Learn how to protect the environment at Green Drinks event
The community is invited to help celebrate McHenry County Green Drinks' fifth anniversary from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake.
For the anniversary, there will be a special presentation by Chicago Wilderness Executive Director Suzanne Malec-McKenna, who will discuss the work throughout the Chicago Wilderness region, highlighting McHenry County work that contributes to the region's goals.
There also will be special giveaways that evening, including natural landscape prints featuring local artist Nancy Williamson and coupons for Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen. The complementary appetizers that evening will include specially prepared selections.
Malec-McKenna, executive director of the alliance, will share with the attendees the progress its regional alliance of 300 organizations has made to restore local landscape, bring back endangered species and improve the quality of life.
Through the initiative Leave No Child Inside, the alliance is also providing places and programs for families to connect with nature. Access to nature is important for healthy childhood development.
Malec-McKenna has 25 years experience in working for organizations committed to natural resource protection; water quality; environmental education; stewardship and sustainability. Recently, she served as deputy commissioner and commissioner for the city of Chicago's Department of Environment.
During this time, she helped create and implement the Chicago Climate Action Plan, the Chicago Conservation Corps, Greencorps Chicago and the city's Calumet Initiative.
The Green Drinks network was founded in North London, England, in 1989 and now is active in more than 600 cities worldwide. Interested public is always welcome to attend the McHenry County Green Drinks monthly event. Each month there is a short presentation on a different eco-topic, plus displays and demonstrations.
Also, information about upcoming eco-events and green products and services is made available. Nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available, plus a featured "green drink."
To be added to the email list, send a note to GreenDrinksMC@gmail.com or "like" the group at www.facebook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty.
Green Drinks McHenry County is sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen.