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.

Photo by Illinois Chapter Sierra Club 

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.

Celebrate Pollinator Week with the DuPage Monarch Project

By Lonnie Morris

Pollinator Week (June 16 – 22) comes at the beginning of summer and is a well-timed reminder of the importance of pollinators, all those tiny buzzing and fluttering creatures that are essential for successful gardens and smooth-running ecosystems.

There are many ways to be involved with Pollinator Week, from walking outside to look for butterflies to adding native plants to a garden. DuPage Monarch Project is offering an opportunity on June 18th  to learn more about amazing pollinators and how gardeners can help them thrive.

Flight, Buzz and Bloom is an opportunity for the fans of monarch butterflies and ecogardeners to hear recent updates in the designation of monarchs as a threatened species, some fun facts about honey bees and native bees and how the collective power of gardeners is protecting pollinators. There will also be time for mingling, meeting and learning from gardeners who are rethinking how their gardens can be both beautiful and a home for bees and butterflies.

Flight, Buzz and Bloom: Exploring the World of Butterflies, Bees and Native Plants

June 18, 10:00 am

Helen Plum Library Combined Meeting Room Main Floor 411 S Main St, Lombard

Questions? Email: dupagemonarchs@gmail.com

Get Ready for Plastic-Free July: Host Summer Gatherings Without the Waste

By Wendy Vernon

Summer is the season for picnics, block parties, festivals, family reunions—and even simple get-togethers with friends. But unfortunately, it’s also prime time for single-use plastic. From plastic cutlery to bottled water, disposable items are everywhere. Most end up in landfills or as litter—but even before that, plastic production relies on fossil fuels and contributes to climate change. And after we toss them, many plastics break down into microplastics that pollute our air, water, and even our bodies. Plastic isn’t just a recycling problem—it’s a pollution and public health problem, too.

This July, join millions around the world in taking part in Plastic-Free July, a global movement to reduce plastic waste in our daily lives. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a family picnic, or a larger community event, there are plenty of simple swaps that make a big difference.

Here are a few ways to reduce plastic at summer events:

Ditch the Disposables

Single-use plastics may seem harmless, but many contain chemicals linked to hormone disruption and other health risks. Swapping in reusable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins helps protect both people and the planet.

Consider upscaling your event to glass plates—that simple touch could make your event more elegant. Of course, you may have events where reusable plastic plates might be more appropriate. If you don’t have enough dishes, consider shopping at resale shops to build a supply. Or borrow from family members or friends. You could also rent reusable place settings from SCARCE in Addison, IL, for your event. These place settings include reusable plates in glass or plastic, cloth napkins, and butter knives, forks, and spoons. Another option is to have guests bring their own dishes to eat on and then take back home. This might sound out of the ordinary but the Wild Ones Greater DuPage Chapter has everyone bring their own dishes at their annual potluck dinners, and it is fun to see everyone’s different dishes. Avoid plastic straws and stirrers—go without or offer paper or reusable metal versions. 

Skip Bottled Water

Bottled water may seem convenient, but it’s one of the most wasteful uses of plastic—globally, an estimated one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. Many of them aren’t recycled, and studies show that bottled water is often contaminated with microplastics. Instead, set up a water refill station with pitchers or a cooler and reusable cups. You could also encourage guests to bring their own reusable bottles. It’s a simple switch that reduces waste and helps guests easily keep track of their drinks.

Shop Smart for Food and Snacks

Thoughtful shopping can greatly reduce event waste. Choose bulk items instead of single-serving snack packs or plastic-wrapped desserts, and bring your own bags or containers to cut down on excess packaging. Farmers markets and local bakeries are great sources for unpackaged or minimally packaged produce, baked goods, and treats—homemade or local options often taste better and feel more personal. For drinks, skip individual juice boxes or soda bottles and opt for larger containers you can pour from. Keep an eye out for Prairie Food Co-op’s grand opening in Lombard this July—another great place to shop sustainably.

Be prepared for leftovers by setting out reusable containers or inviting guests to bring their own to take food home.

Simplify Your Decorations

When it comes to decorating your gathering, simplicity and sustainability go hand in hand. Skip plastic balloons and shiny mylar decorations, which often end up as litter and break down into harmful microplastics. Instead, opt for biodegradable or reusable options like fabric banners, paper streamers, or natural centerpieces made from flowers, branches, or herbs. You can also reduce waste and add a personal touch by borrowing decorations or repurposing items you already have.

Rethink Party Favors

Avoid handing out party favors made from plastic; instead, choose something meaningful, reusable, or consumable—like seed packets or homemade treats. Or skip the giveaways altogether. Most people already have more than they need, and even well-intentioned favors often end up as clutter or go unused. Focus on creating a memorable experience instead—that’s what guests will truly appreciate.

