Order our 2025 calendar HERE. Most of the photos in this article are from our calendar.

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.

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.

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 bounty of work, wisdom, and wealth to ensure the mission is implemented. 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!

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, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, and several more.  We are thankful for the collaboration of many groups.

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.

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.

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! A huge celebration was made by Burlington, Wisconsin, including four events and a proclamation! We thank all 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

FOTFR knows that education is the most effective tool in watershed protection. Working directly with youth helps ensure improved community and environmental health for the future. This is a niche that FOTFR has filled for over 30 years and it is more important now than ever before. More than half of our annual budget is dedicated to watershed education experiences. Getting kids into their local streams is our unique service. This year, the students ranged from Polish-speaking preschoolers to McHenry County College field biology students. This year we offered summer camp and have expanded our after-school programming into the Aurora School District 131 through a new STEM education partnership. Our educators will tell you that they are thankful for these opportunities. The students and staff are always enthusiastic in thanking us for the experiences. The same goes for adult audiences at meetings or canoeing.

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. We’re sorry for any unintentional omissions.

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.

Order our 2025 calendar HERE.
Most of the photos in this article are from the calendar.