Learn what fracking is all about in Crystal Lake

The public is invited to join the Green Drinks McHenry County group from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St. in Crystal Lake. This month's presentation is titled “What the Frack?”

Flaming water, earthquakes — fracking is all over the news these days. Cindy Ksrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club will explain how fracking is used in oil and gas well drilling and the risks it poses to our environment. She will report on progress in the Illinois legislature to strengthen the state's fracking regulations.

Ksrukrud has served as the Illinois Sierra Club's Clean Water Advocate for the past decade. She has been an active member of the Environmental Defenders since moving to McHenry County in 1988. She served on the board of directors, as board president and was the group's Executive Director from 1993-1999. She currently chairs the Defenders Water Resources Protection Committee. Living in McHenry County where we all depend on our vulnerable groundwater as our sole drinking water source, she is acutely aware of the need to prevent pollution of everyone's water supply, no matter where they live.

Fracking — hydraulic fracturing — a questionable method being used for extracting oil and natural gas.

Pick up a drink or order some food at the bar before coming upstairs for info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol; nonalcoholic drinks are available, of course!

There will be an information table set up, and you are welcome to bring information about your green products and services each month to share.

Additional parking is available at the train station.

To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net or “like” the group on Facebook www.FaceBook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

If you'd like more information about this topic, access www.mcdef.org or contact the Defenders' office at (815) 338-0393 or email mcdef@owc.net.