Projects and many animals both begin their life in an egg stage. A vision for the future.
In the confines of that egg both develop and take shape for later success. The next stage
in the cycle is as a larvae or nymph with aggressive feeding and growth. Then one day, an adult emerges to realize the vision.

On Sunday June 22nd, an “adult” emerged as the vision came to fruition. Nearly 100 people paddled six miles. Paddling this far without having to portage a dam demonstrated the recreational and potential economic development in the Algonquin, Carpentersville, Dundee corridor now known as EL CARDUNAL (ELC).

This vision began over 10 years ago as a planning process guided by the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Commission (CMAP) with support from several state and federal agencies. After much collaboration from various organizations, individuals, and municipal representatives, a plan was developed. The Fox River Corridor Plan called for collaboration to provide a connected, recreation-
al, natural, clean and vibrant river for public enjoyment. Click here for the plan.

It Took a Team

The first annual ELC on June 22, 2025 was led by two FOTFR board members, and was supported by FOTFR staff, a team of organizational partners, staff from all three villages, and many other volunteers, with the support of sponsors/donors. On the day of the event, volunteers staffed the multitude of logistical operations involving registration, traffic, unloading, shuttling participants on buses, launching, safety on the water (Prairie State Canoeists), landing, and loading boats onto vehicles. Public works, Police, and Fire Departments were all present and active on land and in the river to ensure a safe experience.

Pivoting

During the planning, we were concerned about one uncontrollable variable: the weather. The mid-June date was selected for its normally pleasant conditions, but potential for high water/river closing and thunderstorms were a concern. Just days prior to the event, the forecast of dangerous heat conditions emerged. This initiated advice from the fire districts, and additional tactics to be implemented during the event. Providing a misting tent, electrolytes for every participant (donated by Reyes Coca-Cola), additional water stations en route, a stop for medical evaluation by EMTs, and the repeated encouragement to initiate self-care. The high winds that often come with a hot front were a paddling challenge but also provided a cooling effect. Some of those who registered declined due to the weather, but still earned their t-shirt and swag bag. Everyone made it through without any lasting negative impacts.

Event Intent

ELC is a celebration. It comes from the Friends of the Fox River mission to “connect people to nature” to foster the relationship that helps build a watershed community of caretakers. To care for a watershed requires a collaboration of that magnitude. Though ELC is just a 6-mile section in a 200-mile-long watershed, it’s a model for the entire river corridor. Connecting municipalities as one river community, demonstrating the recreational and economic development potential, and enjoying the beautiful resource that the river provides were key components of ELC.

Parade of People

Just as the July 4th parades honor our independence and freedoms in a collaborative (non-partisan) fashion, so did ELC. Gathered in one location excitedly awaiting the launch were all types of people in all types of boats. Thanks to Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak, for providing a rental option. The group included individuals, groups, and combos of daddy/daughter, father/son, couples, brothers, buddies, families with kids and dogs, and fishers. FOTFR meets people where they are, and on 6/22 this was a wonderful display of the diverse paddling community.

Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail

Two years ago, 180 miles of the Fox River received the National Park Service designation. It was focused upon improving the paddling experience throughout the watershed community. Just an egg – a vision for the future – in the 2015 plan, and with many steps in between, ELC was as magnificent as an emerging dragonfly: a vision realized. A bit of river magic.

Big Impact

Having such a large group gather to collaboratively celebrate ELC was a wonderful demonstration of the significance. FOTFR has been preparing for this opportunity for 30 years. ELC was our largest investment in any individual event. The 10-year-old plan is now being realized. Thank you to individual volunteers, partner organizations, the three villages, and donors/sponsors who made it happen. A report that lists ELC statistics, recognitions of gratitude, and event details will be available soon on our website and in print. Debriefing is already in progress and will have a formal system. Many options for 2026 will be on the table. If you would like to express your opinion, you can offer that as an email HERE