Kane County Board member and Chair of the Board’s Energy and Environmental Committee, Mavis Bates, received recognition from fellow board members after earning the Tom Weisner Memorial Award from the The Conservation Foundation. The award recognizes public officials who demonstrate environmental stewardship.
Bates has focused on sustainability throughout her career. She founded Aurora GreenFest in 2010, is Chairman of the Fox Valley Sierra Club, Vice Chair of the Aurora Mayors Sustainable Advisory Board, has supported conservation initiatives across Kane County, helped launch Kane County’s Climate Action Plan and led development of an eight-acre solar field project at the Kane County Judicial Center.
Bates describes her role as helping advance clean energy, electric vehicles, recycling, and solar initiatives so natural areas and waterways are protected.
Kane County maintains an active Department of Environmental and Water Resources. It's mission is to develop, evaluate, and implement programs that protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and the environment. These programs include the Countywide Stormwater Management Program, the Recycling and Waste Recovery Program, Energy and Resource Conservation Programs, and other environmental initiatives and special projects.
For updates on Kane County’s recycling efforts and events, click here.
Follow the work of the Kane County Board’s Energy and Environmental Committee here.
Other leaders recognized this year by The Conservation Foundation include:
Betty Bradshaw Golden Acorn Award: Maura Neuffer
Salt Smart Community Award: Evanston
Conservation@Home Award: Joe and Sue LeCroy
Conservation Partner Award: Fox Valley Park District
Paul Butler Memorial Award: Marta Keane