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.

Thomas King took this photo while learning to use his 70 year old Graflex Mini Speed Graphic. He feels the structures pl...
06/16/2026

Thomas King took this photo while learning to use his 70 year old Graflex Mini Speed Graphic. He feels the structures placed along the river represent how people have changed the landscape of the Fox River Valley. The nostalgic feel of film shows how the windmill might have been captured with this camera not to long after it was moved to the hillside it now resides on. Thanks Thomas for the look back. Now we'll listen back to a wonderful song...
https://shorturl.at/Qaipu

"By the river's edge, I am reminded that God's grace flows much like the water before me—constant, renewing, and always ...
06/14/2026

"By the river's edge, I am reminded that God's grace flows much like the water before me—constant, renewing, and always moving toward life."

Photo credit: Martin Gawne

Get ready to bee amazed! Join us this Sunday at Schweitzer Environmental Center featuring Don Purn, our dedicated photog...
06/12/2026

Get ready to bee amazed! Join us this Sunday at Schweitzer Environmental Center featuring Don Purn, our dedicated photographer and historian, as he unearths the fascinating world of ground-nesting bees. You’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for these small but mighty members of our watershed community! Registration is free. https://friendsofthefoxriver.org/event/the-fascinating-world-of-ground-nesting-bees/

Severe storms left a lot of damage and a lot of standing water.Under natural conditions, most storm water infiltrates in...
06/11/2026

Severe storms left a lot of damage and a lot of standing water.

Under natural conditions, most storm water infiltrates into the soil.
With increases in impervious surfaces like roads, roof tops, and compacted lawns - drainage systems get overwhelmed.
Native plants can help absorb runoff, especially at street drains.
And keeping drains unclogged helps too.

Current conditions: With the rain in June, we are back to our yearly normal precipitation totals and normal Fox River flow rates.

Wishing you all a safe haven in the next round today/night.

Day 2 at camp and already epic moments of wow and wonder.This week's crew are very hungry learners and we are feeding th...
06/10/2026

Day 2 at camp and already epic moments of wow and wonder.
This week's crew are very hungry learners and we are feeding them.
Week 1 is "Find Our Place". Natural, human, and site history. Big & tiny views.
From glacial foundations, to former dwellers, and the abundant diversity of who calls it home now. Exploring the amazing moss layer, up to the plants, & fauna friends.

Marla Showfer took this pic on the Fox River just north of Yorkville, just before dusk and just after a rain storm.Storm...
06/09/2026

Marla Showfer took this pic on the Fox River just north of Yorkville, just before dusk and just after a rain storm.
Storms sometimes produce gorgeous sunsets. Enjoy these rainy days, sunsets and sing along...
https://shorturl.at/8ETdz

We kicked off Week 1 of summer camp today. This week we are “Finding Our Place” by exploring the unique geographical and...
06/08/2026

We kicked off Week 1 of summer camp today. This week we are “Finding Our Place” by exploring the unique geographical and cultural history of our place within the Fox River watershed and how we can be good stewards for future generations. We even practiced using a compass to learn to literally map our place. We finished up with excited observations and knowledge from Don about ground nesting bees.

“But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it.” – Margaret AtwoodPhoto credit...
06/07/2026

“But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it.” – Margaret Atwood

Photo credit: Martin Gawne

Address

16N690 Sleepy Hollow Road
West Dundee, IL
60118

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