FREE! Join us for this annual tradition at North Aurora Island Park. There are underwater varmints in our local streams and rivers!

This is an “in the river” experience with a scientific purpose. Rusty Crawfish are a recent inhabitant of streams in the Fox River Watershed. They are native to Ohio, but in our watershed, they are out competing the native species, nearly 1000 to one.

Round up and remove a notorious aquatic invader of Illinois waterways – the Rusty Crayfish! Dress for the weather and plan to get wet and muddy. Wear waterproof shoes or boots. Tools and info provided. Families are encouraged to bring their own nets and buckets.

Awards for most crayfish, biggest crayfish and more! Drop-ins welcome. Scientists will be on hand to answer your questions. Prizes will be awarded for some categories, but more important, this is a critical activity to provide data and remove an invasive species from disrupting the ecological balance in the watershed.