Lake Villa teen receives $1,000 Sierra Club grant

Seventeen-year-old Ashley Weihs of Lake Villa has been volunteering with the Sierra Club, an environmental organization, since eighth grade.

Her project for the past two years has been testing local waterbodies for toxins associated with blue green algae blooms with the Squaw Creek Clean Water Alliance, a partnership between the local Sierra Club and other stakeholders.

"Ashley has brought youthful enthusiasm and passion to our team. She also has a lot of high school friends that she recruits to help. We could not be more thrilled that Ashley has received a grant for her own clean water project," said Gloria Charland, co-chair of the SCCWA.

Ashley's $1,000 grant from the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club's Conservation Committee will purchase 175 stormwater drain markers to make residents more aware of nonpoint source pollution and polluted runoff.

"Much of our water pollution comes from common materials such as chemicals, road salt, fertilizers, grass and leaf particles, pesticides, gasoline, and used motor oil," Ashley said.

"Most people think that stormwater drains lead to a water treatment plant. Instead, untreated runoff from our yards, streets, and parking lots flows directly into our lakes and streams."

"Ashley has become so focused after learning about local water pollution and how she can make a difference. She works really hard, and I think she's a great role model. She's taught me a lot about being a giving person, and I'm so proud of her," Ashley's mother, Kristen Weihs, said.

For more information or to volunteer, message the Woods and Wetlands Group of the Sierra Club on Facebook or email SCWoodsandWetlands@gmail.com.