Two programs in Elgin to promote positive environmental practices

On the cusp of Earth month, participants in the Elgin Area Leadership Academy will be hosting a pair of free programs on environmental stewardship.

"Water, drains, the Fox: What do they have in common?" will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Centre of Elgin.

Participants will learn about stormwater, storm drains and why they are important for Elgin. The program will also include a light storm drain cleanup.

"Elgin takes its drinking water from the Fox River, which is a huge motivator for us to keep that water clean," said Elgin Sustainability Analyst Mikala Larson, one of four EALA members hosting the event. "The storm drains and stormwater in Elgin go right into the Fox River. So making sure that we're reducing pollutants and contamination from going into the river is very important."

Anyone interested can register for the program at tiny.cc/9w6puz. The event is hosted in partnership with the city of Elgin.

On April 2, the group will kick off Earth month by hosting "Recycling for the Whole Family" at the Gail Borden Library.

The bilingual event takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. and will feature recycling activities for kids, a story and a tour of a recycling truck.

Registration can be done in person at the library or by calling (847) 608-4673 or visiting attend.gailborden.info/event/5900571.

The EALA is a 10-month program that delivers a curriculum designed to assist individuals in becoming active and engaged leaders in their community. Larson, who moved to Elgin in July of last year, said it's been a great way to connect with Elginites in a variety of fields.

"I've been calling it kind of a crash course on Elgin," she said. "Getting to know the area, the people and what makes Elgin so unique has been very meaningful to me."