Back to school? Check. End of summer and Labor Day? Check. And now it’s time to make your plans for the largest watershed-wide celebration. It’s Our Fox River Day (IOFRD) is a unique opportunity for our partners and their people to collectively demonstrate gratitude for the resources of our Fox River Watershed. The venue is the whole 200-mile length from the head waters in Wisconsin to mouth into the Illinois River at Ottawa, Illinois. Born as a multi- community cleanup, it has developed into a very diverse collaboration. How will you join this year?
Dive-in
Go to FOTFR.org and click the IOFRD tab or click HERE
The drop down is full of resources, but the first choice is the place to start. Check out the interactive map. Click the full screen option (top right) to improve navigation. You will find a watershed map with clickable event icons. That click will offer the event’s details. Below the map, are charts where you can search by geographical (north to south) location, alphabetical, and chronological presentation.
Power in Partnerships
Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is the central organizer, but IOFRD is a circus with many different acts, in many different locations, and with some pre and post-date opportunities. There are currently three pre-9/19 pre-season opportunities and a few after-party events too. The list will continue to grow, so stay tuned! FOTFR handles support on several levels, but our partners offer the actual opportunities for you. FOTFR is grateful for these partnerships that are essential for the IOFRD success. Our big sister, The Conservation Foundation has taken the lead on four Wandering with Wonder locations on the following Sunday, and three community cleanups with support from local organizations. It is a wonderful demonstration of the wide variety of Fox River interests coming together to rally around our river.
Proclamations
There are a growing number of municipalities that have adopted a proclamation recognizing the third Saturday of September as IOFRD. You can view these on the website’s IOFRD map with an additional click. This is far more than a council meeting formality. It is a very visual demonstration of the unity we share through the river that threads through many downtowns and towns located on some tributaries. We all live downstream is a literal and figurative statement here. Thank you to the many communities for your proclamation. A FOTFR representative will be present at most of the council meetings where the proclamation will be presented. This is how we build a watershed of caretakers.
Some Garnish on Cleanups
The root of IOFRD is shoreline cleanups. These are easy and impactful and plenty of. these await your involvement. Some new and especially noteworthy experiences are offering new focuses:
- In Richmond, a youth hunting experience.
- In Elgin, probably the weirdest cleanup in the watershed will be happening in the afternoon, hosted by Sobby the Sad Clown. Participants are encouraged to dress up in a costume. It is guaranteed that you will not be alone. All participants will receive a clown nose.
- In North Aurora, another cleanup brings a special twist. The pre-cleanup portion will be an ALL FAITHS gathering and discussion – recognizing our collective connections to the environment.
- Family-friendly science awaits you in Batavia
- River scene painting is available at the Elgin History Museum.
Now It Is Your Turn
Start with visiting the map.
Look for existing events that may work for you. Share your interest with your social circles. Register with many of the events. Maybe you’ll be inspired to host your own event.
What is Your passion?
Consider how you enjoy the river, and plan to share it with others. Fishing, boating, bird watching, scavenger hunting, a neighborhood cleanup (storm drain clearing), native plant installations, pollinator chasing, photography or other art forms, and whatever you are into. Get you and/or your group “on the map.” Host an event.
Join Us
FOTFR is in the business of giving the Fox River a “voice.” That voice comes from the over one million residents who impact it every day. Let’s use IOFRD to make a positive impact to solidify and demonstrate our appreciation. Sign up for something and join the fun of river protection and restoration.
