Seminar Topics

Our Water Future: Capturing, Purifying, and Reusing

Morgan Drake, J.D.

Reuse Program Manager | Washington Co., Utah Water Conservancy District

The holistic One Water framework recognizes the inherent value of all water sources, including wastewater. Discover how the Regional Reuse Purification System, a key pillar of One Water Washington County, transforms the region’s water cycle and secures a more resilient water supply.

Morgan Drake, J D. is the reuse program manager for the Washington County, Utah Water Conservancy District. She oversees planning, permitting and implementation of the Regional Reuse System. Prior to joining the district in 2019, Morgan clerked with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division. Morgan is a member of the Colorado River Water Users Association Resolutions Committee, Western Urban Water Coalition Legal Committee and Utah State Bar.

Groundbreaking Fertility: Digging into Manure's role in Agriculture

Eric Carlberg

Farm Manager, HongIK Eco-Farm

Manure—both human and animal—has played a vital role in agriculture for centuries. In this presentation, Eric Carlberg, an organic farmer with over 20 years of experience, will examine the pros and cons of manure use in agriculture, considering its impacts on human health, animal health, and the environment. He will also highlight best practices for using manure in a more sustainable, responsible way, highlighting local efforts, and providing practical guidance on how these approaches can be safely and productively applied at the garden scale. 

Eric has spent the past 18 years cultivating more than just crops—he’s been growing connection, sustainability, and purpose. With a background in the nonprofit sector and hands-on experience in educational and cross-cultural farming projects, Eric brings both heart and expertise to his work. He’s taught economically diverse high school students, gardened alongside seniors in rural Kenosha County, and formed global friendships through food-sharing projects like Mano A Mano in Round Lake, Illinois.

From Surviving to Thriving: Elevate Your Pet’s Wellness and Gut Health

Dorothy Vetrovec

Owner, Nature’s Feed Pet Store

Did you know your dog’s gut is the key to their happiness? Discover the 5 key pillars that help your dog thrive — and why they all connect back to your pup’s gut health! Learn simple, practical tips to boost digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Your dog’s best life starts from the inside out!

For over 20 years, Dorothy Vetrovec has been dedicated to pet health and wellness. As the owner of Nature's Feed in Spring Grove since 2008, she provides pet parents with high-quality products and trusted guidance. Passionate about continuous learning, Dorothy regularly attends conferences and seminars to stay updated on the latest trends in pet care. Her goal is to empower pet owners with the knowledge and tools to enhance their pets’ well-being.

Gut Feelings: Why Anxiety Hits Below the Belt

Dr Jennifer S. Schmaus, PhD

Assistant Professor of Adult Psychiatry, University of Chicago Medicine

Have you ever gotten "butterflies" in your stomach? Are you a "nervous pooper"? Learn more about the "second brain" in our gut and the amazing ways our brain and digestive system talk to each other.

Dr Schmaus specializes in behavioral health treatments for adults with gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI).

Aquaponics: Fish Poop Feeding Plants

Richard Tobiasz, MS

Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Services
McHenry County College

Hydroponics is growing plants without soil. Aquaponics feeds and grows fish who poop, then we filter and use the nutrients to grow plants. Join Rich as he looks at the use and efficiency of these systems.

Richard Tobiasz is a retired Fire Chief of Spring Grove, IL, a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension, and formerly worked as a teacher and nurse at Centegra Hospital. Rich teaches a variety of horticulture classes at MCC. He is also known for his expertise in bird vocalizations and nocturnal bird migration.

Get Your Pup Off Your Sh*t List: Effective Housebreaking and Becoming Poop-Savvy

Montana Hayes, APDT, IAABC, IACP

Professional Dog Trainer

Teach your dog to eliminate outside, not inside! Discover what poop can reveal about your dog’s health.

Montana, owner of Big Sky Dog Training in McHenry County, brings over 35 years of experience as a professional, reward-based dog trainer. She is a member in good standing with multiple respected organizations, including the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Foundation, and the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). Montana is also an American Kennel Club (AKC)–certified instructor and evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC), S.T.A.R. Puppy, and Community Canine programs, and holds credentials with the Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) program. She is also a member of the McHenry Chamber of Commerce.

Digestive Drama Resolved!

Reneé Barasch (The Tummy Whisperer) LDHS
Certified Digestive Health Specialist

Do you struggle with digestive issues, gas bloating, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, skin conditions and fatigue? Reneé Barasch (aka The Tummy Whisperer) of Digestive Health Solutions will teach you how to calm things down in tummy town!

For the last 21 years, Reneé has been practicing as a Certified Digestive Health Specialist. She has helped people with a wide variety of health issues—from your typical digestive discomforts, to more severe digestive issues, to seemingly unrelated issues, such as allergies, fatigue, and skin issues. Through various diagnostic tools and lab testing, she identify imbalances in the digestive tract and develop a digestive and detox plan that is manageable and very effective. Reneé empowers clients to incorporate the right foods and nutritional support that leads to better digestion, absorption of nutrients, detoxification, and elimination.

Worm Whisperers: An Introduction to Vermicomposting

Cathy Klink

Master Gardener, University of Illinois Extension

Widen your horizons with an introduction to composting with worms. Vermicomposting differs from normal, or microbial, composting. With vermicomposting, worms do most of the work breaking down organic matter instead of fungi and microorganisms. There are other differences: vermicomposting bins do not heat up, and bins do not need turning. You do not even need to touch a worm!

Cathy Klink was a middle school science educator for 34 years and has continued her interests in science and teaching by training to become an Illinois Extension Master Gardener, and more recently, an Illinois Extension Compost Ambassador.

Suzi Morrissey

Master Gardener, University of Illinois Extension

Suzie Morrissey is in her seventh year as a U of I Extension Master Gardener as well as an Extension Compost Ambassador. She enjoys vegetable gardening and expanding her native plant beds. She’s been a backyard composter for many years. Other interests include regenerative farming and conservation. Suzie is a retired hospital-based social worker.