Webcast September 16, Noon central Smart stormwater management relies on Real-Time Controls (RTC) - also referred to as Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control (CMAC) - to dynamically manage water assets. This session moves beyond the general benefits of RTC to focus on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in maximizing system effectiveness and defensibility. Explore how the application of AI, particularly within systems like Opti's Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control (CMAC), is fundamentally changing how stormwater professionals design both parcels and communities. Discover the direct applications and benefits of using AI-driven optimization to enhance your CMAC program’s design and planning workflows REGISTER

August 25 at Noon As utility-scale solar and wind development continues, local governments are navigating questions about their evolving role in reviewing these projects. This webinar will provide an overview of our state's clean energy goals and policies, where projects are being developed, and an overview on energy siting policy and procedure. Hear from the Climate Jobs Institute and Illinois Extension as they share updates on state energy policy and discuss how counties are permitting solar and wind projects in the context of state law. REGISTER

$5 million available for watershed-based planning, education and information, monitoring, and best management practice projects. Deadline 1pm September 16, 2026. The Section 319(h) Grant Program prioritizes projects that implement components of an Illinois EPA approved watershed-based plan or an Illinois EPA-approved Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plan. These projects can include best management practice (BMP) implementation, environmental monitoring, social indicator monitoring, and outreach efforts. The $5 million in funding includes a total of up to $500,000 for watershed-based planning projects, $250,000 for education and information projects, $150,000 for monitoring projects, and $3.7 million for BMP projects. Actual funding depends on the final U.S. EPA budget approved by Congress and the allocation awarded to Illinois. The FFY 2026 Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now available online. A press release with a link to the NOFO is found here: https://epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/epa/about-us/documents/news-releases/2026/07-22-2026-IEPA-Section319-NOFO-Final.pdf Information on the Nonpoint Source Program is found here: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/nonpoint-sources.html Please contact a member of the NPS team at 217-782-3362 with any questions.

Date: July 23, 2026 Time: 5:00–8:00 p.m. Location: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte 53, Lisle, IL 60532 This is a unique indoor/outdoor experience designed to spark creativity and connection. Immerse yourself in a vibrant exchange of ideas as local design experts Ashley Marrin, Bekki Mihelich, and Gregory Pierceall share their raw insights, real-world challenges, and hard-won experiences in an unscripted, relaxed atmosphere. Register

WHAT: Field Indicators of Hydric Soils Part 2, a two-day training course teaching Field Indicators of Hydric Soils as in the the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual -Midwest & Northcentral-Northeast Regions. HOSTED BY: Illinois Soil Classifiers Association, Lake County SMC, Lake County Forest Preserve District DETAILS: Day 1 morning -in the classroom with an overview of soil formation, landscapes, water flow, local glacial activity, & field indicators of hydric soils. Day 1 afternoon -in the field describing and identifying field indicators of hydric soils. Day 2 -in the field at two sites in Lake County Forest Preserves to practice identification of field indicators of hydric soils in sandy soils and manipulated soils. WHO SHOULD COME: All levels of background, interest, and experience in wetland delineation and soils WHEN: August 6 – 7 WHERE: Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Office, 500 W Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL DEADLINE: August 1 REGISTER