The summit is designed to help participants build connections, strengthen professional networks, and discover tools and resources to address regionally significant water issues. Topics will include flooding, sewer capacity, local water planning, and the challenges associated with impervious surfaces, which prevent rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground.
The morning program will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome and introduction to Illinois Extension, followed by opening remarks at 9:15 a.m. by Scott Kuykendall, water resource specialist with the McHenry County Department of Planning and Zoning.
At 10 a.m., Community Voices will feature updates from coalitions, agencies, and communities working to address flooding, sewer capacity, and local water planning. Featured organizations and initiatives include the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the Illinois State Water Survey, and the Calumet City Subarea Plan. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a live question-and-answer session with presenters at 10:45 a.m.
Following a brief break, the summit will continue at 11:10 a.m. with The Long Game of Green Stormwater Infrastructure: A New Maintenance Curriculum, presented by Eliana Brown, water quality and stormwater specialist with Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The presentation will explore the importance of maintaining green stormwater infrastructure to support its long-term effectiveness.
The program will conclude with a resource-sharing session at 11:35 a.m. and closing remarks at 11:50 a.m.
Whether participants attended the inaugural summit in 2025 or are joining for the first time, the event offers an opportunity to connect with others working toward practical, lasting solutions to Northern Illinois' water challenges.
By bringing diverse perspectives and expertise together, Illinois Extension aims to strengthen regional partnerships and help communities better prepare for and respond to water-related challenges.
Event details
- Event: Second Illinois Extension Stormwater Leadership Summit
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. to noon
- Location: Virtual
- Registration: Register by Friday, October 23 at go.illinois.edu/stormwatersummit
For additional information, contact University of Illinois Extension.
University of Illinois Extension provides research-based education and resources to help individuals, families, and communities address local challenges and improve quality of life.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.