We take environmental action through education.
Our Stream Monitoring Network works with individual citizens, schools, and groups to develop volunteers, the “Watershed Watchdogs.” They monitor the biological and chemical health of the river and its tributaries. We provide training, equipment, in-stream support and compile the data collected by our volunteers. We’ve involved over 30,000 students in water-quality monitoring through the efforts of our Outreach Educators.
We provide data for decisions through research.
We have established over 100 monitoring sites, and work with other watershed groups to collect data. This information can provide decision-makers with the first warning signs of problems and/or long-term trends in water quality. When potential threats to water quality arise, we investigate and work with the appropriate authorities until we are satisfied with their actions to remediate the issue.
Learn about the Fox River and ways to protect it.
- Five Ways You Can Help Protect Water Quality in the Fox River
- Fact Sheet – Dams
- USEPA Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters
- Welcome to Your Watershed How to make your property environmentally friendly
- Welcome to Your Watershed – Fox River Watershed Fox River facts, critical issues & resources
- History of the Clean Water Act
Learn about Illinois State Water Planning
IDNR Chief of Engineering Studies Wes Cattoor, P.E., CFM, provides valuable insights to Illinois state lawmakers into current water planning strategies and discusses future initiatives to ensure sustainable water management in our state. Hosted by Karen Flowers with Friends of the Fox River and the Illinois Division of the Izaak Walton League in partnership with the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District, the webinar concludes with a Q&A session, and provides access to valuable water resources.
