PRN Masthead

Welcome to Prairie Rivers Network's e-Newz. We're excited to keep communities informed about volunteer opportunities, clean water issues, and river conservation news within our state.

- August 2008-

1. Adopt-a-Stream

2. Last Call for Rolling on the River Volunteers

3. 2008 River Steward Nominations

4. Become a Member of Prairie Rivers Network

Adopt-a-Stream

As mentioned in the March 2008 eNewz, what makes each of us a river steward is limited only by our imagination and interests. For those who enjoy wildlife watching, river stewardship can be picking up trash along the banks of your favorite stream. For others who literally enjoy getting their feet wet, river stewardship can be measuring and testing river water for the presence of pollutants.

The Illinois Smallmouth Alliance (ISA) has established a new program to help river stewards with a variety of interests protect their local rivers. The “Adopt-A-Stream” program is available throughout Illinois . Groups select the stream they would like to adopt and agree to collect trash and conduct water quality monitoring along their stream once a year for two years. Groups can be families, local businesses, civic groups, neighborhood association, churches or any other groups with an interest in protecting and keeping their local streams clean.

ISA provides water quality monitoring training and kits, recognition on the Adopt-A-Stream website, and speakers on a variety of environmental issues. After a group’s first event, ISA will provide a sign with the group’s name along the adopted stream. In addition, the Adopt-A-Stream program accommodates expansion of a group’s stewardship activities as ISA will also provide evaluation and approval of designs for stream renovations or enhancements.

For more information on Adopt-A-Stream, contact Mike Clifford at 773.771.9042 or visit http://www.fishgeek.com/html/conservation/adopt-a-stream.html.

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Last Call for Rolling on the River Volunteers

The Third Annual Rolling on the River is just around the corner. Proceeds from this August 16th cycling fundraiser benefit Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Environmental Council, and Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Cyclists have a choice of 15, 25, 45, 62 and 100 mile routes located in the beautiful Fox River Valley . All riders get a t-shirt, lunch and goody bag.

We still have volunteer shifts available from Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17. Volunteers who sign up to work more than 8 hours can camp free at Dickson Valley Resort (and also get free breakfast or lunch depending on the time of your shift). To register to ride, or to sign up to volunteer, go to the RRR website: www.rollingriverride.org.

Thank you for your support – we’ll see you August 16!

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2008 River Steward Nominations

Prairie Rivers Network is now accepting nominations for our 2008 River Steward Award. The River Steward Award recognizes individuals whose outstanding efforts contribute to the continued protection of Illinois rivers; by their example they inspire others to become advocates and stewards for the thousands of streams and rivers throughout Illinois .

The 2008 River Steward Award recipient will be honored at Prairie Rivers Network's annual dinner, November 21, 2008. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be recognized on our website and in the media via a press release.

Too often, the outstanding river protection efforts and successes of individuals are not known outside of their local community. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize and celebrate these people and to share their victories with our members and river advocates throughout Illinois .

For information on how to nominate the next River Steward, email Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org. Or, visit our website www.prairierivers.org

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Become a Member

Not already a member of Prairie Rivers Network or need to renew your membership? Donate online to PRN online and help us protect water quality and river habitats to make our community a better place to live.

Join our Watershed Listserv or visit our Events Calendar for more river related activities in Illinois.

If you would like to be removed from this mailing please e-mail info@prairierivers.org