The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) hosted its 13th Annual Sustainability Summit on Nov. 13 at the Town of Cicero Community Center, bringing new energy and momentum to regional stormwater management and sustainability efforts. MWRD commissioners, staff, local leaders and environmental experts exchanged strategies and success stories that focused on climate resilience, infrastructure improvements and community engagement. Watch the video.

MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda and Commissioner Sharon Waller led the event, and other speakers included: 

• MWRD Senior Civil Engineer Pedro Ortiz provided an overview of the MWRD’s history protecting area water quality and an update on the MWRD’s stormwater management initiatives. 

• Chicago Department of Environment Senior Water Policy Advisor Jackie Rigley highlighted the city’s new green stormwater infrastructure strategy. 

• Morton Freshman Center science teacher Kevin O’Toole showcased an education curriculum that immerses students in environmental science and stormwater management through hands-on design and engineering projects at his Cicero school, where he led the creation of a nationally renowned monarch butterfly garden. 

• Frank Kraut of the Cicero Stormwater Advisory Board shared how Cicero is improving local infrastructure, protecting homes and businesses from flooding and increasing public awareness around stormwater management. 

• Stewardship Specialist Kate Perryman and Community Specialist Ryan Sweeney with the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) discussed how trees and green infrastructure strengthen public health and environmental resilience. 

• From the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Sustainability Coordinator Renee Patten and Senior Civil Engineer of Water Resources John Watson discussed how land conservation, restoration and nature-based solutions are preparing the region for the impacts of climate change.

“It was inspiring to see so many organizations share real results that are making a difference in their communities,” said MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda. “From green roofs to rain gardens to hands-on student projects, these efforts show what collaboration can achieve. We are proud to support our communities as they continue to innovate and lead in stormwater management.”

Awards were presented to Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick for Excellence in Promoting Green Infrastructure to Local Residents and for creating a stormwater advisory group; the Excellence in Green Infrastructure Installation Award was presented to the Blue Island Public Library for its ingenuity in constructing a green roof atop the library building; the Village of Oak Park received the Excellence in Green Infrastructure Partnership Program Maintenance Award for its ongoing care of the Oak Park Public Works Facility Demonstration Rain Garden filled with native landscaping accompanied by a walking path and educational signage; and Public Education Awards were presented to Morton Freshman Center and the Salt Creek Watershed Network for their tireless contributions to spreading the value of sustainability in protecting the environment and local water quality.

“Today’s summit showed how much we can accomplish when local leaders, educators and community partners work together to strengthen our region,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Each project highlighted reflects our shared commitment to practical, science-based solutions that protect homes, support healthier waterways and build a stronger future for everyone we serve. Thank you to everyone for their attendance and continued collaboration.”

Advocates of clean water, climate resilience and the environment join community practitioners and public works experts for a morning of conversation, knowledge exchange and recognition at the MWRD’s 13th Annual Sustainability Summit, which drew its largest crowd to date at the Town of Cicero Community Center.