Do you have a group that would like to learn more about the threats to and protection of water resources in Illinois?
Is your community organizing around a particular threat to your watershed?
Our professional staff of scientists and legal specialists are available for speaking engagements across the state. We accept invitations based on our availability, the size of the group, and our travel budget, among other considerations.
Please contact Elliot Brinkman (ebrinkman @ prairierivers.org) our communications and membership services coordinator, to request and arrange speaking engagements.
Current Speaking Topics
45 Years: A history of advocacy in Illinois
From the successful opposition of dams proposed in the 1970s that would have permanently altered the flow of our rivers, to our current efforts to ensure full enforcement of the Clean Water Act to protect our drinking water and fish and wildlife habitats, PRN has accomplished a lot in those years thanks to the continued support of dedicated, passionate conservationists throughout Illinois.
Asian carp and the future of the Chicago Area Waterways
Asian carp threaten to devastate the Great Lakes and inflict irreversible damage on sport fisheries, wildlife, regional economies and the people that rely upon them. The long term solution is to permanently close the connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin to prevent invasions in either direction via the canals.
Bridging Science and Policy to Advocate for Healthy River Systems
Prairie Rivers Network uses sound science to stand up for strong, fair laws to protect clean water and natural areas and relies on a network of scientists, decision makers, environmental and public health advocates, river enthusiasts, municipal and industrial operators and Illinois residents, etc to do so. This presentation will cover examples of how Prairie Rivers Network has used scientific findings to advocate for state and federal policy reform in areas including water quality standards, agricultural and industrial pollution and habitat protection.
Coal’s impact on clean water in Illinois
A multimedia presentation that explroes the implications our energy choices have on the health of water and communities in Illinois’ coalfields.
Don’t rush to flush
Explains how pharmaceuticals get into our rivers, impacts to aquatic species, and solutions for proper disposal.
Factory farms in Illinois
A 30 minute presentation describing what factory farms are, how they can pose a threat to water and air pollution in Illinois’ rural communities, and opportunities for citizen activism. Following the presentation, we will show a 25 minute documentary describing how industrial livestock production in Michigan has harmed the environment and lives of nearby residents.
It takes a network: protecting water resources in Illinois
Prairie Rivers Network advocates for the protection of our rivers at the federal, state, and local level. We provide the expertise in science, legal procedures, and regulatory enforcement, but our success depends on the stories, data, and leadership of local residents who know the water resources and local politics of their communities.
Opportunities for involvement in the coal permitting process
An in-depth look at the coal permitting process and how community groups can maximize their participation and effectiveness.
Rain gardens: benefits and installation
A 45 minute presentation describing what rain gardens are, their role in capturing rain and keeping streams, how they keep communities safe from flooding and pollution, and how they can be constructed and maintained.
The River State
Illinois is home to 120,000 miles of rivers, and borders the Mighty Mississippi for a longer stretch than any other state. This presentation will provide a brief overview of Illinois’ rivers, and will delve into questions about the health of our rivers and how we live with them today: How healthy are our rivers? What challenges do they face and how can we solve them?
Starved Rock sand mine: impacts to water and wildlife
Presentation on the proposed sand mine next to Starved Rock State Park discusses the potential impacts it poses on nearby water resources and wildlife habitats.