Community Events

Friends of the Fox River business partner NK Wild Ones features 128 species of native plants as well as trees and shrubs for sale at affordable prices. Plant experts are on hand to help with guidance and recommendations. The public is invited to this free event.

Join Jennifer Grommes and her crew for on-the-river monthly cleanups from May through October. All ages are welcome to attend (children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult). Call for info, life jackets, kayaks or canoes.

Join the fun as Crystal Lake residents Lyn Campbell and Carl Endstrom share their path to a (mostly) solar-powered lifestyle, and what they have learned about the pros and cons of each component along the way. Green Drinks is sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen. Join EDMC at ... Read more

Hear Don Wilkin and young friends who are doing regenerative farming locally. Regenerative agriculture is one of the solutions to climate change listed in Drawdown, by Paul Hawken, as the #11 solution to the climate crisis.  As we garden 'regeneratively' we drawdown carbon from the air and put it into the soil.And carbon is FERTILIZER! ... Read more

This week is National Pollinator week and Saturday is BeeBlitz!   Nature lovers, Apidophiles (bee lovers) and concerned citizens are invited to get outside from 8 - 11 AM, take an accompanied walk through the State Nature Preserve with Kane County Board Member and hobby Entomologist, Chris Kious, snap pictures of honey & bumble bees ... Read more

Friends of the Fox River Welcomes You! Join the fun overlooking the Fox River valley at Schweitzer Environmental Center. Spread your blanket or bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show - fireworks will be visible all over the valley starting at sunset! Due to the unsure weather, we've cancelled the fundraiser food portion  - ... Read more

An experienced canoe guide will lead the trip. Our route is from Cornish Park in Algonquin and float/paddle 3.5 miles down to the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve Boat Ramp near Carpentersville. Cornish Park is located at the north end of La Fox River Drive on the west bank of the river in Algonquin just ... Read more

River Trip #3 Carpentersville Dam to Voyageur’s Landing, Elgin – 3.85 miles This trip begins just downstream of the Carpentersville Dam.  We’ll paddle through the pleasant urban corridor of Carpentersville and East and West Dundee. For the last mile or so of the trip the river broadens out as it begins to pool above the ... Read more

River Trip #4 Carpentersville Dam to Voyageur’s Landing, Elgin – 3.85 miles This trip begins just downstream of the Carpentersville Dam.  We’ll paddle through the pleasant urban corridor of Carpentersville and East and West Dundee. For the last mile or so of the trip the river broadens out as it begins to pool above the ... Read more

The Prairie State Canoeists (PSC) and Water Trail Keepers plan a clean-up along the banks of the Fox River on Saturday, August 3, 2019. They are seeking volunteers to help clean up the Montgomery and Oswego riverfront. They will collect trash out of the river and off the shorelines. The clean-up will take place along ... Read more

Friends of the Fox River's water quality monitoring efforts play an important role in protecting stream health. Join other teachers and citizens to gain the skills necessary to conduct chemical, physical and biological assessments in local Fox River tributaries. Our training's will help to create a community of schools, teachers, and citizens with the confidence ... Read more

Friends of the Fox River's water quality monitoring efforts play an important role in protecting stream health. Join other teachers and citizens to gain the skills necessary to conduct chemical, physical and biological assessments in local Fox River tributaries. Our trainings will help to create a community of schools, teachers, and citizens with the confidence and ... Read more

Local nature photographer Bill Bailey teaches ages 15 and up how to take pictures of flora and fauna. Bring your digital camera! Learn about composition, exposure and use of lenses. Stick around after class to shoot photos on the nature center's beautiful 67 acres. Resident fee is $10, non-residents $12 Register online at www.cityofElgin.org Click ... Read more

Here's a wonderful tool that's easy to use - perfect for your club, group, troop, class, or organization. Learn to use it and show people of all ages how dirt, chemicals, etc. can easily get into our river. Learn more about the EnviroScape -- an interactive model that demonstrates how land use impacts water quality ... Read more

Join the Fox River Clean-Up Crew for another season of fun on the river while improving your community, the environment, and the world in general. All ages welcome to attend (adult with children under 15), please contact Jennifer if you will need a kayak/canoe or lifejackets. Pizza available after all events Jennifer Grommes 630-715-6001 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1658969984323327

This annual event, founded by Mavis Bates, focuses on the environment and features local and organic foods, recycling presentations, music, animals and more.