For 25 years, Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) has relied upon a 15-passenger van for several facets of our operations. It has carried many students to participate in various events. It has been the workhorse for hauling equipment for restoration activities and has been essential for our canoe trips. Last year, the second-generation van … Read more
Human-generated chaos vibrates through our world every day now. It seems inescapable and crosses global stages and our neighborhoods. I even feel it in increasing grocery prices. Now it has become an escalating issue of humanity. How can we achieve some calm amidst these storms? Getting grounded may provide some helpful medicine. Underneath and Unseen … Read more
Often, we discover something that was a mainstream behavior that should be discontinued. This can be based upon research that drives legislation, like the banning of DDT that helped Bald Eagles recover from decline, and the reduction in CFC use and the recovery of the ozone layer. Sometimes it is also based upon a change in personal responsibility … Read more
As I write this, the leaves are slowly drifting down from the trees and the sun is shining at a different angle than it was a month ago. The seasonal shift is readily apparent; the wheel of the year is turning. In our busy lives, sometimes it can seem like we’re on a never ending … Read more
but a very real and very neat raptor! In my outdoor outings in our beautiful Fox River watershed, I occasionally come across a common, but not commonly seen, little falcon along the Fox River: the Merlin. The Merlin did not get its name from the magician of King Arthur’s court or the wizard of Harry … Read more
Kayak Raffle The annual Canoe Raffle has again been a solid fundraiser for Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR). In the past, with generous donations, FOTFR has presented premier canoes for the benefit. Kayaks are clearly more popular than canoes these days, so this year we shifted to offer a pair of lightly-used kayaks. We … Read more
In our watershed, climatic seasons drive activity for plants and animals, including humans. Currently, the prairies are in their colorful glory, and the birds and restoration folks are out collecting seeds. In the woodlands, you can hear dropping nuts – possible future saplings but more often future means for the animals that store them. The … Read more
To be a River Hero, vote for us to receive the Rivers are Life World Rivers Day Impact Award! Click here to vote for Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) in the Rivers are Life Impact Contest. The award winner receives shareable swag plus a $1000 donation that will go directly towards our collective work as … Read more
Meteorological fall is upon us here in the Fox River Valley, and so is migration season. Many warblers and other birds have already started on their way to warmer southern climes and are currently in our area. So, too is the migration of one of the more beautiful and interesting insects in our area: the … Read more
Ways to be a better Friend are numerous. Here are three that are time sensitive: Double Win – The kayak raffle winner will be drawn the evening of Thursday September 24th at Scorched Earth Brewery in Algonquin. Join us there, but you can’t win without a ticket. It’s a double win opportunity; your winning ticket gets you … Read more
