Sustainability Summit Archive
Below are the archived Sustainability Summits.
MWRD 10th Annual Sustainability Summit highlights green infrastructure, anniversary of Calumet Water Reclamation Plan and Cal-Sag Channel, biosolids and more
- Watch the video of this year's event
The 10th Annual Sustainability Summit was held on October 21 at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, 11555 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL. Presenters covered environmental issues and winners of the Biosolids Beneficial Reuse and Sustainable Landscaping awards were announced.
Dr. Theresa Johnston, MWRD Senior Environmental Soil Scientist, discussed biosolids and compost use as a sustainable practice, Presentation, Bona J. Heinsohn, MA, CAE Director of Governmental Affairs & Public Relations, discussed the work of the Illinois Farm Bureau, Presentation, Rich Fisher, Principal Civil Engineer, discussed MWRD Partnership Programs, Presentation, the role of green infrastructure, flood prone property buyouts, and how to apply for grants from Public Sector Resources. Former MWRD Exec. Director Dick Lanyon discussed the history of the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, Presentation.
The top award for Sustainable Landscaping went to the Village of Elmwood Park. The village implemented a green infrastructure treatment train consisting of a detention basin, rain garden, and bioswales to manage overland flow stormwater runoff.
The second award for Sustainable Landscaping went to the village of Brookfield. The village implemented an initiative for paving its alleys with permeable brick pavers along the center of the alley and including aggregate beneath the pavement to provide storage for runoff. The top award for Biosolids Beneficial Reuse was shared between the Village of Alsip and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative. They worked together to use EQ biosolids and compost to reconstruct topsoil and create a new, fertile growing space for over 200 trees, shrubs, and native prairie plants at the new Alsip Boat Launch. This project used biosolids, native vegetation and other vegetative green infrastructure features to intercept rainwater and reduce runoff to protect the quality of the Cal-Sag Channel, while also making the channel an attractive and accessible destination.
MWRD 9th Annual Sustainability Summit
Working Together for a more Sustainable Environment
- Watch the video of this year's event
The MWRD’s Sustainability Summit highlighted emerging programs in both resource recovery and stormwater management by assembling talented guest speakers and honoring similar excellence in demonstrating best practices for sustainable landscaping and biosolids use.
For the second consecutive year, the MWRD held the event virtually, reaching an expanded and interactive audience, despite the challenges of a pandemic. The online audience gained a better understanding of the benefits of using sustainable resources, like the MWRD’s EQ (Exceptional Quality) Compost, and learned about composting and food scrap collection and sustainability efforts across the nation, the Chicago Park District and in disadvantaged communities in Chicago.
Experts shared their success stories, tips, best practices and resources for implementing sustainable practices. Presenters included MWRD Senior Environmental Soil Scientist Dr. Theresa Johnston; University of Washington Professor Dr. Sally Brown, Presentation; Chicago Park District Assistant Director of Landscape Matt Freer; Stephanie Katsaros, of the Illinois Food Scrap Coalition; Chicago Food Policy Action Council Systems and Strategy Manager Ma’raj Sheikh, Presentation; MWRD Senior Civil Engineer Andre Haynes, Presentation; MWRD Senior Civil Engineer Stephen Haucke; MWRD Associate Civil Engineer Lucas Roat; and MWRD Public Affairs Specialist Annie Wright.
In addition to providing an outlet for sharing strategies and resources in promoting the environment, the Summit honored individuals, organizations, municipalities and other agencies for modeling best practices in sustainability. The MWRD recognized projects from across Cook County that speak to the MWRD’s mission in renewable resources, flood control and water quality improvements.
Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Award recipients
Cog Hill Sustainability Specialist Angelica Carmen (top) and Chicago Eco House President Quilen Blackwell (bottom) won awards for Biosolids Beneficial Reuse.
- Angelica Carmen, sustainability specialist from Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, for leading Cog Hill’s sustainability program on the use of EQ compost in raised beds and planting bed soil.
- Quilen Blackwell, president and founder of Chicago Eco House, for his use and promotion of biosolids to grow flowers in vacant lots and other open spaces while also inspiring youth to learn new job skills using composted biosolids.
