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
by Tom Schrader September marks the end of both astronomical and meteorological summer and the beginning of fall here in the Northern Hemisphere. The days get shorter, the nights get a little cooler, and in our fields and prairies of the Fox River Valley area, September also marks the beginning of the breeding season for … Read more
By Gary Swick, President Who doesn’t like to attend a party? We picked the date for you: Saturday, September 18th. You pick the venue, who is invited, and how to celebrate It’s Our Fox River Day. As conditions continue to change, please follow CDC guidance. Much to Celebrate The residents of the Fox River watershed … Read more
The valuable hands-on outdoor education experience Friends of the Fox River educators had a busy summer partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township for “Outdoor Explorers”, an outdoor education enrichment program as part of the agency’s summer camp. FOTFR provided hundreds of learning experiences in the local environment: on school campuses, at … Read more
By Jenni Schiavone, Friends of the Fox River Lead Educator Batavia residents and Friends of the Fox River members Maureen and Larry Huey recently took a giant leap. These passionate and active environmentalists invested in the conversion of their entire Fox River waterfront property from mowed turf to native plants. Maureen and Larry’s inspiration came from … Read more
What is a “Friend? My research yielded, “Someone who is a true friend stands up for you. When others try to hurt you emotionally or physically, they do everything they can to make sure you stay safe…
It’s July and with COVID easing, summer festival season is here! Many municipalities up and down the Fox River Valley have celebrated Independence Day and the beginning of the summer season with public events centered around good music and refreshing food and drink. However, the musical blues aren’t what I’m referring to in the title … Read more