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REGISTRATION IS CLOSED DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND. Please contact Josh Ellis at jellis@metroplanning.org to be added to the wait list.
The Chicago region is blessed with abundant rainfall and ample fresh water. However, we can no longer assume our water supplies are limitless. Rainwater is one of our most precious, but under-valued water resources. Due to development and agricultural practices that prevent natural filtration of rainfall, this important water resource turns into harmful stormwater runoff.
By protecting and restoring our native landscape, we can store rainwater naturally where it falls and make it available for our use. Wetlands, for example, play an important role in managing rainwater by storing it, filtering it, and recharging groundwater supplies. Protection and restoration of natural areas can help ensure safe and sustainable water supplies for people and wildlife.
Please join Openlands and MPC for “Letting It All Soak In: Nature’s Role in Protecting Water Resources” to learn more about:
- the Chicago region’s groundwater supplies;
- water supply conservation and stormwater mitigation;
- land use impacts on water quality and quantity;
- wetlands restoration and management; and
- ecosystem health and its correlation to public health.
PANELISTS
Jerry Adelmann, President & CEO, Openlands
Dr. Jeff Walk, Director of Science, The Nature Conservancy in Illinois
Jeff Mengler, Botanist / Wetland Ecologist & Senior Project Scientist, Cardno ENTRIX
Dominic Kempson, Senior Scientist, Stantec
Ed Collins, Natural Resource Manager, McHenry County Conservation District
Lunch will be provided. You may request a vegetarian meal when you register. Cost is $15 for current MPC donors and Openlands members, $30 for all others.
Thanks to ComEd for sponsoring this event. Lunch graciously provided by Hannah’s Bretzel.
