Ed Collins

I was employed by the McHenry County Conservation District for 38 years in several positions including Restoration Ecologist, Natural Resource Manager and Director of the Land Preservation and Natural Resource Management Division. Master of Arts, Northeastern Illinois University in Geography and Environmental Studies. I am also a trained hypnotist. My hobbies include collecting drain tile memorabilia and building stone circles and labyrinths.

Contact

9503 Wright Road
Harvard, Illinois 60033
provencegill@yahoo.com
2243412930

Presentation Information

Title

Midwifing the River

Subject(s)

Description

This program chronicles the dechannelization of Nippersink Creek over a three-year period from 1999-2001 and the resulting improvements and recovery of the stream over the next 25 years. The project was groundbreaking in scope and the first of its kind in the Midwest. Beyond the technical aspects of the restoration process and the hard science of the recovery of the stream biota, the story of Nippersink is one of ecological hope.

It answers the question of whether we as human beings can reverse the damage we have wrought on riparian systems over the past four centuries. In a world of changing climate and ever-growing impacts to the natural world, Midwifing the River spins an ecological and cultural tale of a comatose stream and the dedicated men and women who brought it back to life.

Length

1 hour presentation with additional time for questions. The length can be adjusted to fit time frames from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.

City or Area of Travel

I generally operate within a 100-mile radius of Woodstock, Illinois. I am willing to travel longer distances depending on the program.

Fees

Milage at the accepted national rate for IRS purposes. Minimum fee to cover preparation presentation time is generally $200. If travel involves an overnight stay, then lodging is required.

A/V Needs

PowerPoint projector and screen. A podium is required. If you do not have a podium available let me know and I can bring a portable one. Please note I do NOT provide a copy of my PowerPoint programs prior to speaking. I will bring the program on a portable drive the day of the presentation.

Presentation Materials

Download

Additional Information

I am not in the speaking business. I do presentations out of a love of the natural world and the enjoyment of sharing that world with likeminded people. My fees are designed to simply cover my time and travel expenses. Generally speaking, please do not plan on recording my presentation for later viewing. The materials are typically copyrighted.