Ellman highlights pact between IDNR and USDA Forest Service

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is highlighting an agreement signed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service for Shared Stewardship that will strengthen their commitment to collaborative land management efforts throughout Illinois.

“This is a fantastic step forward for these organizations,” Ellman said. “The partnership that has been created will have a positive     and lasting effect on the protections for our state’s natural resources.”

The agreement establishes a framework to allow the state and the Forest Service to work together on forest management, accomplishing shared goals, advancing public interests and efficiently responding to challenges facing the communities and natural resources of Illinois.

“The agreement signed today simply puts into writing what we’ve been partnering with the USDA Forest Service to accomplish for decades,” said Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department   of Natural Resources. “It solidifies our partnership for future leaders in both agencies and ensures synergy for true conservation of forests and other natural resources which rely on our forests, including clean air, water and wildlife habitats.”

Federal, state and private land managers in Illinois face a range of urgent challenges, including catastrophic storms, droughts, flooding, insect and disease outbreaks, invasive species, and increasing use by the public.

The state and the Forest Service plan to address these challenges by instituting a number of protective measures across the state, including:

• Restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and reducing the risk of wildfires;

• Identifying, managing, restoring, and reducing threats to forest and prairie ecosystems’ health; and

• Maintaining a sustainable use model to ensure forests meet the present and future demands for natural resources and public recreation.

“Healthy forest environments can provide clean air and water and promote more diverse plant and animal life,” Ellman said. “I look forward to seeing what these organizations can accomplish in collaboration." 

Ellman highlights virtual environmental education

NAPERVILLE – Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is      encouraging parents and teachers to encourage their students to learn more about the environment and get creative from the safety    of their homes through the Illinois Environmental Protection      Agency’s Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest.

“Teachers and students have experienced a multitude of sacrifices this year – but teachers have stepped up to make sure their      students still receive a quality education, Ellman said. “These new virtual resources are a great way for students to learn more about the environment and climate change from the safety of their      home.”

Senator Ellman is encouraging fifth and sixth grade students to      take part in the Illinois EPA’s is Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The theme of 2021 will focus on how food waste diversion options    affects the environment, including climate change, and why it is important to choose environmentally friendly options.

Educators, parents and caregivers are asked to introduce these topics to students using the Illinois EPA’s free, online curriculum titled “Environmental Pathways: Where does my food go?” Students are asked to create posters or written works related to the theme’s focus. 

Entries must be submitted to the Illinois EPA by Feb. 1, 2021. The winners will be announced via email in April. For additional information, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/education/contest/Pages/default.aspx. 

Ellman announces nearly $1 million for DuPage Museums

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating the DuPage Children's Museum and the Naperville Heritage Society for receiving nearly $1 million in combined grants    to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits.

“Part of being an Illinoisan is understanding where our history      began and where it’s going and as Illinoisan we’re always looking toward the future,” Ellman said. “Both of these organization are reaching out to people where they are creating a framework on how to move forward. They’re recognizing the needs of the community and are creatively meeting those needs while also moving us forward.”

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the state’s multi-year capital program, is open to any museum operated by local government or located on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for the projects announced Wednesday was $750,000 and matching funds are required in many cases based on museum attendance levels.

“The Children’s Museum and the Heritage Society attract thousands of visitors each year,” Ellman said. “This program is investing in the 21st district, which in return creates new economic growth in our community.”

More information on the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is available on the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/Museum-Capital-Grants.aspx.

Ellman hosting community flu shot clinic

WHO: State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville)

WHAT: Community Flu Shot Clinic

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: West Shelter Springbrook Prairie DuPage Forrest Preserve, Naperville, IL 60564

Naperville – State Senator Laura Ellman is partnering with Walgreens, DuPage Health Coalition and DuPage County Forest Preserve to host a community flu shot clinic.

“This pandemic is still the main focus on the minds of Illinoisans, but it doesn’t change that we’re entering flu season,” Ellman said. “It’s more important than ever to get your flu shot. We need to keep our hospitals’ capacities high as COVID cases rise.”

The clinic will be first come first served. Masks and social distancing will be required at all times. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or guardian present to receive a shot. All insurance is accepted, co-pays may apply. Free flu vaccine vouchers are available for uninsured DuPage County residents. Uninsured vouchers available on site or ahead of time at accessdupage.org/flu.

For any questions or concerns, contact Senator Ellman’s office at (630) 453-5488 or at www.senatorlauraellman.com.