KDSWCD Board of Directors Election 2024 | |
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Serving as a Director on the Soil & Water Conservation District Board is a privilege and an opportunity to serve on a local public body that makes decisions and creates programs regarding natural resource conservation in Kane and DuPage Counties. All Directors must be 18 years or older and must have their residence within the District.
The Board meets regularly to formulate and administer programs of work that are tailored specifically to the conservation and protection of soil, water and related natural resources within the district.
Attending a Board Meeting is an ideal way to learn about its function, all members of the public are welcome.
Anyone living within these townships may also become an Associate Director as appointed by the Board. Associates can provide additional advice and perspective, as well as learn more about the District prior to running for a seat on the Board. However, these volunteers are not afforded the same legal protection as directors and cannot vote on official business. Kane and DuPage County residents can attend any Board Meeting and express an interest in serving as an Associate Director.
VOTE! Owners and occupiers of land in Kane and DuPage Counties are entitled to vote in the election of KDSWCD Board of Directors, which is held at the KDSWCD office, 2315 Dean St, Suite 100, St. Charles. Make your voice heard on February 8, 2024!!
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21st Annual KDSWCD
Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Seminar
2024 Focus : Dewatering
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Wednesday, January 31
8am - Noon
plus bonus 1 hour networking
Elgin Community College
Seigle Auditorium
$35 per person
Earn 4 PDH credits
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Welcome New KDSWCD Team Members! | |
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Isabella Borzeka
Resource Assistant
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After moving to the Western Suburbs from the Southwestern Suburbs, Isabella has enjoyed taking advantage of everything that this area of Chicagoland has to offer, particularly the many bike trails that extend for miles.
Her education at Lewis University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, provided her with the opportunity to appreciate the importance of soil and water preservation in both sectors by working with local communities to test samples to determine their overall health.
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The passion she has for preserving natural resources in ecosystems has extended over to the KDSWCD, where she hopes to find new solutions that could be beneficial to plants, animals, humans, and the environment at large. She is always looking for ways to reduce her carbon footprint and takes great delight in finding reusable products that replace single-use products.
In her free time, Isabella enjoys reading, running, watching movies, spending time with her family and friends, and cuddling with her dog Lola.
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Blythe Keuning
Resource Analyst
Blythe is originally from Oak Park, but she bought a home in Yorkville back in 2015. In 2022, she received a Bachelor’s degree from Aurora University in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.
Before joining the team at KDSWCD in November 2023, Blythe worked for an environmental contractor in ecological restoration and management.
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In her downtime, Blythe enjoys tending to her garden, working on home improvement projects, and caring for her 9-year-old Pitbull and her backyard chickens. | |
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Envirothon 2024
SEEKING SPONSORS
We Can't Do This Without YOU!
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Each spring, teams of 5 high school students prepare with a teacher/coach to compete in the areas of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and a current issue in natural resources, For 2024, Envirothon has chosen "Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future". Regional winners advance to the state and then the national competition. The Northeastern Illinois Envirothon is organized by local soil and water conservation districts for high schools in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Boone, DeKalb, Lake and Winnebago counties.
Sponsor support ensures
that all eligible students can participate
and that each event is successful!
Any donation amount is welcome - Thank You!
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The Geneva Natural Resources Committee hosted KDSWCD at the Geneva Public Library on December 9, to learn about the Soil and Water Conservation District and our Mission.
A terrific discussion with a great group of residents!
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Big shout out to the Eight Grade Science Students at Granger Middle School in Aurora!
They invited KDSWCD out on December 19, to explore the watershed we live in. Did you know that everyone, everywhere lives in a watershed? It's true...ours in Kane & DuPage Counties include the Fox and Des Plaines River Watersheds.💦
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We can't wait to hear back from the students in January - they have winter break homework: adding water quality enhancement habits to their own daily routine while teaching others all about it! | |
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Learn more and register HERE!
KDSWCD will "see" you there!
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Our friends at The Conservation Foundation are holding a free, virtual Environmental Summit on Agroecology and Community Centered Agriculture the morning of January 18, 2024. Participants are invited to learn what agroecology is, hear from local leaders working in this field, and be inspired to take direct actions at work and at home to support healthy communities. | |
Soil & Water Stewardship Scholarship | |
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$1000 Scholarship
Deadline February 15, 2024
The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship seeks to provide financial support to students enrolled full time at an accredited two- or four-year community college, college or university, which will lead to a career in a natural resource field.
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Soil Science is EVERYWHERE!
"On a recent trip to the West, I was astounded to see Soil Science visible in unexpected places."
December 5 was World Soil Day!
Join KDSWCD Soil Scientist, Mark Bramstedt as he explores...
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Secretary/Treasurer
Bill Pauling
Born and raised in DuPage County, Bill has been involved in the family farming operation since childhood. In 1984, he went into business along with his brother, Larry. They operate a 900-acre grain farm.
Bill has served on the SWCD Board since 1991 as Secretary/Treasurer and has been involved with the USDA Farm Service Agency committee for years. Bill also serves as the President of the DuPage County Farm Bureau. Bill lives in Carol Stream with his wife Corinne. They are the parents of two grown sons.
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AISWCD Winter Conference Recap | |
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Kane-DuPage Soil and Water
Conservation District
2315 Dean Street
Suite100
St. Charles, IL 60175
Mon - Fri 8am - 4:30pm
kanedupageswcd.org
[email protected]
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Board of Directors
Gerard Fabrizius Chairman
Thomas Konen Vice Chairman
William Pauling Secretary/Treasurer
Maggie Soliz
Tom Quinn
Staff
Patrick McPartlan Resource Conservationist
Tommy Purdom Resource Analyst
Blythe Keuning Resource Analyst
Mark Bramstedt Soil Scientist
Kat Gerdts Administrative Coordinator
Isabella Borzeka Resource Assistant
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