Looking for a Few (thousand) Good Friends
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…
“Blues” Along the Fox
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
Time For Some Cleansing and Renewal
By Gary Swick, President Water is dynamic, changing its state (from liquid to gas) as it passes through the water cycle, allowing some of its ills to be healed. Cleansing occurs as impurities are removed through the processes of evaporation and infiltration. Further cleansing comes through biological systems like plants and mussels. A common phrase … Read more
Fishing Can Sometimes Be “For the Birds”
Whether I’m fishing or hiking, I always keep my eyes open for wildlife either in the woods or along the river. I fish the Fox from a small boat which provides me a comfortable and stable platform for both my fishing and photographic pursuits. Showdown at the Rock Bar I anchored in a spot not … Read more
It’s June and Time to Play Outside
The Fox River has abundant outdoor play areas. Thanks to visionaries in land preservation and tax dollar support, public open spaces are locally plentiful.
Mothers in the Wild
By Tom Schrader I know Mother’s Day had been a day of work and celebration for Friends of the Fox River (FOFR) for several years and, in honor of that, I’ve decided that the theme of this column will be focused on a devoted mother of the forest that I have come to know: a … Read more
2021 Canoe Raffle
Friends of the Fox River is raffling off this beautiful Old Town Camper canoe with 2 matching paddles and lifejackets to raise funds to support a year round environmental education program for schools and the general public.
Reflections on the Fox
By Tom SchraderLifelong Fisherman and Past Friends of the Fox River President Hello fellow citizens of the Fox River watershed! I have lived in the southern part of our watershed (near Aurora) for my entire 60 years here on Earth. I have always loved nature, particularly the water, and the plants and animals that live … Read more
Finding Our Way in a Changing Landscape
By Gary Swick, FOFR President Returning to familiar but different landscapes is commonplace for life in the natural world. Most bird species migrate in the fall; their return in the spring is both an investment in what was there last fall and a gamble that what is needed for survival will still be accessible. The … Read more
Meet Your Morning Cloak Neighbors
By Jack MacRae The perennial winner for the Longest Life Span Award in the North American Butterfly Category is our old friend the mourning cloak. This is one of the few local butterflies that hibernates as an adult. They have a sweet trick that extends their life span to an impressive 11 months! Sweet, Deep … Read more