As meteorological fall is upon us here in the Fox River Valley and so is migration season. Many warblers and other birds have already started on their way to warmer southern climes and are currently in our area. So, too is the migration of one of the more beautiful and interesting insects in our area: … Read more
Ways to be a better Friend are numerous. Here are three that are time sensitive: Double Win – The kayak raffle winner will be drawn the evening of Thursday September 24th at Scorched Earth Brewery in Algonquin. Join us there, but you can’t win without a ticket. It’s a double win opportunity; your winning ticket gets you … Read more
Last month, I addressed how Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is reacting to the current crisis. It is challenging to remain calm with daily news reports of military actions escalating in the US and around the world and possibly in a nearby city. In addition, we live in economic turbulence and uncertainty resulting from … Read more
By Alison Douglas Professor of English/ Director of College Readiness Elgin Community College Writer, Editor, Friends of the Fox River Several years ago, a friend asked me to go kayaking with her. I put her off. “I’m really busy right now… I don’t know how to kayak … I’m really not a water person…” I … Read more
As the “dog days” of a long, hot summer settle upon us, my hikes in the woods and prairies of our local preserves take on a slightly different emphasis. The season for birds migrating through our area to the north is long past and the start of their return south is still a few weeks … Read more
Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is just as the name implies, a group of like-minded people. It was founded to empower people to act in advocacy for the Fox River and it resources. We are a collaborative and each of us contributes as we are able. Our annual event No Clean Water No Good … Read more
The mission of the Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is to preserve, restore, and protect the Fox River’s resources by connecting people with nature through education, research, and advocacy. But today, those values are under attack. Fifty-five years of federal-level environmental protection from the Clean Water Act has resulted in consistent and widespread water … Read more
Few things are more satisfying than getting together with a group of like-minded folks and establishing a new tradition. Recently, Friends of the Fox River did exactly that with an enormous circle of river-loving Friends joining together to showcase the Fox River as a magnificent paddling destination. A new annual tradition kicked off June 22, … Read more
As we enter early July and the heart of the summer season, the restored prairies in our Fox River watershed are ablaze with colorful flowering plants. The Wild Bergamot, Coneflowers of many types, Common Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, and other beautiful plants are near their peak bloom. The profusion of these beautiful flowers also has led … Read more
Friends If you appreciate the Fox River, you are a friend of others who do too. Let’s work to focus more on our common ground and respect our personal differences. As an example, paddlers and power boaters often see themselves as different. At Voyageur Landing on the fourth of July this was dispelled. Paddler and … Read more