- 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.
back to top
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: http://www.rollingriverride.org/
Thank you for your support – we’ll see you
August 16!
back to top
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
back to
top
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.
back to top
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
© Copyright 2007
Prairie Rivers Network 1902
Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL
61820 217/344-2371 |