In order to protect all living things, the Environmental Defenders is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the natural environment in McHenry County. As a grass roots organization, we are committed to building sound ecological relationships between people and the natural world that supports all life.

2026 Annual Meeting & Brunch
Sunday, March 8th, 2026
Oruga Social | 11am-2pm
1000 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
ENVIRONMENTAL BLOG
Latest News and Articles

Winter 2026 EarthConnect
Winter 2026 EarthConnect Newsletter View/Download the Newsletter Digital Newsletter Flipbook



Update on our Recycling Program
Saturday, November 15, 2025, The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Styrofoam Recycling Program will be suspended. Starting 11/15/2025, the Styrofoam Recycling Program will stop collecting Styrofoam [...]

Summer Intern Articles
Gia Galati's Article Jacob Wiser's Article
OUR WORK
Current Initiatives
Community Fridge
The Defenders advocates for waste reduction and tackling food insecurity through our new Community Fridge in the County....
Community Composting
The Defenders advocates for community composting through our new compost drop-off site at the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock....
Energy for Everyone
Defenders plans to build a small solar farm through Solar for All on its Dean Street property in Woodstock....
Conversacion de Conservacion
A collaborative effort by groups that meet and plan special programs offered to our Latino community in McHenry County....
County Recycling Drives
Defenders partners with the County’s Department of Health in organizing and publicizing recycling drives for non-curbside recycling items....
Paddle the Kish
This special project works to clear the Kishwaukee River of natural and human made debris from the river in order to create a passable water trail through McHenry County....
River Clean-ups
Organized on an had-hoc basis or as an annual event, river clean-ups both protect our watershed while connecting people to water bodies. ...
Stream Crossing Signage
A grant supported program and partnership with the County’s Division of Transportation to build and place watershed indicator signs across all streams, creeks and rivers....
OUR WORK
Current Initiatives
Community Fridge
The Defenders advocates for waste reduction and tackling food insecurity through our new Community Fridge in the County....
Community Composting
The Defenders advocates for community composting through our new compost drop-off site at the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock....
Energy for Everyone
Defenders plans to build a small solar farm through Solar for All on its Dean Street property in Woodstock....
Conversacion de Conservacion
A collaborative effort by groups that meet and plan special programs offered to our Latino community in McHenry County....
County Recycling Drives
Defenders partners with the County’s Department of Health in organizing and publicizing recycling drives for non-curbside recycling items....
Paddle the Kish
This special project works to clear the Kishwaukee River of natural and human made debris from the river in order to create a passable water trail through McHenry County....
River Clean-ups
Organized on an had-hoc basis or as an annual event, river clean-ups both protect our watershed while connecting people to water bodies. ...
Stream Crossing Signage
A grant supported program and partnership with the County’s Division of Transportation to build and place watershed indicator signs across all streams, creeks and rivers....