Sustainable Landscaping Award recipients
North Shore Country Club Certified Golf Course Superintendent Dan Dinelli (left) and University of Illinois Chicago Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Director of Sustainability Cynthia Klein-Banai (right) won awards for Sustainable Landscaping.
- Dan Dinelli, certified golf course superintendent from the North Shore Country Club in Glenview, for his use of a drainage system to capture and reuse stormwater. He developed an underground water detention tank system to capture and reuse rainwater throughout the golf course, helping conserve water, reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality.
- Cynthia Klein-Banai, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Director of Sustainability, of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), for use of permeable pavement, a rain garden and native plants at UIC assisting in flood prevention and creating a pollinator habitat.
The MWRD also presented certificates of Honorable Mention to the following:
- Gina Iliopoulos, from Keeler Gardens, NFP, for her efforts in promoting native plantings and inspiring and educating communities regarding native plantings.
- Angelica Carmen, for her efforts to establish wetland plants and for transforming a waste disposal area into a bioswale at Cog Hill.
- Matt Sudman, development writer and grants manager from the Friends of the Chicago River, for the revegetation and replacement of native plants for flood prevention over hundreds of acres, contributing to cleaner water entering the Cal-Sag Channel.
- Christopher Flaherty, president of Green Guerrilla, LLC, for his work establishing native plant garden designs and applications including rain gardens, river restoration and lawn-to-prairie work that promotes biodiversity.
MWRD 8th Annual Sustainability Summit
Intelligent Conversations for a Better Environment
- Watch the video of this year’s event.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) 8th Annual Sustainability Summit went virtual this year. Viewers gained a better understanding of the benefits of using #sustainable resources like the MWRD’s EQ Compost and EQ Biosolids. They also learned about the power of using #greeninfrastructure to combat stormwater #flooding and improve water quality, as well as how they can help Illinois #savetheMonarch population.
Our lineup of talented speakers shared their information, tips, best practices, and success stories to an interactive audience online. The MWRD staff and partners discussed how they have successfully enlisted goats and sheep to improve vegetation control, and how a revitalized Chicago Area Waterway System is now home to an increasing population of native fish.
MWRD speakers and presenters included President Kari K. Steele, MWRD Board of Commissioners (Moderator); Dustin Gallagher, MWRD Associate Aquatic Biologist, Presentation; Paul Jacobs, MWRD Assistant Civil Engineer, Presentation; Theresa Johnston, Ph.D., MWRD Senior Environmental Soil Scientist, Presentation; Aruch Poonsapaya, MWRD Maintenance Manager, Presentation; and Guanglong Tian, Ph.D., MWRD Principal Environmental Scientist, Presentation. The MWRD was pleased to welcome guest speakers Research Biologist Austin Happel, Ph.D., of the Shedd Aquarium, Presentation; Klaudia Kuklinska of the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Presentation; and Ben Robel of Vegetation Solutions, LLC, Presentation.
The event culminated with a presentation of the MWRD Sustainable Landscaping and Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Awards. Congratulations to our winners.
Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Award recipients
- Julie Roth of Natural Learners Co-Op for her educational efforts, partnership and sustainable work creating a children’s garden at Proksa Park in Berwyn.
Sustainable Landscaping Award recipients
- The Sweet Water Foundation for its work transforming abandoned city blocks in the Washington Park and Englewood neighborhoods and turning them into productive green space for community engagement.
- The Village of Orland Park for its efforts and accomplishments in creating a green roof at Village Hall and prairie restoration.
- The Village of River Forest Sustainability Commission for their work advocating and supporting the Des Plaines River floodplain; adding green permeable alleys, streets, and parking lots; distributing rain barrels; native plantings; and implementing essential community education.
The MWRD also presented certificates of Honorable Mention to the following:
- Village of Stickney Mayor Jeff Walik whose efforts have led to tree plantings and an Arbor Day celebration at local schools to increase student understanding of the importance of trees and nature
- Sutherland Elementary School for its outstanding work creating an outdoor ecological classroom at the Beverly neighborhood school. The garden increases student and community engagement in sustainability and, through deeper rooting plants, can reduce runoff during rain events.
