McHenry County Defenders, Inc.

The McHenry County Defenders is a formidable agency that has had impactful results in defining and keeping McHenry County environmentally healthy. The Defenders is a volunteer organization that attracts educated and informed members that support policy and planning that puts respect for our natural world as a priority in decision making. They came out for my community with science and fact to fight against a developer who wanted to build a large truck depot in a residential area. I'm a member (for about ten years) and now I participate, learning how to find solutions and improvements that are good for people and the natural world. Improvements to Fleming Road (in Bull Valley) for example. The Defenders, working with the community, found a way to keep the rural winding road in its exiting footprint and preserve the aesthetics of the area, while improving the road surface and flood control. It took some time and patience, but the result was impressive. The County spent less money and used a recycling method for the asphalt. These are only two examples of positive outcomes. There is so much more ... but these two stand out for me. Right now the Defenders is working on educating the community about the ever changing role of recycling and initiating a place to get polystyrene collected and out of the landfills. The members are always thinking and watching, with our earth and our local land as the benefactor - for the sake of our good health.

I've been a member of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County since 1992 and an active volunteer since 2006. I believe very strongly in the mission of the Defenders and am very pleased to be involved in protecting the environment of our county along with some of the hardest working Board members and volunteers that any organization could have. The Defenders are a highly respected group in our county and thus are able to have a positive influence on local lawmakers and legislators when it comes to decisions related to environmental protection.

Since 1970, they have helped McHenry County's environment. Well the respected and makes the county a better place.

I have been a member and volunteer since 1990, and have always been impressed by the passion of the group to Preserve, Protect, and Educate. The epitome of the phrase "Think globally, act locally."