Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) was founded to save a dying river by empowering the public to take action to care for it as their river. In 30 years, much has changed and conditions are far better, but the work is never done. Challenges change, and so must protection/restoration strategies. Just like at every … Read more
December marks the Christmas season, the onset of winter, and the shortest day of the year. Despite it being “the most wonderful time of the year” according to a favorite holiday song, December provides challenges for those of us who enjoy exploring the outdoors in our Fox River Valley. The cold and sometimes snowy weather … Read more
If hindsight is 20-20, we can see we could have managed a few things differently in the year 2020. Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) executed necessary pivots, operational adaptations, and reassessed goals when they became a moving target. We made only a few mistakes. Since we couldn’t go to the schools, we developed a … Read more
Our 2022 calendar features a selection of the impressive, evocative photos by some of our favorite photographers from past years.
By Jenni Schiavone Giving Tuesday is today It’s the time of year when opportunities to give to benevolent causes are as abundant and noticeable as all of the brightly colored wrapping paper rolls in shop windows. For your contemplation today is this old saying, “You get what you give.” In other words, the cause you … Read more
November is a month of change in the Fox River Valley. The days grow shorter and colder, many of the migratory birds have left or are well into the process of leaving for warmer southern climes, and the growing season (and mosquito season!) have come to an end with the arrival of the Fall’s first … Read more
Many of us in this region have fond memories of our childhood in November. For me, they include big piles of leaves in the yard seemingly created for jumping in, the smell of burning leaves, sitting under giant oak trees listening to the roar of the wind through the canopy, and kicking through knee deep … Read more
By Jenni Schiavone Meet Don Purn, our Featured Friend for this month. Don has spearheaded the Schweitzer Woods Bee Sanctuary, a large native pollinator garden at the Schweitzer Environmental Center, headquarters of the Friends of the Fox River. He has devoted thousands of personal volunteer hours and funds to support it and the human structures … Read more
Sandhill Crane! We’re now entering the time of year when the southbound migration of these magnificent birds is starting to get into full swing. The distinctive, undulating trill of a call that resonates through the autumn skies signals the overflight of another flock of cranes heading toward their southern wintering grounds. New Settlers in Our … Read more
Friends are important components in our lives. They help us in times of need, whether for emotional support or for giving us a hand. Friends are sought to share our joy and join us for fun experiences. Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) was created to help a friend in need – the Fox River. … Read more