- fcAmerica (Ferguson Cares) Grant Ferguson for the sustainable food forest and farm in South Holland. This project includes rain gardens, swales, and native plantings to manage stormwater on the property and rainwater harvesting to utilize for the crops.
MWRD's 7th Annual Sustainability Summit highlights green initiatives and EQ Biosolids
Watch the video of this year’s event.
This year the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) hosted its seventh annual Sustainability Summit at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Held on Oct. 22, the event assembled elected officials, public administrators and municipal public works managers with landscapers, stormwater engineers, land managers and master gardeners to provide a forum for exchanging resources and information designed to promote green infrastructure management and resource recovery.
The Sustainability Summit addressed the many environmental measures the MWRD is taking to mitigate flooding and reuse biosolids to improve the structure and porosity of soils, which allows plants to more effectively utilize nutrients. After the event, visitors were given an exclusive look at the process of co-composting biosolids with woodchips that the MWRD uses to produce its EQ Compost.
MWRD speakers included President Kari K. Steele, environmental soil scientists Benjamin Morgan and Dr. Olawale Oladeji who discussed the beneficial use of biosolids, and associate civil engineer John Watson, who specializes in stormwater management and green infrastructure. Guest speakers included Dan Cooper, director of environmental services for the Chicago Park District; Miguel del Valle, general foreman of floriculture for the Chicago Park District; F. Dan Dinelli, superintendent of North Shore Country Club in Glenview; and Dr. Thomas Wall, senior infrastructure and preparedness analyst for Argonne National Laboratory’s Decision and Infrastructure Sciences Division.
During the event, the MWRD presented awards for biosolids beneficial reuse and sustainable landscaping. Kudos to all our winners!
Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Award recipients
- Tom Milas, forestry and grounds manager for the Village of Buffalo Grove, for incorporating biosolids into a native plant nursery
- Illinois Tollway for incorporating approximately 23,570 cubic yards of composted biosolids into landscape plant improvements along Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355).
The MWRD also presented certificates to the Lansing Garden Club for the use of MWRD’s EQ Compost for local plant growth; the Urban Growers Collective for improving growing conditions at vacant lots; the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church for the use of MWRD’s EQ Compost to support plant growth in an urban garden; and the South Austin Neighborhood Association for the use of MWRD’s EQ Compost to support plant growth in a community garden.
Sustainable Landscaping Award recipients
- Omni Ecosystems for its incorporation of wheat prairie roofs as a form of green infrastructure
- Waters Elementary School in the Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood for developing a rain harvesting system using bioswales, a rain garden and rain barrel.
The MWRD also presented certificates to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for its sustainability and climate resiliency master plan for preserving six nature centers; the city of Northlake for partnering on the completion of the Addison Creek Wetland restoration and streambank stabilization; the Chicago-based Roof Crop for establishing roof farming for stormwater management; the Village of Franklin Park for partnering with the MWRD to incorporate a rain garden at the Mission Press Sustainable Garden; the Village of La Grange for partnering on a new green permeable parking lot to increase stormwater retention; the City of Countryside for establishing native plant landscaping; and Buffalo Grove Park District in restoring local woodland, prairie and wetland ecosystems.
MWRD's 6th Annual Sustainability Summit honors partners excelling in resource recovery, stormwater management
Commemorating progressive efforts in resource recovery, stormwater management and environmental protection, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) Sixth Annual Sustainability Summit created a forum of enlightening discussion on the latest trends in sustainability. The event was held at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, IL, and brought together community leaders, elected officials, public administrators, land managers and other partners looking to play a role in utilizing renewable resources and help manage stormwater. The Sustainability Summit also addressed the many environmental measures that the MWRD is taking and offered visitors an exclusive look at the process the MWRD uses to produce its EQ Compost.
MWRD speakers and presenters included MWRD Managing Civil Engineer Joe Kratzer, Space to Grow Healthy Schools Campaign Senior Manager Meg Kelly, MWRD Environmental Soil Scientist Dominic Brose and City Colleges of Chicago Sustainability Manager John Brophy.
