Environmental Education
In November of 2008, L.E.A.F. produced the public speaker series "Going Green in Winter" at Belleville Library's Main branch, including the presentations on Indoor Plants for Clean Air Quality, Energy Efficiency in the Home, and Worm Composting for the Garden. Throughout the spring, LEAF has visited several Girl Scout troops and school groups to discuss environmental awareness and stewardship. In May, we sponsored a movie night at the SWIC campus featuring the Frontline documentary HEAT. It is our hope that such efforts result in increased awareness and interest in environmental issues along with fostering a positive relationship with the surrounding community.

Cool Cities
L.E.A.F. is also working on bringing local municipalities into the Cool Cities Certification program, under the auspices of the Sierra Club. A 'Cool City' is one in which the Mayor signs onto the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, agreeing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% below 1990 levels.

Belleville Becomes A Cool City - We take great pleasure in announcing that Belleville is one of the nation’s Coolest Cities. After the Belleville Sept. 8th City Council meeting, Mayor Eckert signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection agreement. Eighteen supporters representing LEAF, Sierra Club, and Get Up & Go attended the council meeting showing their support for Cool Cities. LEAF played a primary role in making this happen and should be proud!

LEAF and Sierra Club would like to thank Mayor Eckert and the Belleville City Council for their willingness to work with the community on ways to effectively meet the challenges of climate change at the local level!

The Cool City campaign not only encourages mayors to sign the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement but to actively implement smart energy solutions in their cities, such as greening municipal vehicle fleets, making buildings energy efficient and investing in safe renewable energy. Belleville is currently working on the above and will need our support!

Fostering Partnerships
We are partnering with several local Girl Scout troops, the local Kaskaskia Sierra Club Group, Get Up and Go, and BASIC . In addition, our group has a strong interest in in assisting established and new community garden efforts, and rallying local participation in Community Supported Agriculture in 2010 and the coming years. Thanks to the outreach and enthusiasm of our members, we continue to establish connections with a number of diverse groups in our region.

Going Green
This year, L.E.A.F marched in the Belleville St. Patrick's Day Parade giving away trees and promoting environmental awareness and Earth Hour, a global climate change awareness event. Through the efforts of LEAF, Mayor Eckert of Belleville signed the Earth Hour Pledge agreeing to turn out non-essential city lighting on March 28, 2009 from 8:30-9:30 p.m., making Belleville one of 101 US cities to participate in this global event. In partnership with the City's Parks and Recreation Department, we have adopted a mile-long section of Belleville's Bike Trail, and hold regular cleanups there, where we can enjoy the walking and each other's company as we pick up trash. We are approaching our First Year Anniversary, and plan to celebrate by dedicating ourselves to another year of helping to green the Metro East Region!