Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) has so much to be grateful for — including you! As a subscriber to the Watershed Weekly, you’re part of a community that receives regular updates, insights, and stories from us. We hope these stories entertain and inform you; they’re a key way we strive to build a community of caretakers dedicated to the Fox River Watershed. We trust that Tom Schrader’s adventure tales, the Better Friend tips, and our diverse range of features inspire you to act in ways that protect and appreciate our watershed. Encourage your friends and family to visit our website, subscribe to Watershed Weekly, and join us in our mission to protect and restore the Fox River Watershed.
Fabulous Fox Water Trail, Geneva is our May calendar photo.
It Takes a Watershed
FOTFR’s founder, Pat Reese, recognized early on that no single nonprofit could protect a 200-mile-long watershed alone. From the beginning, we’ve relied on partnerships with municipal governments, environmental organizations, community groups, philanthropic donors, and dedicated volunteers—from carpenters to tree planters. We pride ourselves on meeting people where they are and welcoming all forms of support. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to FOTFR this past year.
is our October calendar photo.
It Takes a Team
The leadership of FOTFR is vital to our mission. We invite you to attend a monthly board meeting, either in person at the Schweitzer Environmental Center or via Zoom, to see the efforts behind our work. Our board members contribute a wealth of expertise and resources to help us achieve our mission. Alongside them is a small but essential staff who, together with the board, bring ideas from our committees to life. In fact, all our staff members volunteer beyond their job roles to support various efforts. Come learn why we’re so thankful for this incredible team—and consider joining a committee that interests you!
is our April calendar photo.
A Sisterhood of Support
Our like-minded organizational partners — our “sisters” — offer both financial and in-kind contributions. We extend our gratitude to the McNamee Family Foundation, Elgin Fox Trot, and the Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, each of whom contributed $5,000 this year to support watershed education. Regular partners include: The Conservation Foundation, Fox River Study Group, Valley of the Fox Chapter of the Illinois Sierra Club and the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership. We are thankful for the collaboration of many groups.
is our July calendar photo.
The Business of Caretaking
Our business partners provide generous financial and in-kind support. Special thanks to Reyes Coca-Cola and Turf Care Enterprises for their $5,000 contributions this year. FOTFR also has service contracts with several municipalities, which further fund our educational outreach and public service efforts. To learn more about becoming a business partner, visit our site.
is our June calendar photo.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Our Friends love nature! Thanks to contributors like Watershed Weekly regular Tom Schrader, our photo contest participants, and social media posters, we celebrate the beauty of our watershed every day. Are you among the nearly 7,000 who follow us on Facebook?
This year, photographer Steve Thomas generously donated 100 wildlife photo cards that are now displayed at the Schweitzer Environmental Center. They’re available for purchase, and you can see them at our Nature Arts and Crafts event on December 8. Thank you to everyone who helps us capture and share the beauty of the Fox River Watershed.
is our March calendar photo.
The Big Show
FOTFR hosts public education events to promote best practices for water quality protection. Our events range from the watershed-wide It’s Our Fox River Day (IOFRD) to smaller gatherings, all aimed at raising awareness about safeguarding our most vital resource. This year’s IOFRD spanned over 200 miles, with events at 50 locations and more than 1,000 participants! We thank the 12 municipalities that issued proclamations, our business sponsors, hosting organizations, and everyone who paddled, learned, collected trash, and celebrated with us.
Leaders in Watershed Education
Education is FOTFR’s most powerful tool in watershed protection. By working directly with young people, we’re investing in the health of our community and environment for generations to come. More than half of our annual budget supports educational experiences that connect kids with their local streams — a unique service we’ve provided for over 30 years. This year, we expanded our programming to reach Aurora School District 131 students through a new STEM partnership. From preschoolers to college students, and even adult audiences, we’re thankful for the chance to share these experiences.
Thank You, Friends
We’re grateful for the beauty, recreation, and ecosystem services that the Fox River Watershed provides. And we’re especially grateful for all who support our important work.
Thank you for being a Friend and for your commitment to Fixin’ the Fox. As the season of giving approaches, please consider supporting FOTFR financially. Together, we’re protecting, maintaining, and restoring a healthy Fox River Watershed.
