Until recently, solar energy has been relegated to a few calculators and some experimental cars. Global warming has changed things, driving a demand for clean energy that makes solar a nearly perfect option.

Our speaker, Lisa Albrecht, is on the board of directors for Illinois Solar Energy Association and works for the pioneering firm, Solar Service, founded in 1977, long before solar was cool. She will speak to us about the role of solar energy nationally and world wide as we tackle climate change. Additionally, Ms. Albrecht will describe ways we can use solar energy in our homes.

Click Meetings, or contact Larry Marvet at 847-537-2083 with any questions.

Conservation Committee Meeting Immediately preceding, 6:15 p.m.

Unused pills that are flushed down the drain end up in our local streams and lakes. Pharmaceuticals in our waters are dangerous for the fish and other wildlife that live there. Knowing this, Illinois residents want to take steps to properly dispose of their unwanted and unused medications. Do you know what you should do with pills you don't take?

Pharmacies are crucial partners in efforts to create convenient and consistent collection programs. Is there have a permanent pharmaceutical collection facility in your area?

Learn more about what you can do to keep drugs out of our waters ».

Click Meetings, or contact Larry Marvet at 847-537-2083 with any questions.

Conservation Committee Meeting Immediately preceding, 6:15 p.m.

Join us for our first meeting of the new year, where we'll hear about the system and philosophy of permaculture. Coined from the combination of permanent and culture, the creators of permaculture work with the sun, wind, rain and their own ingenuity to create sustainable places.

Living on 7 acres adjacent to the 900-acre Alden Sedge Meadow (McHenry County Conservation District site), Judy, along with husband Jack, are volunteer site stewards working to restore a globally-endangered oak savanna near the headwaters of the Nippersink Creek. They design and lead experiential programs for children, teens and adults on ecological restoration, permaculture and deep ecology. Judy holds a certificate in permaculture design from the Permaculture Institute of Australia and is working towards a certificate in ecological restoration through the McHenry County Conservation District. Judy and Jack put permaculture into practice by integrating nature’s flows and patterns into the retrofit of their home and land, which bears abundant fruits, vegetables, and herbs, while supporting biodiversity. They are recipients of the 2008 Chicago Wilderness Habitat Project Grassroots Conservation Leadership Award.

As our minds wander towards the start of spring, take some time to learn more about living holistically and sustainably with the land, no matter the size.

Check out Judy's favorite websites to learn more:
midwestpermaculture.com »
permacultureproject.com »

Click Meetings, or contact Larry Marvet at 847-537-2083 with any questions.

Conservation Committee Meeting Immediately preceding, 6:15 p.m.