Chatter from the Chair - Spring 2024

By Connie Schmidt

Hello my fellow River Prairie Group members,

This month begins the decision-making process for our 2024 elections in November as the primaries descend on us March 19. Please do your research and look for the candidates that will represent best environmental practices for all. An article in this issue gives you links for any information about the options for casting your vote. Sierra Club does make endorsements and they can be found on our website or check with your Executive Committee members for more information.

We had two wonderful programs already this year. In January, Deanna Doohaluk and Stephen McCracken from the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup gave us a detailed look at the immense amount of work involved from brainstorming to acquiring permits to see the Fullersburg Dam removed at Graue Mill. Wow – over 15 years to fruition, but a healthier stream and riparian zone, while maintaining the historical aspects of the mill, are now preserved for future generations.

Secondly, we learned “Why Monarchs Need Volcanos” with the virtual program set up by Lonnie Morris of the DuPage Monarch Project. Emily Stone, a naturalist, guided us through the video as she shared her travels to protected areas in Mexico’s Volcanic Belt.

IF you like the idea of diving a little deep and exploring the “Future of our Planet” please read Dan Schmidt’s article with that title. (Yup he is my son, but FYI, I’m happy to print articles from your sons and daughters too, so please send them along!) Part I of this article was printed last year, and this last part summarizes some advances in technology and new practices for the good of the planet.

And now for the best part, RPG is growing and transforming. We have a new board member, Wendy Vernon, and as a result, new energy in the focus areas of RPG. Read the article introducing you to Wendy and join me in welcoming her to the board. Unfortunately, life circumstances and numerous other responsibilities have pulled Kathleen Fischer off our board.  We sincerely thank Kathleen for her diligent support with water issues and in connecting RPG to the IL Chapter as our delegate. Thanks so much, Kathleen. Which means, we have an open board member position and very much WELCOME any interested folks to reach out to me and schedule a chat! There are six executive committee meetings over the year, with some being virtual and some in-person. Please let’s chat even if you are just curious.

In addition, there are lots of opportunities to just get involved. I’d love to have someone who knows a little about graphic arts help me with flyers for our various programs and events. This would probably be one hour a month or so. We love to have our enthusiastic nature lovers help table at some of the many events we support over the year. New folks are always paired with a seasoned leader. Our restoration workdays are a perfect opportunity to make a difference. We also help volunteers planting butterfly gardens through the DuPage Monarch Project. There are many more opportunities, so I’ll invite you to give me an email or call to see how you can become a little active and share your enthusiasm for the environment, and perhaps I’ll see you at one of our upcoming programs!

 

Connie Schmidt

Chair River Prairie Group

Cschmidt527@gmail.com

630 234 3029