Gary Swick

Thank YOU for 2022

We know it is Giving Tuesday for most groups, but Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is thanking YOU for contributing to a big year of accomplishments. We had a prosperous year of improving what we do and attempting some new approaches to achieving our mission. Improved – The Big Event What began as a … Read more

How to Be a Better Friend

Barry Commoner’s 3rd Law of Ecology is that Nature Knows Best.  When humans alter or try to improve natural systems, problems are likely. During the days of autumn, nature is preparing for winter by conserving chlorophyll and storing the green for use in the spring. Colorful leaves fall from branches and cover the ground. In … Read more

Make Choices, Vote

Our lives are full of choices. Two things that we had no control over: who our parents are and where we were born. Those two factors are very significant in determining our future. Often, we can overcome cultural and geographic obstacles and forge a life for ourselves where we are primarily in control of our … Read more

Be a Better Friend Remember: Nature Knows Best

Where we live, the Fox River Watershed has been ecologically evolving since the last glacier’s recession 12,000 years ago. The plant and animal species that moved into the region are many times older than that. Our ecosystem had been pretty stable until human settlement 200 years ago. At that point, humans changed the landscape by … Read more

Fall on the Fox River is a Fabulous Time

Largest Watershed Event It’s Our Fox River Day ’22 was a conclusion to the busy summer season. So many folks representing the entire watershed came together to celebrate OUR Fox River. Over 1000 watershed residents, attended one of over 50 events spanning the entire 200 miles of the Fox River. Event data and photos are … Read more

It’s Our Fox River Day 2022 Makes History

It’s Our Fox River Day 2022 was the largest Fox River watershed celebration event in history! With over 50 different event locations covering the full length from Waukesha, Wisconsin to Ottawa, Illinois, Friends of the Fox River reached its goal of demonstrating the collaboration of caretaking and offering thanks to the Fox River over its … Read more

Who is Telling the Fox River Story?

Alternative Facts We are in an era of emotional opinions about controversial issues that are often fueled by fear and misinformation. It is important to base our opinions upon reality. So where do we go to gather creditable information? One reliable source can be from historical records. Another can be through analyzing scientifically-generated data. In … Read more

It’s Our Fox River Day

Join Friends of the Fox River and over 1000 Friends on September 17, 2022 for the largest watershed-wide celebration of the year! Thinking Like a Watershed To protect and restore a watershed, we must think like a watershed. It’s Our Fox River Day (IOFRD) is a public demonstration of that concept. Managing a resource that … Read more

Wow! What a Week for
Friends of the Fox River Volunteers

Three events kept us hopping and there’s more to come in August! Rusty RodeoSaturday 8/6 was the Fox River Rusty Rodeo. Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) volunteers joined staff from our partners Kane County Forest Preserve District, Fox Valley Park District, St. Charles Park District, Center for Great Lakes Literacy, and Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana … Read more

 Join Us for Some Playful Work

There is a saying that I have lived by, “Work hard, play hard.” My life’s path has given me the opportunity to follow my passion and blend personal and professional pursuits. Our Friendsof the Fox River (FOTFR) team works hard at building a watershed of caretakers in many ways. It is that time of year to … Read more