MWRD 5th Annual Sustainability Summit
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD's) Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, IL was the site of the MWRD’s 5th annual Sustainability Summit on Oct. 23, 2017.
The Summit is an opportunity to empower and equip these partnering municipalities and environmental advocates with the latest trends in resource recovery and stormwater management. The event is also an opportunity to spotlight some of the best management practices taking place across the county that promotes a sustainable environment and speaks to the MWRD’s mission in renewable resources, flood control and water quality improvements.
On this page, visitors will find 2017 Sustainability Summit materials, including the event press release, program, and photos.
Let us know if you'd like to attend our 2018 Sustainability Summit. We're always looking to add presenters and exhibitors.
Press Release
Invitation
Program
In the photo (L-R): MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos, Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen, Franklin Park Deputy Commissioner Andrew Smolen, Commissioner Kari K. Steele and Commissioner Frank Avila.
In the photo (L-R): MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos, Riverdale Park District Executive Director Kendall Parrott, Commissioner Kari K. Steele and Commissioner Frank Avila.
In the photo (L-R): MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos, Sat Nagar, Stefanie Levine, Lara Biggs, Commissioner Kari K. Steele and Commissioner Frank Avila.
In the photo (L-R): MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos, Healthy Schools Program Manager Meg Kelly, Commissioner Kari K. Steele and Commissioner Frank Avila.
Val Kehoe, Horticulture Program Coordinator with the University of Illinois Extension explains the Conservation@Home Program
MWRD 4th Annual Sustainability Summit
Public enthusiasm and support for “going green“ is growing every day and responsive local governments are developing sustainability programs that save money, time and resources.
This fall the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) hosted its fourth annual Sustainability Summit with the theme “Recovering Resources to Become the Utility of the Future.” The event highlighted the MWRD’s sustainability and resource recovery initiatives, along with its expertise in stormwater management and wastewater treatment. Municipal leaders and environmental experts gathered to discuss and learn about industry best practices and share their success stories
On this page, visitors will find 2016 Sustainability Summit materials, including the event press release, program, photos and the participant survey. If you attended and have not submitted your survey, please do so and send it to the MWRD Office of Public Affairs
Let us know if you'd like to attend our 2017 Sustainability Summit. We're always looking to add presenters and exhibitors.
Press Release
Program
Participant Survey
Watch the Video
Chad Hofstra and Sandra Ardolino of the Tinley Park-Park District received an award for using MWRD biosolids.
Jon Duddles and Timothy Oakley from the City of Des Plaines received their green landscaping award from Commissioner Frank Avila.
On behalf of the Village of Glenview, Robyn Flakne, Judy Beck and Henrietta Saunders accepted their award for green landscaping from Commissioner Frank Avila.
Adam James of Baxter and Woodman, Commissioner Frank Avila, and Max Slankard from the Village of Skokie display Honorable Mention certificates
Commissioner Frank Avila presented Midlothian Village Trustee Karen Kreis and Floodlothian leader Helen Lekavich with Honorable Mention certificates.
Mary Ellen Guest of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Assoc. receives a special certificate for rain barrel distribution.
Dave Ward, Superintendent, Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor, receives a plaque from Commissioner Frank Avila for using biosolids since 2006.
Adam James of Baxter and Woodman accepts the Honorable Mention certificate on behalf of the Village of La Grange.
MWRD 3rd Annual Sustainability Summit
Public enthusiasm and support for “going green“ is growing every day and responsive local governments are developing sustainability programs that save money, time and resources.
This fall the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) hosted its third annual Sustainability Summit with the theme “Becoming the Utility of the Future.” The event highlighted the MWRD’s sustainability and resource recovery initiatives, along with its expertise in stormwater management and waste water treatment. Municipal leaders and environmental experts gathered to discuss and learn about industry best practices and share their success stories
On this page you'll find 2015 Sustainability Summit materials, including the event press release, program, photos and the participant survey. If you attended and have not submitted your survey, please do so and send it to the MWRD Office of Public Affairs
Let us know if you'd like to attend our 2016 Sustainability Summit. We're always looking to add presenters and exhibitors.
