Friends of the Fox River

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.

Last year, 14 student "River Ambassadors" were chosen from Johnsburg Junior High to celebrate It's Our Fox River Day dur...
09/04/2026

Last year, 14 student "River Ambassadors" were chosen from Johnsburg Junior High to celebrate It's Our Fox River Day during the school day. The students offered their services to clean up the Fox by picking up litter as they took a two-hour kayak paddle on the river led by their science teachers, Mrs. Hiller, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Reinhard. (photo by Andy Reinhard).
This year, you will find cleanups and other fun events to celebrate the river like Printmaking with Fish, Bow Wow and Bagels, and a Clown Cleanup (being added today along with 5 other new events) so check it out and find an event near you.
https://friendsofthefoxriver.org/its-our-fox-river-day-2/

This human-made pond looks like you could walk across it. The artistic aeration system is getting some chemical assistan...
09/03/2026

This human-made pond looks like you could walk across it. The artistic aeration system is getting some chemical assistance.
Do you know what you don't know about algae?
Subscribe to the FOTFR Watershed Weekly at FOTFR.org - Botton middle of the home page. Articles are light, educational and entertaining.
Today's blog by a new guest contributor, Gloria. https://friendsofthefoxriver.org/blog/

09/02/2026

We are excited to introduce you to Wandering with Wonder!

What is Wandering with Wonder? It is a wellness experience that helps you notice nature’s rhythms and connect to the place you are in through your senses. We have produced a series of self-paced prompts inspired by the practice of forest therapy that you can use anywhere in nature, or you can visit one of our four locations with guided signage.

View the guide here: https://theconservationfoundation.org/nature-rx/wandering-with-wonder/

You can also find guided signage at the following locations:
-Hampshire Forest Preserve (Hampshire)
-Hawthorne Hill Nature Center (Elgin)
-Delnor Woods Park (St. Charles)
-Oakhurst Forest Preserve (Aurora)

Wandering with Wonder was created in partnership with the Kane Nature Rx Coalition: The Conservation Foundation, Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Alzheimer's Association, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles Park District, Midwest Forest Bathing LLC, Kane County Health Department, Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center, Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources, Friends of the Fox River, and Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter.

Did you know some of our avian watershed summer residents are already beginning their journey south? Fall migration has ...
08/29/2026

Did you know some of our avian watershed summer residents are already beginning their journey south? Fall migration has begun and rivers and stream side habitat are important stopover locations on these long travels. Birdcast.org has amazing forecast tools and a regional dashboard to show the number of birds passing through on a given night. Check it out and consider turning out or dimming outdoor lights at night to aid their journey.
https://dashboard.birdcast.org/region/US-IL-089

Explore nightly migration data in your region

FOTFR and its partners are organizing events that include celebrations along the entire Fox River such as clean-ups, res...
08/28/2026

FOTFR and its partners are organizing events that include celebrations along the entire Fox River such as clean-ups, restoration activities, educational activities, and more! Find an event near you, and join in the celebration of our beloved river. https://friendsofthefoxriver.org/its-our-fox-river-day

(Dundee) Highlands on the Islands is a back to school event.It is an opportunity for families to immerse themselves in t...
08/27/2026

(Dundee) Highlands on the Islands is a back to school event.
It is an opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the beauty of the local river front park, learn about the watershed and its wildlife, and travel around the islands by canoe.
The FOTFR educators (Michelle not pictured) supported.
All of it was under the direction of Jenni Kempf. You may remember her from her starring role in Watershed Warriors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GEAAvrEdzE

Looking for some family fun, unique date night, or just want to be wowed by natural wonders? This one is a winner!The se...
08/26/2026

Looking for some family fun, unique date night, or just want to be wowed by natural wonders? This one is a winner!
The setting is at a site of an exceptional land restoration project.
Price is right and the core group are people you should hang with.
And after party ice cream is close by.

Address

16N690 Sleepy Hollow Road
West Dundee, IL
60118

Telephone

+18153566605

Website

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