With the open water season just around the corner, the Cook County Coalition of Lake Associations is looking to engage lake, road, and property association members and others in a variety of hands-on projects that address water and shoreland quality this summer. One of the most important ways we can make a difference is through educating residents and visitors about what they can do to reduce degradation of the pristine environment in Cook County. Here are a few strategies we can all use to preserve and protect the waters, shorelands, and wildlife: Natural shorelands are the last barrier to runoff pollution and the best strategy for shoreline stabilization. Protect shorelines from erosion and enhance natural filtration of contaminants.

After eight years, Lindsey Gau will leave her role as the Executive Director of the Violence Prevention Center on June 26. However, Gau isn't leaving the county. Instead, she has taken a job as a Behavioral Health Consultant at the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.