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 … Read more
Meet the Tiny Ancient Life That Made the Air We Breathe If you’ve ever peered into a pond and seen a greenish tinge in the water, you’ve probably met cyanobacteria. They don’t look like much. But these little organisms have a résumé that would make any living thing jealous, and understanding who they are is … Read more
People bring many things to the river when they experience it. Some remember picnics and walks with loved ones. Some stand in awe of the sheer majesty of water. For many, they bring their faith, seeing a connection to God and Divine handiwork within the rolling waters. This faith expression varies, but we can … Read more
Lake County, Illinois earned its name by having more lakes than any other county in the state. Yet beneath that natural abundance lies a troubling reality: more than 70% of Lake County’s 173 lakes are impaired by nutrient pollution, far above the national average of 50%. Lakes often feel like “orphans”—beautiful, longstanding features of the … Read more
Developing a relationship is fundamental to being a better Friend, so this month, beat the heat and get connected to the river and its tributaries.The opportunities for wow and wonder await. Rusty Rodeo is Canceled Based on recent rain and high water flow it’s not a safe situation for families. Take Some Medicine Research demonstrates the … Read more
According to my research, a friend is a person you know well, like, and trust, usually someone outside your family who offers mutual support and affection. As a Friend of the Fox, we hope you will join us for our annual No Clean Water, No Good Beer (NCWNGB). NCWNGB is our opportunity to blend the staff that … Read more
A Follow-up from Last Month’s Reflections Column In last month’s column, I wrote about the plight of one of the peregrine falcon hatchlings from the downtown Aurora nest whose initial flight ended in near disaster in the Fox River. The little falcon, subsequently named Hope, was rescued from the river through the coordinated efforts of a number of people … Read more
My husband and I moved to Kane County because of the Fox River. We wanted to live near this vibrant living being. This summer when my grandson spent a week at a Kane County Forest Preserve Camp that met in Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, I stayed every day while he was at camp. So … Read more
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
When the Carpenter Dam was removed in late 2024, it was a dream come true for river restoration advocates. It opened-up the longest free flowing stretch of the Fox River in Kane County. This was also great news for anglers and paddlers. We celebrated the event with our ribbon-tying ceremony with the Village of Carpentersville, … Read more