State honors local environmentalists

Frank Orto and the River Prairie Group Water Sentinels have done a lot to help clean up DuPage County rivers, but the chairman of the group -- which will receive an award from the state today -- wants people to know they don't have to go all out like he did to make their environment a better place.

"Use a (dishwashing liquid) brand that doesn't have phosphorous in it," said Orto Wednesday. "I use Trader Joe's and it works."

Even more conventional grocery stores like Jewel and Dominick's are getting in on the action and making non-phosphorous alternatives available, said Orto.

Besides watching what products they use, Orto and the Sentinels have spearheaded testing of three waterways in DuPage County for seven years now, documenting pollutant levels, bringing kudos to areas that have improved water quality and drawing attention to areas that haven't. The group has documented its findings in its latest report available on its Web site.

Orto, of Lombard, and the Sentinels will be honored by the state for their environmental activism today in a 1:30 p.m. ceremony on the 15th floor of the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago.

Also receiving awards are:

Shari Walsh and Alyssa Fliege, Lombard: After Fliege lost her father in a dam accident in 2006, she and Walsh lobbied the General Assembly to pass the Dam Safety Initiative, which authorizes the state to place safety warning signs at dams.

Searle and Sue Wadley, Antioch: Both worked with the Liberty Prairie Conservancy to create a conservation easement on the 100 acres of property they bought between the Gander Mountain Forest Preserve, Chain O'Lakes State Park and the Peat Lake Natural Area. The easement will ensure their property will remain natural and pristine.

• Gary Mielke of Wheaton, Kane County Recycling Coordinator: Mielke worked to raise Kane County's recycling participation from 40 percent of households to about 90 percent. He also encourages people to recycle harmful chemicals in batteries and other items.

• Mike Mieszala, Warren Township High School: As a high school teacher, Mieszala organized river cleanup days with students.

• Robert Richmond, Lockport: A 16-year-old high school sophomore, Richmond has led efforts to remove invasive plant species from the Will County Forest Preserve.

• Ken Schaefer, Des Plaines: Schaefer helped Cumberland School create a rain garden in 1999, which replaced grass with native plants that improved water quality and helped control flooding. He and Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who is giving out the awards Thursday, were instrumental in securing grants for establishing similar rain gardens.