Share your ideas about environmental issues

Water quality, open space, traffic and transportation are just a few of the topics that will be discussed at the Cary-Fox River Grove "Green Voice!" meeting set for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the Algonquin Township hall, 3702 Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary.

Residents and local officials are invited to take part in this informal "brainstorming" session about environmental issues in their community, hosted by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

"We want to hear what is on people's minds, what they think is important, and how we can help," said Nancy Scheitzelt, vice president of the Environmental Defenders, a nonprofit volunteer-based organization that works to protect natural resources throughout McHenry County.

Green Voice meetings follow a conversational workshop format where area residents can share their ideas and concerns about environmental issues in their community, then suggest possible ways to address those issues. The session is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The next Green Voice meeting will be Thursday, April 1, at the Woodstock Public Library. A complete calendar is posted on the Environmental Defenders' Web site at mcdef.org. For details, call the Defenders' office at (815) 338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization. For the past 40 years, the group has worked to protect, preserve, and improve the natural environment, open space, soil and water resources in the McHenry County area. Donations are always welcomed and are tax-deductible. To donate or to learn more about EDMC membership and volunteer opportunities, visit mcdef.org or call (815) 338-0939.