This week when asking a 4th grader what it means to be a friend, Ricky shared that a friend is someone you care about and want to help. That nailed what it is to be a Friend of the Fox River (FOTFR). We are friends by way of advocacy, cleanups, paddle trips and mostly, these spring days, through educating students to build that watershed community of caretakers.
Act Locally
The current dismantling of environmental protections that have given us 50 years of steadily improved water quality is heart-breaking and a bit demoralizing. Michelle, one of our education elders has the signature phrase of, “Do the best you can with what you have when you can.” She credits Teddy Roosevelt with that, but it is our educator’s common theme, especially in these turbulent times. That is a good strategy.
It’s Easy
Some things are easy to do, like removing trash wherever you travel. Every little bit does help and it’s contagious. Improving habitat by installing of native plants is moderately easy and very important for butterflies, bees, birds and bugs who rely on them. Need help with your garden? Go to Start in Your Yard for expert advice and care. It’s not too late to use Mother’s Day or too early for Father’s Day as a planting excuse.
The FOTFR learning continuum is that awareness initiates an understanding that fosters appreciation and leads to action.
What is Your Special Interest?
Consider your Friend status with the watershed. Are you a public land visitor, bike trail user, paddler, photographer, bird enthusiast, flower finder, or a general nature lover? What excites you about the Fox River watershed? Consider sharing with someone you consider a friend, especially if they’re a youngster. A connection to nature is essential for us to protect what we value. There is no pollical divide when it comes to protecting water quality. Let’s build upon that. Let’s unite and celebrate what we care so much about.
Advocating
FOTFR will continue to work as an advocate for our watershed and share ways that you can help us let elected officials hear your voice. Our line of “Together we keep on fixin’ the Fox” relies on the collective efforts with our partners and Friends like you. Collectively, we are a force.
Get Started
Think about what you can do to strengthen your Friend status as an individual. Reduce consumptive habits like using plastic bottles and chemicals in our home spaces and increase alternatives like reusable bags and water bottles. And continue and share those special things that help you value our wonderful watershed. It is a terrific season to enjoy nature’s abundance; flowers blooming, instant greening, and warmer conditions. Be the best Friend you can, when you can.
Volunteers Needed Now
Saturday May 17th – Batavia shoreline cleanup click for more info
Saturday May 24th – Planting at Carpenter Dam site – contact us for details
Sunday June 22nd – EL CARDUNAL click to register
Maintenance at the Schweitzer Environmental Center – contact us for details
Explorer Camp for Kids – June 9- 13, June 16-20, June 23-27 – click on the dates to register
Contact us at info@FOTFR.org or call 815 356 6605 to find more ways to be a better Friend.