How climate change affects the local ecosystems, urban green space, and even bird migration, will be the focus of the 2020 DuPage Environmental Summit from 7:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 30 at the NIU Naperville Meeting and Conference Center.
The free seminar is open to community leaders, conservation groups, health professionals, social service agencies, and anyone concerned about climate change and interested in learning more about the status of the four-county area’s green infrastructure, water resources, and northern Illinois ecosystems.
Presented by The Conservation Foundation, the Summit will feature an environmental exhibit area open at 7:30 a.m. where visitors can explore while enjoying coffee, juice, and light breakfast snacks. The exhibit area will remain open during the entire program that starts promptly at 8 a.m..
Research continues to support that climate change is having an effect on our environment, which provides a challenge to many species. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Katherine Moore Powell, climate change ecologist, Field Museum, Keller Science Action Center, Chicago, will talk about these changes on urban green spaces and adaptation strategies for natural areas in the Chicago urban region.
Other speakers and presentations:
• Dr. Doug Stotz, senior conservation ecologist, Field Museum, Keller Science Center, Chicago, will discuss the impact of the climate change on bird migration.
• Erik Neidy, director of natural resources, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, will talk about the current restoration work in the County and the overall changes in and trends witnessed in community area ecosystems over time.
• Mary Beth Falsey, water quality supervisor and Chris Vonnahme, chief stormwater engineer, DuPage County stormwater management, will address the impact of climate change on rainfall, flooding, and water quality in DuPage County.
• Joy Hinz, environmental specialist for the DuPage County Environmental Division, will share information on efforts to improve sustainability in DuPage County.
Registration for this free event is online at theconservationfoundation.org. The NIU Naperville Meeting and Conference Center is at 1120 E. Diehl Road, #150, Naperville.
The Summit is sponsored by the DuPage Foundation, DuPage County/Cool DuPage, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, DuPage County Stormwater Management, and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC..
The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations, with more than 5,000 members. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation has helped preserve more than 35,000 acres of open space, restored and cleaned miles of rivers and streams, and educated thousands of kids by engaging them in nature and the outdoors.
The Conservation Foundation’s mission is to improve the health of our communities by preserving and restoring open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of our environment.
Work is focused in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties to preserve and restore nature in your neighborhood. Find out more at theconservationfoundation.org.
—The Conservation Foundation