Friends of the Fox River (FOFR) has received a $3000 grant from Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois River Coordinating Council to fund FOFR’s 2006 Water Willow Initiative on the banks of the Fox River in Oswego and West Dundee.
"Friends of the Fox River is extremely grateful for the generous grant from Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois River Coordinating Council to fund our water willow planting project.” said Tom Schrader, Vice-President of Friends of the Fox River. “This project reintroduces a native plant to the Fox River which provides healthy habitat for fish and invertebrates. Thanks to the Lt. Governor and the Illinois River Coordinating Council, we can more easily continue our important habitat restoration work."
The first planting of 2006 took place on Saturday July 15 in Oswego. Over 2,000 water willow plugs were planted by Friends of the Fox River, Illinois Smallmouth Alliance and Oswegoland Park District volunteers. These new plants will expand fish habitat near last year’s plants at Violet Patch Park.
Friends of the Fox River’s next planting is Saturday, July 22 from 9:00 AM-Noon in West Dundee at South End Park. Volunteers will be planting 1,000 water willow plants at this site.
Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn is Chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council, a diverse group of citizens, grassroots and not-for-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and river enthusiasts. The IRCC coordinates all private and public funding for river restoration in the sprawling Illinois River Watershed. Over the past four years, the IRCC has been involved in the commitment and expenditure of nearly $500 million to restore the Illinois River Basin. For more information on the IRCC visit CleanWater.il.gov.
Friends of the Fox River’s mission is to preserve, restore and protect the Fox River Watershed's resources by connecting people with nature through education, research, restoration and advocacy. For more information visit www.friendsofthefoxriver.org.
