Month: January 2020

Fox-River-duckweed-and-algae

State of the Fox River 2020

Fifty Years of Environmental Protection In this year’s live presentation of the State of the Fox River, I shared my challenge in answering the complex question that I often receive: “How is the Fox River doing?” Since the enactment of the Clean Water Act in 1970 things have been improving. That legislation was a federally … Read more

making rain

Second Saturday Kickoff a Great Success!

By Brandon Combs and Jenni Schiavone Friends of the Fox River Second Saturday Outdoor Adventures is a new program initiative we’re starting this year. We hope this monthly program will engage young community members and their families in regular outdoor educational activities as we explore the Fox River’s watershed. We are proud to report that … Read more

groundhog

Meet Your Neighbors – Meet Your Underground Neighbors!

By Jack MacRae Groundhogs and badgers are both local, grayish mammals that live in holes in the ground.  But that’s where the similarities end.  Groundhogs (Marmota monax) are grazing members of the rodent family; badgers are hunting members of the weasel family, (Mustelidae). Groundhogs live all over, badgers are restricted in their local range.  Groundhogs have a holiday … Read more

How Are We Protecting the Fox River?

By Gary Swick, President “How is the river doing?” and “What’s new with Friends of the Fox River (FOFR)?” are the two most common questions that I hear related to the Fox River. In January, I will answer the first question during my State of the Fox River 2020 report at Schweitzer Environmental Center (SEC) … Read more

Bird_Beak

Meet Your Neighbors: Meet Mr. & Ms. Finch

By Jack MacRae House finches are common birds with a common name.  They are moderate sized birds with a conical, sparrow-like bill.  Male house finches are red/pink on their forehead, face, throat, and breast.  They have a pink rump.  Their wings, backs, and bellies are streaked with shades of brown.  Female house finches are streaky, blurry gray and brown all … Read more