Make Recycling and Composting Easy

Reducing plastic is more effective than recycling it. Still, helping guests dispose of waste properly—and offering composting—can make a big difference. Set up clearly labeled bins and assign a volunteer to help guests sort their waste.

Every small change helps shift the culture away from throwaway plastic. You don’t have to be perfect—just start where you can. Every step away from single-use plastic is a step toward a safer, cleaner world—and by leading with these actions, you may also inspire friends, family, or guests to adopt more sustainable practices.

Visit my Plastic Reduction page to learn more about the plastic problem, how to reduce it in your life, and current legislation you can support. If you’re interested in working on this issue or want more information, email me at wvecoactionhub@gmail.com.

Recent Program Highlights (Spring 2025)

 By Jeff Gahris

On March 26, Andrew Hipp, The Morton Arboretum’s Herbarium Director and Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics, provided a very engaging presentation about what the herbarium is, and why the arboretum’s herbarium and other herbaria are crucial for plant research. In short, they are a very important resource for studying biodiversity and the evolution of plants.

On April 29, Debra Shore, a recent U.S. EPA, Region 5 Administrator, spoke to us about the impact of the current administration on the U.S. EPA and environmental policies.

This was also our member engagement meeting, so various local Sierra Club leaders talked about issues of interest to our club and volunteer opportunities. Speakers included Bruce Blake, our treasurer and native gardening and restoration expert. Bruce, by the way, was our emcee for the evening. 

Linda Sullivan (l) and Ava Cohen spoke about our successful political and lobby teams.

Wendy Vernon spoke about issues involving plastics, and efforts to rein in our reliance on them.

Ed Max spoke about our robust outings program.

Jill Spealman covered the DuPage Monarch Project, of which Sierra Club is a partner. Yes, those are her wings.

Bob Barbieri (left) covered our water monitoring program while Dennis Streicher explained our role with the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, which implements innovative projects to improve the quality of our local streams.

To volunteer, please reach out to:

• Jeff Gahris, ExCom Chair, jgahris@gmail.com
• Bruce Blake, natural area restoration, rllnstones1@aol.com
• Linda Sullivan, political and lobby chair, lsullivan23@hotmail.com
• Wendy Vernon, reducing single-use plastics, wavernon@yahoo.com
• Mike Davis, outings chair, mikeyd5600@gmail.com
• Lonnie Morris, DuPage Monarch Project, herbndove@gmail.com
• Bob Barbieri, water monitoring, bob-barbieri@comcast.net

See you soon!

Photo credits: Jeff Gahris

Volunteering in DuPage County Forest Preserves

By Jeff Gahris

Have you thought of getting outdoors in a new and fun way? Consider volunteering for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. We are most fond of opportunities to help preserve our natural resources. After all, our own Bruce Blake is a site steward at the Glacial Ridge unit of Churchill Woods Forest Preserve. You will find his workdays scheduled on our calendar.

Photo by Bruce Blake

There are other volunteer program opportunities as well, including working with horses at Danada Equestrian Center, getting hands on with animals at the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, historical and cultural interpretation, trail watching, and other activities. The District has hundreds of volunteers, but there is always room for more volunteers ready to have enriching experiences. See more at https://www.dupageforest.org/get-involved/volunteer

RPG Welcomes Mike Ondek

 By Connie Schmidt

I’d like you all to meet Mike! He wanted to volunteer with an environmental group, and the River Prairie Group of Sierra Club is very happy to welcome him. Here is an interview with Mike Ondek, a relatively new volunteer with RPG. 

How would you introduce yourself to new friends? I love nature. It is amazing to me that I can still watch a nature documentary, or read a research article, and be utterly surprised and impressed about something new I just learned of the natural world. I like public service. I volunteer at the Northern IL Food Bank, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Sierra Club, and a few other groups when I can help.

What brought you to engage with the Sierra Club? I’ve always loved the outdoors. Whether that be snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park, walking in Starved Rock, or biking through the trails of DuPage County. I love that we have public lands that have been preserved and protected for all to enjoy. I was looking for a place that is a friend to the natural world, and I found that at the Sierra Club, River Prairie Group. 

What are your interests in helping the SC campaigns or activities?  Feel free to include your strengths or experiences that you bring. I am still trying to find my way.  I am in my trial phase to see how different activities fit. So far, I’ve tried a little bit of water testing, water permit violation tracking, lobbying, phone banking, community outreach, and providing public testimony. Professionally, I’m currently a data analyst, but I have just been trying things out at work, too. I started as an install/repair technician in the telecom industry, went to technician dispatch operations, vendor management, and now data analysis. I want to do what needs doing. Of course, I don’t want it to be a drudge, but I really just want to make a positive impact. I have been feeling more of a draw to some sort of organizing or political activities, though.

