Register for the Lake/McHenry
MS4 Workshop!
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and McHenry County Planning and Development are excited to announce the annual dual-county MS4 Workshop. Focused on "Effective Green Infrastructure," the workshop will be held virtually and in-person on Friday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, Second Floor Conference Room, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville.
Featured speakers will include Jeff Edstrom with the Illinois EPA, who has unique insight into the Illinois EPA 319 grant program and green infrastructure initiatives. Additional presentations will provide guidance on the successful implementation of green infrastructure and the maintenance that is vital for compliance and protecting water quality, followed by case studies of best management practices implemented regionally.
This program is designed to educate staff who manage green infrastructure, fulfill training requirements for communities with MS4 Permits, and anyone interested in protecting our nationâs water quality.
All participants will be eligible for three Professional Development Hours (PDHs). A light breakfast and refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees.
The Lake-McHenry MS4 Workshop is proud to be sponsored by the Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW). Learn more about this workgroup on their website at drww.org.
2026 DECI Re-Listing is Now Open!
ALL Designated Erosion Control Inspectors (DECIs) need to re-list and pay the re-listing fee if they want to maintain their status. Ignore the expiration date on your previous certificate. Everyone needs to go through the re-listing process regardless of the expiration date, except those who became a DECI in 2026.
Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to pay your invoice for re-listing. Please read the instructions carefully before proceeding.
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission will review your submission, and if accepted, your DECI Certificate will be emailed.
Should you have any questions or technical issues, please email Mea Blauer or call 847-377-7701. The deadline for all re-listing is May 13.
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2026 DECI Webinars
SMC hosted the 2026 Designated Erosion Control Inspector (DECI) Webinar in February, followed by a make-up webinar in March. Together, the two trainings welcomed 426 attendees! Thank you to everyone who attended and to the speakers for their contributions!
If youâd like to review the presentations from the webinar, they are now available on our website.
Celebrate Earth Month
Earth Month is a great time to reflect on all that our planet provides for us and how we can be more sustainable and earth-friendly in return. This month, challenge yourself to "go green" to make a difference. Examine your habits and see if there are any obvious or easy changes you can make.
You can learn more about incorporating earth-friendly design at your home or business while reducing stormwater runoff and being native plant friendly on our website.Â
Get involved with a local Earth Day Activity to show your enthusiasm for Mother Earth, or take part in one of the fun ideas provided in the graphic below. We hope you'll join us in celebrating our planet!
Fox River Summit
If you were unable to attend the Fox River Summit last month, youâre in luck. The presentations are now available. Watch the presentations to learn more about aquatic plant management, the economic benefits of conservation, oak conservation, surface water chloride conditions and more.
You can also learn about watershed planning from the presentation led by SMC staff members Jacob Jozefowski and Sharene Gould Dulabaum, "Fox River Watershed-Based Planning Efforts in Lake County, Illinois."
Be Informed to Be Flood Ready
Flooding can occur across Lake County from rivers, intense rainfall, shoreline conditions, and stormwater system limitations. Even properties outside mapped floodplains can still experience flooding. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) encourages residents to understand their local flood risk and how watersheds and development conditions can influence flooding. Reviewing FEMA flood maps or Lake County maps can help with this.
Residents can also take simple actions to reduce damage if flooding ever occurs on their property. This includes elevating utilities, maintaining drainage paths, directing water away from foundations, installing backflow protection, and ensuring sump pumps are functioning properly. Learn more about flooding prevention and awareness by visiting our website or reading FEMAâs Protect Your Property From Flooding brochure.
Mark Your Calendar!
Birds, Butterflies & Blooms - May 3
If youâre interested in learning more about attracting birds and pollinators to your yard or supporting the local ecosystem, the League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area is hosting Bird, Butterflies & Blooms: The Wonder of Nature in Your Own Backyard on Sunday, May 3 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Lake Forest Country Day School.
Learn about the benefits of native plants, safe pest management, and supporting birds and pollinators with Dr. Doug Tallamy. There will also be an opportunity to speak with experts after the presentation.
This is NOT an SMC event. It is being shared for informational purposes only. Contact the host for more information or questions.
Chicago River Day - May 9
Join the 34th Annual Chicago River Day clean-up effort to help make this important waterway healthier. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9, there will be over 75 sites along the Chicago River in Cook and Lake counties to help clean up harmful litter, mulch trails and remove invasive plants.
SMC is a proud sponsor of Chicago River Day. We hope to see you there!
A Note from Executive Director, Kurt Woolford
Our Lake County Legislators made a recent visit to several of our flood prevention projects funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity around the county. A special thank you to them for making the trip and their continued support in helping us mitigate flooding throughout Lake County! Check out this video with highlights from their visits and the DCEO projects happening now.
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