As the display of fall foliage approaches, it is a good time to enjoy the outdoors and be a Better Friend to the Fox River Watershed.
Vote YES
Voting YES on your county’s referendum will help pass action that will significantly improve natural resource management and opportunities to enjoy the benefits on public lands. Here are links to the four counties that have referendums on the November ballot:
Kane County Lake County McHenry County DuPage County
Important Fox River News – Don’t Miss This!
At Schweitzer Environmental Center on Sunday 10/13 at 12:30, you’ll learn all about the referendum directly from Kane County Forest Preserve District President Chris Kious and have the opportunity to ask all your questions. In addition, civil and environmental engineer Art Malm will provide updates on the Carpentersville Dam restoration project using his special drone photography. And wait till you see the new space at Schweitzer! Register here
Low Water Opportunities
Due to the lack of rain, river flows are at an annual low. Unlike most litter that is a recent discard on the ground, river bottom trash in the shallow shoreline zones is newly exposed. Some of these articles are fun finds like antiques glass bottles. Put on some boots and walk the new shorelines for trash removal and some adventure.
Never a Shortage of Litter
Litter contains items that can be dangerous for wildlife and impact water quality. Removing litter is an important activity and can be done nearly everywhere at any time. Wherever people are in the watershed there seems to be a trail of discarded items that litter our landscape. Along roadsides,
and especially overpasses of creeks are hot spots. Sites where people fish usually have plenty of
left-behind items. The litter is not yours, but it is in your watershed. Be a Watershed Warrior and help remove litter.
Storm Drains Need Your Help
Drains in parking lots and along the edge of curbed roads are important to preventing flooding during rain events. Surfaces are graded to direct water there. Consequently, they are places where litter accumulates. If you live near a street drain, or frequently travel past drains in lots please be on the look-out for litter and remove it.
Become a Chloride Watcher
Chloride Watchers is a citizen science program that provides opportunities for the public to get involved in their local watershed. Our local waterways and groundwater aquifers are becoming saltier from the excessive use of road salt. Chlorides are the main component of road salt that are causing the most damage. As a volunteer Winter Chloride Watcher, you’ll learn the basics of chloride monitoring and take part in water testing at a local river or stream. With this data, we will gain a clearer picture of how chlorides affect aquatic life and how sensible salting or salt smart winter practices can reduce the amount of chlorides that reach waterways.
Attend a free and fascinating workshop (some have a virtual option) to learn how to become a Chloride Watcher. The training will help you select a safe sampling location, teach you how to measure chlorides in water, and show you how to upload your findings onto the Chloride Watchers website. Those who go through the training will be supplied with sampling bottles and test strips to get you started. Register and learn more here
Oaktober is a Time for Action
Fall is a great time to plant the tree species that supports more wildlife than any other (by a lot), an oak. Many acorns have not yet been claimed by squirrels and can be all you need to start an oak tree. Plant or spread the seeds of native plants for important overwintering.
Our Friend, Natural Communities is offering a 15% discount on seeds and plants for our subscribers. Take advantage of the sale by entering this discount code when prompted:
FOTFR2024
Get out and enjoy the splendor of October by planting native plants for habitat and beauty, by adventuring in trash (and prize) collection, by voting YES (and encouraging others), and by becoming a Chloride Watcher.
Together, WE keep on fixin’ the Fox.
