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Taking Action for the Environment

Greener Grove meets once a month to discuss projects that are in the works and learn about new opportunities to make change. Check this page and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on ways you can get involved.

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Greener Grove Leadership. From left to right: Steve Ruffolo, Louise Kelly, Suzanne Lestina, Phil Bolton, Carol Richart

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

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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!).


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!


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We had a great turnout at our first Greener Grove Farmers' Market stand. We were graced with a spot right at the entrance, and had the chance to speak with many community members. 30 residents signed up for our email list to receive action items and updates to

Michelle, Noelle, Becca, Carol, Suzanne, not pictured Barbara and Louise

their inbox. Welcome to those of you who have joined us! The more people we have working together, the more impact we can have on making Downers Grove an environmentally-friendly place to live.


Greener Grove Intern Becca, along with her friend Noelle, distributed signs to the vendors at the Farmer's Market. They asked vendors to post these signs in an effort to reduce single use plastic in our community (see image below). They also ran a kids’ craft where they wrote down their idea of a greener downers grove on the back of a CD (used, donated by SCARCE) and hung it on our Greener Grove tree.

Noelle and Becca take on the Farmers' Market

What would you do to make Downers Grove greener?

Children write down their idea of a greener Downers Grove on the back of a CD (used, donated by SCARCE)

Greener Grove Teens asked vendors to display this sign

We are looking for volunteers to help us run this booth at our next Farmers' Market appearances: September 9th and October 14th. Contact us at info@greenergrove.org for more info!


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Community Education

This summer, find us at the Downers Grove farmers market to talk environmental change, meet like-minded neighbors, and participate in fun nature-focused children's programming, such as crafts, story time, or sing-alongs.

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