Will you tell us about a formative experience you had involving the environment or nature that brought you to advocacy? I was privileged to be able to travel a bunch when I was young. My number one, favorite place in the world was Maui. I used to be a great swimmer, and decent diver, and snorkeling just felt like home. When I was a child, the coral reefs of Maui were an incredible experience. Being able to dive and see fish, crabs, eels, rays, and all sorts of amazing creatures in one place is astonishing. There is a reason people call it paradise. Then later, as I read of coral bleaching, it occurred to me that not only the paradise of Hawaii, but many natural splendors would not be available to the upcoming generations of children. That sad realization drove me to seek ways to be a better steward to the planet.

Lastly, Mike and I had a conversation about why people are not more involved with advocacy and volunteering.  People don’t know how to help. They don’t feel comfortable or empowered. There is a sea of anger and fear right now. I think we should reach out to other organizations and cross coordinate our efforts more. This is the time, and we need to take advantage of this moment.

Mike Ondek is now volunteering with multiple committees of the River Prairie Group. Among his activities, he has lobbied his state senator on our priority issues, helped as a water tester for our river monitoring program, and worked on membership programs and organizing. Mike found the River Prairie Group and is now determining how to best use his skills, talents, and interests to make a difference. Be like Mike: get involved, and you can make a difference too! Contact Jeff Gahris jgahris@gmail.com, or Connie Schmidt cschmidt527@gmail.com if you want to chat about how to get more involved.

Update: RPG Endorsed Candidates Elected to Naperville City Council

 By Marc Willensky

Naperville City Council. Photo by Stefanie Harrison

Recognizing the critical role of local government in shaping environmental policy, the River Prairie Group (RPG) Political Committee of the Sierra Club took the rare step of endorsing four candidates for Naperville City Council, all of whom were victorious. Congratulations to Benny White, Ian Holzhauer, Mary Gibson, and Ashfaq Syed. (In the photo above, RPG endorsed candidates are 4th from left Ashfaq Syed, 7th from left Benny White, 8th from left Ian Holzauer, and 9th from left Mary Gibson.)

The endorsements were based on the candidates’ commitment to transitioning Naperville away from coal-produced energy sources, in particular, to not extending the IMEA contract, which supplies Naperville with electricity, about 80% generated from its coal-fired power plants. The overwhelming victory of the endorsed candidates’ sends a strong message that Naperville supports sustainable energy policies and a clean energy future.

This stands in sharp contrast to the April 8th vote by the Public Utilities Advisory Board (PUAB) of Naperville, who voted 4-3 to recommend the early renewal of the IMEA contract despite the current contract running until 2035 with an option to terminate in 2040 with 5 years notice. The renewal would extend the contract until 2055 without a plan to retire the coal-fired power plants. The PUAB also said that their mission statement excludes the environmental impact as a criterion for their decision. With the science settled on climate change, it is incredible that a board that advises the City Council on electric, water, and waste-water systems does not factor in environmental concerns in its decision-making.

Notwithstanding the PUAB recommendation, RPG is hopeful that the newly sworn-in City Council will take an approach that balances economic considerations and energy reliability, and environmental responsibility as the city navigates through the evolving energy landscape.

 

Jeff's Jots - Summer 2025

By Jeff Gahris

Wendy and Jeff tabling at First UCC garden event in Elmhurst.
Photo by Rick Gieser

We woke up one morning, November 6, 2024, to be exact, and suddenly the world was on a different trajectory. Not a zombie apocalypse, and not spiraling out of orbit, but definitely different. Now is the time we depend most on YOU, our volunteers, for whom we a grateful. Today I wish to acknowledge and celebrate you.

You turned out big time in April to hear former EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore speak about what is happening with environmental policy at the federal level, and to explore our engagement opportunities. I went home that evening feeling proud of the vibrancy of our group.

Whether it’s outings, political work, restoration, or monitoring of our natural resources, I know we can count on you to champion a better quality of life in DuPage County and beyond.

Acknowledgments to Connie Schmidt (past chair and vice-chair of our Executive Committee), Bruce Blake (treasurer, membership, natural area restoration), Linda Sullivan (political and lobby work), Janice Guider (public health and ExCom), Bob Barbieri (water monitoring and ExCom), Lonnie Morris (DuPage Monarch Project), Wendy Vernon (plastic pollution and ExCom), Ava Cohen (social media), Mike Davis (outings chair), Joe Pokorny (List serv and ExCom), Andrew Cohen (web site), and Marc Willensky (ExCom). I wish to especially acknowledge Sherry Stratton, editor of this newsletter.

Photo by Joe LeCroy