Press Release
Program
Participant survey
2015 Winners:
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) President Mariyana Spyropoulos (front, third from right) and Chairman of Finance Frank Avila (front, second from right) presented awards at the MWRD’s third annual Sustainability Summit to: (from l to r) Oak Lawn Public Works Director Steve Barrett, Oak Lawn Sewer Division Manager Bill Meyer, Oak Lawn Park District Horticulturist Dolly Foster, Oak Lawn Superintendent of Parks Joel Craig, Chicago Department of Transportation landscape architect Kris Sorich, T.Y. Lin International engineer David Gleason, Twin Oaks Landscaping Project Manager Shane Edwards and Janet Dukic, representing Westside Baseball of Oak Lawn.
For their work on the Biosolids Utilization Section with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), soil scientists were honored by MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos (fourth from right) and MWRD Chairman of Finance Frank Avila (third from right) at the third annual Sustainability Summit. Dominic Brose (from l to r), Maricelo Sabido, Lakhwinder Hundal, Mina Patel, Andy Scottt, Olawale Oladeji and Jeff Simpson were recognized.
MWRD 2nd Annual Sustainability Summit
Public enthusiasm and support for “going green“ is growing every day and responsive local governments are developing sustainability programs that save money, time and resources.
This summer we hosted our second annual Sustainability Summit, providing our guests with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in green ideas and practices. There were discussions of free and low-cost community resources, shared success stories from industry experts and community leaders, information about how native landscaping and rain gardens can help improve water quality and prevent flooding, a meet and greet with state and federal representatives and conversations about building support for and awareness of your community’s sustainability projects. MWRD staff also presented a thorough demonstration of how biosolids use can improve your turf quality and reduce your carbon footprint.
On this page you'll find Sustainability Summit materials, including the event press release, event program, photos and the participant survey. If you attended and have not submitted your survey, please do so and send it to the MWRD Office of Public Affairs.
Check in early next year for 2015 Sustainability Summit information and registration. Let us know if you'd like to attend, and we're always looking to add presenters and exhibitors, too.
Press Release
Event Program
Participant survey
(L-R) MWRD Pres. Kathleen Meany presents a Biosolids User award to Chicago Park District Representatives Jerome Scott and Daniel Cooper.
(L-R) MWRD Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos presents a Biosolids User award to Evanston Township High School representatives Jose Guerrero and William Stafford.
(L-R) MWRD Commissioner Frank Avila presented a Sustainable Landscaping Award to Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen.
(L-R) MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson presented a Sustainable Landscaping Award to Mary Ellen Guest, Exec. Director of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Assoc.
Press Release
Event Program
Participant survey
2013 Award Winners
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (third from left) presents a Biosolids User award to Gina Hassett, Executive Director of the Hinsdale Park District during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also pictured (L-R): Commissioner Kari Steele, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan, Debra Shore and Frank Avila.
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (fourth from left) presents a Biosolids User award to Evelyn Gleason and Jerry Gillis from the Midlothian Park District during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also picture (L-R): Commissioner Frank Avila, Kari K. Steele, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan and Debra Shore.
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (fourth from left) presents a Biosolids User award to David Leopold from the Chicago Department of Transportation during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also pictured (L-R): Commissioner Frank Avila, Kari K. Steele, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan and Debra Shore.
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (fourth from left) presents a Biosolids User award to Robert Dahlberg and Martha Glass from the Village of Lemont during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also pictured (L-R): Commissioner Frank Avila, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, Kari K. Steele, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan and Debra Shore.
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (fourth from left) presents a Biosolids User award to Loyola University's Aaron Durnbaugh during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also pictured (L-R): Commissioner Frank Avila, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, Kari K. Steele, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan and Debra Shore.
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (fourth from left) presents a Biosolids User award to Josh Ellis from the Metropolitan Planning Council during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also pictured (L-R): Commissioner Frank Avila, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, Kari K. Steele, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan and Debra Shore.
MWRD Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson (fourth from left) presents a Biosolids User award to Frank Avino from the Village of Norridge during the MWRD's first Sustainability Summit held in Midlothian on Sept. 26. Also pictured (L-R): Commissioner Frank Avila, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, Kari K. Steele, Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan and Debra Shore.