Friends of the Fox River

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Friends of the Fox River Preserve, restore, and protect the Fox River Watershed's resources by connecting people with nature. Get Involved

Make a difference in the Fox River watershed.

What We Do

* We advocate the adoption of practices by individuals and governments that will best protect and enhance the quality of the watershed.
* We advocate for the river when policies that effect the health of the watershed are debated.
* We educate citizens about river issues through our publications and events.
* We train citizens, teachers, and youth group leaders to monitor the health of the Fox River and its tributaries.

* We use the stream data collected by our Monitoring Network volunteers to keep a watchful eye on water quality trends and take action when appropriate.
* We organize Fox Rescue cleanup events each May and September where thousands of pounds of trash are removed from the shores and waters of the river by volunteers throughout the Fox River Valley.
* We organize river habitat improvement projects.
* We participate in the Fox River Study Group, a diverse coalition of river stakeholders working to improve the current water quality of the river and to prevent future problems. Friends of the Fox River cannot achieve its mission without the participation of concerned citizens like you. Your Friendship will help to maintain our existing programs and assist us in expanding our work in the watershed. There are many ways to be a Friend of the Fox River. Whether you participate in a river cleanup, attend Friends of the Fox River events, or give a donation, you are helping to protect the Fox River and its tributaries. In return, we will provide you with educational events, newsletters, volunteer opportunities, and reports of our activities on behalf of the Fox River. Together we can create the culture of stewardship needed to protect the Fox River now and for future generations. If you have questions about the Friends of the Fox River, please contact us at 815.356.6605.

11/02/2026

Looks like we didn’t put away the Halloween creepy critters yet! Macro Monday this week is highlighting a Corydalidae larva from the order Megaloptera. Also known as hellgrammites, dobsonflies, or fishflies, their large chewing mouthparts and lateral filaments make them exciting specimens for students to find during our stream experiences. Typically found in swiftly moving streams with fairly good water quality, they are an important indicator that we would like to see more of!

"Rivers have a way of teaching patience. They carve through stone not by force, but by persistence."Photo Credit: Martin...
11/01/2026

"Rivers have a way of teaching patience. They carve through stone not by force, but by persistence."

Photo Credit: Martin Gawne

Happy Halloween! Still looking for a spooky costume? It doesn’t get scarier than some of these stormwater inspired costu...
10/31/2026

Happy Halloween! Still looking for a spooky costume? It doesn’t get scarier than some of these stormwater inspired costumes. Stormwater debris blocking drains and culverts, rampant erosion, floating and single use debris, and creative but maybe poorly implemented streambank stabilization. Ahhhh! Check out these ideas from Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District: https://www.neorsd.org/list-top-4-h2olloween-costume-ideas-2/

Pioneer Cemeteries are Full of LifeThis Sunday at 1:00 pm, the inimitable conservationist, teacher, and botanist Jack Sh...
10/30/2026

Pioneer Cemeteries are Full of Life
This Sunday at 1:00 pm, the inimitable conservationist, teacher, and botanist Jack Shouba is coming to Schweitzer Environmental Center in West Dundee. An entertaining storyteller, Jack will share his photography and knowledge of the cultural, scientific, and ecological aspects of cemeteries as special remnants of our original Illinois landscape. Friends of Dundee Natural Areas is hosting this free event; please register to save your spot: Call 312-307-6146

10/30/2026
After attending "HOW Coalition Briefing: Conversation on the Impact of Permit Reform on the Clean Water Act"  today, I a...
10/30/2026

After attending "HOW Coalition Briefing: Conversation on the Impact of Permit Reform on the Clean Water Act" today, I am NOT optimistic.

I was shocked to learn about the very extensive overhaul that has already been made to the Clean Water Act. Removing checks & balances, weakening regulations, stream-lining permitting processes to bypass standards like Environmental Impact Statements, disregard for Native territory protections, obstacles to clean energy initiatives, and so much more.

50 years of progress is being dismantled rapidly, and reconstruction will be a very steep uphill battle. Please VOTE!!!!!

Today is the Fox River Study Group’s Annual meeting. 9:30 – noon.This is the group that has been investigating for 24 ye...
10/29/2026

Today is the Fox River Study Group’s Annual meeting. 9:30 – noon.
This is the group that has been investigating for 24 years the water quality conditions of the Fox River from Algonquin to Yorkville.
You can attend virtually at this address or see the recording on their website

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83103087642?pwd=3qo1Ot2kyrFFCt634OwC4G3XOjGhCI.1

This year’s program:
-Fox River Study Group – Year in Review Rob Linke, Fox River Study Group
-Carpenter Dam Pre/Post WQ Monitoring Results Len Dane, Hey & Associates
-Carpenter Dam Region Pre/Post Mussel Surveys Alison Stodola, Illinois Natural History Survey
-Carpenter Dam Before & After From the Air Art Malm, Friends of the Fox River
-Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail Access Karen Miller, Kane County

Leaves in the street + rain in the forecast = phosphorus pollution.Please leave your leaves on the yard/parkway until th...
10/28/2026

Leaves in the street + rain in the forecast = phosphorus pollution.
Please leave your leaves on the yard/parkway until the morning of scheduled collection for your part of town.
The leaves can act as tea bags pouring dissolved nutrients down the drains.
Research shows that 50% of watershed phosphorous comes from urban stormwater, primarily in October and November.
Please be a good friend and help

Address

16N690 Sleepy Hollow Road
West Dundee, IL
60118

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