This story appears in the latest edition of The Helm.
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New tool will help Cook County critical facilities reduce flooding impacts
December 15th, 2015 by iisg_superadminThis story appears in the latest edition of The Helm.
Blue Island stormwater program gets major recognition
June 7th, 2013 by Irene MilesWith such a rainy and flood-producing spring, one’s thoughts may just turn to something practical–rain barrels. Let’s look back on last fall’s rain barrel project in Blue Island.
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant was one of five lead partners in the โBlue Island, Blue Waterโ community-based program designed to reduce stormwater overflows and flooding issues in the Chicago suburb. Over the course of the project, more than 140 volunteers installed rain barrels at 33 different residential locations and three institutional buildings. Additionally, more than 1000 plants and nearly 100 trees were planted to help improve water management and beautify neighborhoods at the same time.
โKeeping water out of sewers also reduces run-off, which in turn reduces pollution in the Cal-Sag Channel. The Cal-Sag is an increasingly popular destination for Chicagoland kayakers and nature lovers, but the channel requires a strong commitment to water quality, since it runs through densely built residential and industrial areas that are potential sources of pollution. Thus, stormwater management in Blue Island represents a key effort in which โlocal, state and county governments work together to really make an impact in our neighborhoods,โ according to (zoning administrator and director of special projects Jason) Berry.โ
The โBlue Island, Blue Waterโ project was also chosen as a 2012 Millenium Reserve Model Project. The projectโs inclusion also makes it part of the Presidentโs โAmericaโs Great Outdoors Initiative,” which helps align federal efforts and funds with conservation and recreation projects on the local level where they can make real and immediate impacts. You can learn more about the project at the links above and at this ABC 7 news report from earlier this year. And read more about the Millennium Reserveโs place within the initiative here.
CMAP wins award for water supply planning
January 25th, 2013 by Irene MilesIllinois-Indiana Sea Grantโs Margaret Schneeman, who works directly with CMAP, was involved in the plan development and implementation, and Martin Jaffe served on the Regional Water Supply planning group. Their efforts, combined with the expertise and work of dozens of individuals and agencies, resulted in the completion of the regional plan that will enhance sustainable development and planning throughout 284 communities in and around the Chicago area.
In the news: Testing Lake Michigan water to maintain a safe shoreline
May 31st, 2012 by Irene MilesโChicago’s new elaborate system of buoys and statistical models will monitor 16 of the city’s 24 beaches, and Park District officials are seeking grant money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expand the system to cover all beaches by next summer.The model will predict the levels of harmful bacteria at each beach using data on the location of sources of contamination, like colonies of sea gulls or sewer outlets; the motion of waves that can disturb bacteria growing in the sand; lake-current speeds; water temperature; and sunlight.โ
Recent News
- Join IISG as a new pollution prevention outreach assistant
- Beach season means it’s time for lifesaving Lake Michigan water safety resources
- New crayfish curriculum engages students in Great Lakes and local invasive species issues
- Relaunched website provides resources for proper medicine disposal
- Meet our Grad Student Scholars: Lena Azimi
IISG Instagram
IISG is hiring a part-time pollution prevention outreach assistant. IISGโs pollution prevention team addresses water quality issues affecting the Great Lakes coasts and the inland waters of Illinois and Indiana, specifically focusing on contaminants of emerging concern like pharmaceuticals, microplastics and marine debris, and PFAS. This outreach assistant will support the pollution prevention team by developing outreach activities and engaging with communities to share that knowledge.
Learn more and apply at the link in bio.

๐ Enhance Your Summer Programs with Great Lakes Science! ๐
Calling all summer science and STEM educators! Elevate your summer camps, summer school, or other summer programming with our Loanable Kits. Dive into Great Lakes science and stewardship, and inspire the youth you work with.
๐ Why Choose Our Loanable Kits?
-Interactive Learning: Engage students with hands-on activities.
-Great Lakes Exploration: Teach the wonders of the Great Lakes.
-Environmental Stewardship: Foster a sense of responsibility and care for our natural resources.
๐
Learn More & Reserve Your Kits at the link in bio.

Don`t miss out on the latest edition of our "Making Waves in Education" newsletter! Reserve your spot for a live, Students Ask Scientists call from Lake Superior, and stay updated on upcoming in-person events to learn and network with fellow educators. Perfect for Illinois and Indiana educators passionate about the Great Lakes and environmental education.

Join us on June 6-7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to explore aquaculture business management at the NCRAC Aquaculture Business Short Course! Presented by Sea Grant & @purdueextension, this course provides essential skills for effective farm finance management. Donโt miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in aquaculture!
Important Info:
-Hands-on training to help aquaculture producers manage their farm finances
-Includes one-on-one expert time + free $120 textbook
-Instructors from Purdue, Mississippi State, and University of Maryland
-Laptop + farm financials required for participation
-Limited seating โ first come, first served!
More info at the link in bio.

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