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.