McHenry Defenders set Kishwaukee River area cleanup

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will mark “Make A Difference Day 2010 with a habitat restoration project set for Saturday, Oct. 23 at the headwaters of the Kishwaukee River. Local volunteers will spend the morning working together to cut out invasive species and collect trash, improving the area as a habitat for native plants and animals.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at noon after a short hike to view this natural area on the southern edge of Woodstock. Volunteers are asked to wear work clothes and gloves, and to park in the McHenry County Soil and Water District parking lot, south of the corner of Dean Street and Route 14. All necessary equipment, including water and snacks, will be provided.

There is no cost to participate, and the public is invited to take part. Volunteers are not required to be members of the nonprofit Defenders organization, but all participants must sign a liability waiver before starting work. Those under age 18 must bring a waiver form signed by their parent or guardian in order to participate.

“Make A Difference Day is a national day of volunteer service that is celebrated each year on the fourth Saturday of October. The idea began in 1992 as a promotion of USA Weekend magazine, a supplement that appears in hundreds of U.S. newspapers. The nationwide event is sponsored by the magazine, in partnership with HandsOn Network and supported by Newman's Own foods. Now in its 20th year, “Make A Difference Day draws millions of volunteers from charitable organizations, businesses, community groups, and local governments through the United States and abroad.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County celebrates “Make A Difference Day by inviting local volunteers to make a positive difference in our natural environment while enjoying some time outdoors. This year's work day and nature hike focuses on the sensitive Kishwaukee headwaters area, an open expanse of wetlands and farmland that has been set aside for native habitat preservation.

To learn more and to volunteer for this project and other environmental activities, contact the Environmental Defenders' office at (815) 338-0393 or e-mail to mcdef@owc.net.

To learn more about the national “Make A Difference Day campaign, visit www.usaweekend.com/section/MDDAY or www.facebook.com/makeadifferenceday.