As many prepare for the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, we may wonder how our Fox River Valley developed from a wild land up to July 4th, 1776 and the next 250 years to today. Backstory As the climate warmed, the melting glaciers receded to form our watershed’s current landscape. 17,000 years … Read more
Possibly and probably the most important single act of being a better Friend to the Fox River is to introduce an oak tree to the watershed. No Joke, Get Your Free Oak April Fool’s Day has passed so it’s not an April Fool’s joke. No joke, these oaks are FREE. Friends of the Fox River is offering … Read more
In the News With some exceptions, it is usually not good when your river is part of a network news story. I recall images of whole houses and vehicles floating down the Mississippi River during my adult life. 100-year floods had occurred twice in a decade. The Fox River’s recent flood crested on 4/23, but … Read more
I was 15 years old in 1968. Our country was unifying from an active Civil Rights movement and opposition to an unpopular Vietnam War. President Nixon and federal representatives were feeling the pressure. I was thrilled by the excitement of public demonstrations although the Democratic Convention in Chicago did frighten me. But what I was … Read more
We Midwesterners like to talk about the weather. Often there’s a complaint attached: it’s too: hot, cold, humid, dry, windy, or cloudy. June and September seem to be the only two months we like. Add to that, the real psychological impacts of the darkness of winter and it’s no wonder we’re so hardy. In the … Read more
The Fox River is not just another common midwestern river. Its distinct origin of dynamic glacial action over 300,000 years gives it a diversity of uncommon habitats, especially its wetland and prairie complexes. Along with that comes the incredible diversity of flora and fauna. It is a very special watershed. As demonstrated in the article, … Read more
Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is over 35 years old, but still vigorously growing. We invite you to join us for some new experiences this year. At last month’s planning retreat, FOTFR leadership made a commitment toward organizational growth, which will include several changes. Board meetings were changed to every other month to allow … Read more
Over one million people live, work, and play in the Fox River Watershed. The impacts of the continual growth in population and associated land uses have a well-documented effect upon local water quality and quantity. Preservation, protection, and restoration of the natural resources is essential. Thanks to policy, legislation, and the work of many, we … Read more
2025 began with concern over federal-level assaults on environmental protections. Although those assaults have resulted in program funding and staffing cuts, we have worked locally to stay positive and productive. If you read my last article on 12/3, you may recall that I reported that Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) maintained all our regular … Read more
