environment

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:

It’s National Farmers Market Week. Beyond having an excuse to go to your favorite farmers market, it’s a chance to appreciate the role farmers markets play in our local food system. Jess Savage reports on what residents can expect from one local market.

Officials recently detected elevated levels of lead in drinking water in several northern Illinois cities, including Aurora and Elgin. It’s likely due to a new required method of testing. WNIJ News Director Jenna Dooley spoke with environment reporter Jess Savage about the details.

Do you think you could tell the difference between a native species and a nonnative or invasive species? One plant you might encounter along local riverbanks and wetland areas is called purple loosestrife. But as Jess Savage reports, its vibrant beauty can be deceiving.

Busy Northern Illinois University students can now charge their devices using solar power while on-campus. Jess Savage has more on how the solar-powered charging benches fit into NIU’s overall sustainability goals:

It’s National Pollinator Week through Sunday, and organizations across Illinois are raising awareness of pollinators to celebrate.