Curbside recycling. The McHenry County Conservation District. The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. These and many more environmental causes and groups all began with the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. “We’re kind of the mama of environmental groups, I would say,” said Cynthia Kanner, who became executive director of the Defenders about two years ago. Like all involved with the organization – which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – she began as a volunteer passionate about environmental issues. Hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers have played roles in five decades’ worth of the lasting change the Defenders have brought to McHenry County. The group will host a 50th anniversary dinner from 4 to 7:15 p.m.