates an impoundment of water that is in essence a dead zone, having low to no DO. The dam impoundment caused the development of a deep mucky sediment that results in a habitat of such low quality that virtually nothing can survive there, creating an impenetrable barrier to fish migration upstream, even if they could get past the dam. Dams are never good for rivers, and the Graue Dam is no different! The DRSCW has removed dams in other watersheds and monitored the fish movement afterwards. After the dams are gone, the fish reoccupy the new upstream areas surprisingly quickly, sometimes in a matter of weeks. This same scenario has occurred in other parts of the country when dams are removed.

In the end, the project will improve (even create) about 1.3 miles of good- to high-quality river habitat. There will be a pleasant rushing river with its sounds and sights for all to enjoy. In addition, the project will provide a canoe/kayak launch, added hiking trails, a couple of fishing platforms, and even a photography clearing that will allow the historical Graue Mill building to be used as a backdrop for wedding photos (a popular draw for the site). We will do this while honoring the historical nature of the area for the First Peoples who used the site and the European settlers who used the river resource, as well.

As I write this, the DRSCW is nearing the end of an effort that began back in 2007, when the first detailed DO studies were completed, showing just how damaging the dam and its accompanying water impoundment are to the river. The studies are complete, and public meetings have been held with overwhelming support for dam removal. The designs and permits are in place. Bids have been let, and a contract has been awarded. The project begins in late November 2023. It’s time to restore Salt Creek and take a major step to bring the river back to life.

Photo credits: Jeff Gahris and DRSCW

DuPage Monarch Project Recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Pollinator Conservation

By Lonnie Morris

DuPage Monarch Project is pleased to announce that DuPage County, Fermilab Natural Areas, and Darien Garden Club have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to pollinator conservation.

DuPage County was Tree-Mendous in 2023! They increased awareness of how residential landscaping planted with native trees, shrubs, and flowers becomes a solution to pollinator decline by giving away 600 native trees and shrubs to county employees. The 200 white oak, 200 chokecherry, 100 red osier dogwood, and 100 bald cypress will provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and birds for many years to come.

DuPage Monarch Project presented DuPage County with the Jane Foulser Habitat Award at the October 3rd DuPage County Environmental Committee meeting.

The two pillars of pollinator conservation are retaining and establishing habitat and educating the public about the importance of pollinators, their decline, and what is needed to protect them.  Fermilab Natural Areas (FNA) is doing both.

Fermilab Natural Areas is a volunteer group formed to study, restore, and maintain Fermilab’s 6,800 acres of prairie, woodlands, and wetlands and to inform local residents about the site. FNA engages the public throughout the year with volunteer work days, special events like the annual Prairie Seed Harvest, Facebook posts, and videos on YouTube. The Tour of Fermilab Natural Areas video is a stunning visual presentation of the diverse plant communities at Fermilab, the healthy habitat supporting numerous species of wildlife. It is an uplifting and inspiring invitation to be part of saving a piece of Illinois’s native landscape.

Fermilab Natural Areas received the Pat Miller Community Engagement Award for their comprehensive outreach and public engagement about ecology, native plants, and land stewardship.

Garden clubs are moving beyond the garden gate by taking on major environmental issues. Darien Garden Club is an outstanding example of how an environmental sensibility can be woven into programs, events, civic projects, and social activities.

Darien Garden Club’s accomplishments in 2023 include maintaining several native plantings for pollinators, giving away native plants and seeds during Pollinator Week, and their annual OAKtober celebrations and hosting a program by Carol Elkins, the Xerces Society Great Lakes Region Ambassador, on the importance of native pollinators, the primary causes of their decline, and how they benefit from pesticide-free native-plant gardens and landscapes.

The Darien Garden Club has shown what can be accomplished by a group of dedicated conservationists. Their educational outreach, community engagement, and habitat projects are making a difference for pollinators in Darien and the surrounding communities.

DuPage Monarch Project recognized Darien Garden Club as the 2023 Pollinator Protector at the recent OAKtober celebration.

Photo Credit: David DeCuir

Environmental and Justice Update for DuPage County

 By Connie Schmidt

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage, Village of Glen Ellyn, and Midwest SOARRING (Save Our Ancestors Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group) have signed an agreement for the long-abandoned McKee House in the East Branch Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn to be a Native American Cultural Arts and Nature Center. This is particularly poignant because the mission of Midwest SOARRING is to facilitate repatriation concerns, educate the public about various American Indian cultural issues, environmental issues, and build community among all people.

With gratitude to Joseph Standing Bear Schranz of the Ojibwe Nation, a ceremony was held on the McKee House site on the Fall Equinox 2023. This site hosts burial grounds of original people and was a significant meeting site for various indigenous tribes. Last year, Forest Preserve President Daniel Hebreard hosted a land acknowledgment with Midwest SOARRING at this site, acknowledging the original stewards of these local lands.

The terms of the agreement require a diligent effort by Midwest SOARRING to fundraise. $1 Million must be acquired by January 1, 2026, or the district will demolish the building. The group then will have until January 1, 2030, to occupy the structure. Both the village of Glen Ellyn and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage are behind this effort to offer them success. Now it is up to the people and businesses of local communities to support these fund-raising efforts as well. You may donate to this effort on Midwest SOARRING Foundation's website at https://www.midwestsoarring.org/ Be sure to select "McKee House" when donating.

Photo credits: Connie Schmidt

Chatter from the Chair

By Connie Schmidt

One of my favorite things to do is represent the River Prairie Group in DuPage in a variety of settings and organizations. This Fall I was able to recognize three recipients of the DuPage Monarch Project with their 2023 awards. Read the article here by Lonnie Morris for details on the amazing work being done for the benefit of pollinator species of all sorts. And speaking of DuPage Monarch Project, Lonnie has made arrangements for our February program, which will feature an amazing film by naturalist Emily Stone on “Why Butterflies Need Volcanoes: A Foray into the Ecology of Overwintering Monarchs in Mexico.”

I’ve enjoyed seeing some of our members while attending solstice celebrations over the last year or so at the East Branch Forest Preserve. These special events have been guided by the Midwest SOARRING Association, a Native American group honoring the cultural history of original people of the Americas. A very exciting agreement has been signed with them to begin fundraising for a cultural arts and nature center right in the heart of DuPage. Check out the article in this newsletter for more information.

It requires a network of folks to advocate for policy for clean and healthy rivers and streams.  The River Prairie Group, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage, and The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup are among those who have worked to encourage the removal of dams along our rivers. Work on the Fullersburg dam in Oak Brook is beginning, which will make a huge difference in the health of the ecosystems along and in Salt Creek. Look for the article in this issue with the latest developments and information on an upcoming program sharing the plans for continued presence of the historical mill along a freely flowing river.

Of course, a backbone of our activities is both the restoration work being done with the guidance of Bruce Blake at the Glacial Ridge Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn and the amazing trips organized by our outings leaders. Dates and locations for both are found on our activity calendar on our website with some special previews here in this newsletter as well. The Sierra Club was formed by taking folks into natural areas to appreciate their wonder and to work to protect these areas for others to enjoy. I am so proud of the dedicated leaders of the RPG who continue this legacy of taking people into our special places here in the Midwest.

Representing the River Prairie Group is an honor, and encouraging new leaders to join me is important work as well. There is always room for more leaders in committees and our various teams. We appreciate each of you who join us for our educational programs, work on our lobby efforts, or participate in another way such as going on an outing or workday. Thanks so much for helping to make the RPG a vibrant organization that I am so very proud to represent across DuPage County.