environment

An old factory in Aurora is getting a new life. The Pratt Building is slated to become an operations hub for TerraCycle.

We’re deep into fall here in northern Illinois, and a thick layer of leaves crunch underfoot. While many of us are gearing up for the annual chore of raking up the leaves in our yards, environment reporter Jess Savage has been learning about why many species benefit from the leaves staying put all winter.

Construction has started at Davis Park in Rockford. WNIJ's Jess Savage catches News Director Jenna Dooley up on the latest.

There have been several solar projects proposed recently around DeKalb County, including Burr Oak Solar Farm and Peace Road Solar Project. Jess Savage catches us up on where they stand and some of the opposition.

The DeKalb Public Library has been hosting monthly plant swaps for two years. This week, they’re adding adult clothing to the mix. Jess Savage reports on what swappers can expect at the event.

Naperville is one of a few dozen communities that receives their electricity through a co-operative agency called Illinois Municipal Electric Agency, or IMEA. The city’s contract is set to expire in 2035, but the agency is asking them to sign on for an additional twenty years.

Naperville’s electricity contract is on the city council’s agenda Tuesday night. Jess Savage reports on what residents should know about the potential impacts of extending the contact for another twenty years.

The Aug. 9 event included a guided tour at each of seven barns featured in Sycamore township, including historic barns and history of the “lost” community of Charter Grove.

Next year, public school students will have a new learning requirement: climate change education.

Invasive rusty crayfish can be found in nearly every rocky creek and river in Kane County. This Saturday, residents can reduce their impact at the 7th Annual Rusty Rodeo. Jess Savage has more: