The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

06/22/2026

The Howenstine Family invites you to join us for the Celebration of the Life of Bill Howenstine at Pioneer Farm, Sunday, June 28th.

After the main celebration, there will be time for informal sharing of memories and appreciation for this wonderful, loving, impactful human being. We will be prepared to gather, rain or shine.

Pioneer Farm, 4614 Pioneer Rd, McHenry, IL
1:30 - Gathering
2:00 - Celebration Begins

RSVP not required but would be helpful for planning: [email protected]

06/21/2026

Celebrate Pollinator Week with The Blueberry Awards! Learn more about books that connect children to nature.

Monday, June 22 | 4–5pm
Cary Public Library
1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are excited to share with you an opportunity to learn about a (new-er) children’s literature award founded in Illinois that honors books that strengthen kids’ connections with nature and fosters action for the planet!

Register for Event: https://forms.gle/5qMAG1B3KLZ4VePg6

06/19/2026

Join us Saturday, June 27th at 9:30 AM to clean up a highway!

Cary Algonquin Rd. from Fox Trails Dr. to Main St.
(next to Fox Bluff Conservation Area)

- Meet our Waste Reduction Team & other Defenders
- Children over age 10 welcome, with adult present
- Please bring gloves
- Dress for the weather
- Normally takes 90 minutes

Email [email protected] for more details & to let us know to expect you!

06/19/2026

Members of the Water and Natural Resources Protection Action Team have enjoyed working with our Defenders' interns, Hannah and Grace, on several projects so far. Check them out!

06/18/2026

Join us for our next BMP Talk & Tour: Natural Landscaping for Commercial Properties

The next session will be at 1PM on Friday, June 26 at the Woodstock Public Library.

Sarah Voska, Sales Manager at Bluestem Ecological Services and Jen Czaja, Landscape Architect at Sebert Landscaping, will present “Natural Landscaping for Commercial Properties.” Woodstock Library is completing their Prairie Roots garden renovation project this Spring, and the new gardens will serve as the case study of how the underused library grounds have been transformed into a community-focused outdoor space rooted in sustainability and connection.

The presentation will talk about the planning process, plant selection, and interpretive signage. These steps may also be replicated at commercial sites to create sustainable outdoor spaces.

Following the presentation, attendees may join the presenters for a guided walk around the Woodstock Library, to observe the BMPs implemented.

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/BMPTourSignup

06/17/2026

Monday June 22 kicks off Pollinator Week! Join us to learn about the best books that connect children to nature. 🐝 📚 🌻
Monday, June 22 | 4–5pm
Cary Area Public Library
1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary
We are delighted to host Evanston librarian Martha Meyers and for you to learn about this children’s literature award founded in Illinois.
Register at forms.gle/n7nTRny1tuybeHWC6
Or just show 🆙

06/16/2026

The Environmental Defenders' Styrofoam Recycling Program is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am - 2pm at Algonquin Township Road District at 3702 US-14, Crystal Lake.

Please review our list of Not Accepted items. Not all foam is the same! White hard Styrofoam, Styrofoam to-go containers/cups, and bagged packing peanuts are accepted. Please do not leave any unaccepted items at the drop-off site. We ask you to take it home with you and dispose of it in your curbside trash. Thank you for your understanding.

We are still looking for volunteers so please sign up for a time this summer! Thank you to our amazing community for your support.

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

06/15/2026

Celebrate Pollinator Week with The Blueberry Awards! Learn more about books that connect children to nature.

Monday, June 22 | 4–5pm
Cary Public Library
1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are excited to share with you an opportunity to learn about a (new-er) children’s literature award founded in Illinois that honors books that strengthen kids’ connections with nature and fosters action for the planet!

Register for Event:

Presentation by Librarian Martha Meyer from the Evanston Public Library on the children’s literature award founded in Illinois that honors books that strengthen kids’ connections with nature and fosters action for the planet! Monday, June 22 4-5 pm at the Cary Public Library, 1606 Three Oaks Rd,...

06/13/2026

Our Use-It-Again Garage Sale closes today at 4pm! We'll be at the Algonquin Township Road District from 9am-4pm. As it's our last day, everything will be 50% off the original price tag. Stop by our Garage Sale today.