DeKalb County is hosting a Go Green conference.

The Feb. 2 conference will be the first in a series of biannual events on environmental sustainability.

Julia Fauci, a member of the DeKalb County Board and chairman of the forest preserve committee, said this conference will focus mostly on preserving water on the outside homes and businesses.

“We’re going to be primarily talking about storm water – how to preserve it – because it’s a resource,” Fauci said.

The floods are fresh in peoples’ minds, so discussing uses for storm water seems like a good way to integrate the Citizens Environmental Initiative with a timely topic, she said.

Speakers will cover topics for homeowners, business owners and farmers, including creating rain gardens and water management for commercial installations.

Colin Booth, Melissa Lenczewski and Mike Konen of NIU will present the geoscientists’ perspective.

“They’ll be looking at things we can’t see but we should know about,” Fauci said.
Other topics include Water Management for Commercial Installations with Jack Pizzo and an eco-engineer’s perspective with Don Hey of the Wetlands Initiative.

Attendees will also be able to sign up to purchase a rain barrel for $75.00 from the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The DeKalb City Council will vote on becoming co-sponsors during the Jan. 28 city council meeting.

The event will be held at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Admission is $10 and includes breakfast and lunch. Registration ends Jan. 25.

Fauci said the conference coordinators are looking for a few student volunteers willing to work in exchange for lunch and access to the lectures.

For more information, contact Aaron Ruder at 815-899-0778.

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