The climate conversation doesn’t have to feel heavy or out of reach. It starts right here, with us: neighbors learning from neighbors.
Real Talk, Real Neighbors, Real Change
Our first DeCarbon Dialogue was an enthusiastic house — over two dozen neighbors (from four counties!) joined us at the library for Planning a Microforest for DeKalb plus Winter Sowing Seeds, and we left with hearts full and ideas flowing.
What we learned 10/14:
Microforests — also called Miyawaki forests — grow 10× faster and 30× denser than traditional forests, improving air and soil quality, capturing carbon, and creating space for pollinators and wildlife.
Even a 10’x10’ sized plot (the smallest room in your house) can host a thriving forest.
Winter sowing native seeds in recycled containers is a super easy way to get started.
We’re now gathering potential microforest sites — parks, schools, church lawns, or backyards. Want to help? Reach out to hello@decarbondekalb.com.
Here’s the slide deck from dialogue #1 - it’s packed with info and resources!
Dialogue #3 is Tuesday, December 9 @ 6:30pm
Join us for a night of powerful local climate action
Two movements.
Two stories shaping DeKalb County’s future.
One room, one RSVP, one very full snack table.
On Tuesday, Dec 9 at 6:30 PM, we’re bringing together Nettle Composting and Together for Taft for an evening that shows what community-powered solutions look like in real life: no doom, no jargon, no fancy tech required.
First up: Composting: Collective Action for the Climate With Nettle Composting
Worker-owned. Community-rooted. Low-tech. High impact.
Composting isn’t just a sustainability hobby, it’s one of the most powerful climate solutions we’ve got. Kate Whitacre and Jessie Crow Mermel from Nettle Composting will break down how composting:
cuts methane by keeping food scraps out of landfills
stores carbon in the soil
builds healthier food systems
boosts water retention and resilience
strengthens communities
and… grows really excellent vegetables
It’s simple, accessible, and something most people can start doing tomorrow. Composting = collective action you can hold in your hands.
Bring your curiosity and your questions. Banana peels optional!
Followed by: Together for Taft: Reimagining the Lorado Taft Campus
Community-led vision. Environmental education legacy. A future worth fighting for.
The historic Lorado Taft Campus, a beloved hub for environmental education, is at a crossroads. But local residents aren’t letting its legacy fade.
Together for Taft will share:
the story of the campus
the opportunity in front of us
the community organizing happening behind the scenes
and how neighbors can help shape what comes next
This is a chance to imagine what this site in Northern Illinois could become: an environmental education center, a nature-forward community asset, and a place where young people learn to love the world they’re inheriting.
It’s local action at its finest: hopeful, determined, and deeply rooted in place.
Why It Matters
Composting and community organizing might sound like totally different worlds — but they’re actually two sides of the same coin: neighbors building local resilience.
In an age of climate chaos, these are the hyper-local actions that keep us grounded, connected, and hopeful.
This double feature is your chance to:
learn
ask questions
support community-led movements
discover how YOU can make a difference right here at home
DeCarbon Dialogues are designed to make climate adaptation approachable, hopeful, and hyper-local. Each monthly session (October–March) builds momentum toward DeKalb County Earth Fest 2026, helping residents turn conversation into action — one project, one neighbor, one spark at a time.
How Partners Can Help
Spread the word — share on your organization’s newsletter or social channels.
Co-host or sponsor refreshments, print materials, or signage.
Invite your networks — civic groups, classes, businesses, and faith communities.
Collaborate on upcoming dialogues or project pilots.
Reach out for partnership opportunities — kendra@decarbondekalb.com.
Tuesday, December 9
6:30–8:00 PM
Yusunas Room — DeKalb Public Library
Free + open to all
Snacks provided (because climate action runs on carbs)
One RSVP gets you the whole evening.
Come for one talk or stay for both! You won’t want to miss either.
Presented by
DeCarbon DeKalb
Real Talk. Real Neighbors. Real Change.
In partnership with:
Third Annual DeKalb County Earth Fest, NIU Sustainability, Nettle Composting, Together for Taft, DeKalb Public Library
Hope is contagious — and so is action.
About DeCarbon Dialogues
DeCarbon Dialogues is a six-part monthly conversation series running October through March on the second Tuesday of the month at DKPL. Each dialogue spotlights a local solution — from sustainable food and clean energy to community adaptation and resilience — all building momentum toward DeKalb County Earth Fest 2026.
RSVP for the next dialogue on 12/9!
FAQs
What are the DeCarbon Dialogues?
A six-part monthly series of climate conversations hosted by DeCarbon DeKalb. Each dialogue is a bite-sized, neighborly event where we talk about local solutions — from planting microforests to saving on energy at home — that can make a big difference right here in DeKalb County.
Who should attend?
Everyone! Students, families, business owners, elected officials, and climate advocates of all experience levels. Whether you’re brand new to the topic or a seasoned expert, you’ll find something useful and inspiring.
Why are you doing this now?
Because climate change is already shaping our lives — and local action matters. Northern Illinois has a huge opportunity to adapt and thrive, but it starts with neighbors learning, laughing, and working together. The Dialogues keep the momentum going towards our big annual event DeKalb County Earth Fest (April 11, 2026).
What’s the first dialogue about?
The kickoff session (October 14) is Planning a Microforest for DeKalb (plus Winter Sowing Seeds).
Learn how microforests — tiny but mighty native forests — grow 10x faster and 30x denser than traditional forests.
Discover winter sowing, an easy method for growing native plants in recycled containers.
Explore how these practices can cool neighborhoods, capture carbon, and boost biodiversity.
Do I need to know anything about climate science to attend?
Nope. If you can learn, ask a question, or share an idea — you’re ready. We keep things approachable, neighborly, and fun.
Is it really free?
Yes! Thanks to community support and the DeKalb Public Library, all DeCarbon Dialogues are free and open to the public.
How often do these happen?
Once a month, every second Tuesday from October to March. Each month covers a new theme: energy savings, food systems, resilience, and more.
How does this connect to Earth Fest?
DeCarbon Dialogues build community year-round, while Earth Fest is our big annual gathering. Think of the Dialogues as practice runs and pollination for projects that can shine at Earth Fest 2026.
Where can I learn more or get involved?
Email Andy and Kendra at hello@decarbondekalb.com, and follow @DeCarbon_DeKalb for updates.