September 25th Meeting Recap

Summer often has a way of slowing things down a bit as we enjoy longer days, impromptu get-togethers with family and friends, and time for outdoor activities like gardening and biking. Greener Grove has been on a summer schedule as well - though not slowing down at all!

At our September 25th general meeting, each of Greener Grove’s four subgroups shared what they’ve been working on and some ideas for what’s next…

Community Activism - We’ve continued to connect with others in our community at the YWCA Farmers Market. On September 9th, we invited visitors to our booth to make leaf rubbings and learn more about how to identify trees in our area. We also hosted a tree walk and composting event.

Political Partnerships - We’ve been a constant presence at Village Council meetings these past months advocating for including environmental sustainability initiatives in the Village’s long-range plans. Participating in discussions - both listening to others and sharing ideas - has had a positive impact: The Village Council has agreed to create a sustainability plan, reinstate the Environmental Concerns Commission, and add a staff person to support sustainability initiatives.

Projects - We spent a good portion of the meeting brainstorming ideas for future events, including a native plant sale and hosting a movie night featuring a sustainability-themed film. We also discussed future guest speaker topics, including how to select a residential solar energy company and how to sort recyclables (what can go in the blue bins and what are the options for plastics that are not recyclable). Partnering with other organizations in the community, like the Downers Grove Organic Gardeners (http://dgorganicgardeners.blogspot.com/), who share our commitment to the environment can help us reach a broader audience and leverage resources.

Communications - Early on this year, we focused on building our website. The site will continue to evolve as we add content. Stay connected with the Greener Grove community through our e-newsletter (sign up here if you haven’t already!) and by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Join us for Greener Grove’s Next General Meeting - Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church located at 1125 Franklin, 3rd Floor (accessible via stairs or elevator), Downers Grove.

Get involved - join a subgroup - email us at info@GreenerGrove.org to let us know what subgroup you would like to connect with - you can join more than one!

Greener Grove - A Brief History of How We Started & How We Work

Sharing a passion for the environment and Downers Grove, Louise Kelly, Carol Richart, and a group of residents came together in Fall 2022 to petition the DG Village Council to bring back the Environmental Concerns Commission. This commission formerly worked with the Downers Grove Village Council, but had been made inoperative in January of 2020. In collecting signatures on the petition, they met many other residents who shared their passions and a belief that DG needed to do more to improve the environmental health of our community.

While the petition did not have immediate success, a conversation had been started. Louise and Carol were joined by Phil Bolton, and together they decided to start meeting regularly to keep the momentum going. In January 2023, they hosted the first Greener Grove meeting. Community members attending this initial meeting shared many ideas and hopes for the future of DG, and shortly after, Steve Ruffolo and Suzanne Lestina joined the leadership team.

Greener Grove is organized into four subgroups, each led by a member of the leadership team:

• Projects - Phil Bolton

• Political Partnerships - Steve Ruffalo

• Community Activism - Carol Richart

• Communications - Louise Kelly

Suzanne Lestina handles the business of the organization and is spearheading our efforts to establish Greener Grove as a 501c3 organization. You can learn more about what each subgroup has been doing these past few months here.

It truly takes a village when you are trying to create something new: We partner with other organizations in the area to share ideas, take advantage of lessons learned, and get the word out, including the Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance (PDHA).

The leadership team is focused on the activities of their individual subgroup, as well as long-range planning. Each member serves a 2 to 3 year term. Leadership team elections for some positions will be held in April 2025.

Have questions? Please email us at info@greenergrove.org

July 17th Meeting Recap

We are on a roll here at Greener Grove! Our numbers are growing as we make connections with others in our com

munity who are interested in creating a cleaner, greener community.

At our July 17th general meeting, each of the four subgroups shared an update on what they’ve been working on…

Community Activism - Over the last month, we’ve raised our visibility and had great conversations with visitors to our tent at Rotary Fest and the YWCA Farmers Market. We shared information on earth-friendly lawn care techniques from The Conservation Foundation and Best Bee Brothers. We will be at the Farmers Market again on September 9th from 10am - 12pm.

Political Partnerships - Downers Grove joined the Greenest Region Compact. We continue to work with PDHA (Pierce Downers Heritage Alliance) to advocate the Downers Grove Village Council for participation at the highest level and attend Village Council Meetings. In addition, we are connecting with council members on the topic of re-activitating - and staffing - the Environmental Concerns Commission.

Projects - We have an ever-growing list of projects aimed at re-imagining a greener Downers Grove. That said, one priority is to build a strong foundation. This includes becoming a 501c3 organization, connecting with similar organizations in neighboring communities to share knowledge and resources, and brainstorming possible fundraisers to help finance future initiatives. We recently visited SCARCE where we learned more about the work of this organization and connected with other grassroots organizations in our area.

Communications - Over the last few months, we’ve launched the Greener Grove website, introduced our new logo, and become the touchpoint for those interested in becoming involved with the organization. Stay connected with the Greener Grove community through our website and e-newsletter (sign up here if you haven’t already!).

View the July 17th meeting presentation here.

Join us for Greener Grove’s Next General Meeting - Monday, August 28, 2023 at 7pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church located at 1125 Franklin, 3rd Floor (accessible via stairs or elevator), Downers Grove.

Get involved - join a subgroup - email us at info@GreenerGrove.org to let us know what subgroup you would like to connect with - you can join more than one!