Presentation Description:

The program will be presented by Jennifer Hammer, an ecologist who has been working with The Conservation Foundation for over 25 years helping to lead watershed and land restoration efforts. She has served in many roles including coordinating the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition and the Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group, organizing the Salt Smart Collaborative and providing guidance on ecological restoration efforts across our service area. Jennifer now serves as the Vice President of Land and Watershed Programs.
 She has a passion for the ecology of our natural areas – how things interact and fit together. Jennifer is happiest out in her favorite natural areas – be they woods, wetlands, prairies or rivers, binoculars in hand, sauntering with no particular direction or purpose. Its all about the journey, no matter what the destination is.
 
Why Chlorides Matter
 Our local rivers and streams are getting saltier and saltier. The main culprit? Road salt—the kind used to melt snow and ice on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. This salt impacts our natural ecosystems and the built environment. Chlorides, a main component of road salt, are proving to be a persistent issue.
Understanding how chlorides impact our local streams starts with measuring their presence in the water—and that’s where you come in! As a volunteer Winter Chloride Watcher, you’ll learn the basics of chloride monitoring and take part in water testing at a local river or stream. With this data, we will gain a clearer picture of how chlorides affect aquatic life and how Salt Smart winter practices can reduce the amount of chlorides that reach waterways.