FREP programs are free, open to the public

Reservations are not required, unless so stated

Up Next:

Wed., July 12, 2023   FREP Annual Picnic 3 PM

Location:    Pingree Grove Forest Preserve

Forest Preserve District of Kane County

14N187 Route 20, Pingree Grove

Program:    Habitat & Hydrologic Restoration at Pingree Grove FP

Presenters:  Jeff Mengler, Dave Kraft (Hey and Associates, Inc), Bill Graser (KCFPD)

FOOD: FREP will provide grilled meats & buns. Please bring dish to share, your own table service, and non-alcoholic beverages.

For planning purposes, please RSVP to Jeff & Becky at info@foxriverecosystem.org

Pingree Grove Forest Preserve contains a large marsh complex that is potential habitat for several state-listed species including the yellow-headed blackbird. The marsh currently lacks significant patches of open water due to dense growth by invasive species (e.g., narrowleaf cattail and common reed). Open water conditions within the marsh are critically important for migratory waterfowl, as well as the state endangered species historically present in the marsh. Water currently exits the marsh through a large culvert controlled by a railroad and therefore Forest Preserve District lacks the ability to manage water levels. In addition, the marsh is a known occurrence location for the state-listed Blanding’s turtle. The closed (vegetation) nature of the marsh is not providing ideal habitat for the turtles. 

UPCOMING FREP ACTIVITY:

Wed., August 9, 2023   FREP Noon Network Noon-1:30 PM

Location:    Belrose Farm property, near Serena, LaSalle County.

Meeting location to be announced 

Program:    The Conservation Foundation's tour of new Belrose Farm property

Presenters:  Brook McDonald, Dan Lobbes

NOTE: A limited # of people can be accommodated for this tour.

We will take reservations at info@foxriverecosystem.org and then provide details

for meeting location, parking, and carpooling.

Belrose Farm had been in the same family for the last 140 years until the end of 2021, when the family decided the time had come to sell it, and sell it quickly, making a sale at auction their best option. Boasting 183 acres, a mix of productive farmland, forested ravines, scenic St. Peter sandstone bluffs and a mile of frontage along the Fox River near Serena (LaSalle County), the property held appeal for a wide variety of buyers from farmers to developers to sand companies to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. And having been identified on a 1999 survey by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as one of the top 20 highest quality natural areas in the Lower Fox River watershed, it most certainly held appeal from a conservation standpoint as well. In fact, our Vice President of Land and Watershed Programs Dan Lobbes has been sending letters of interest to the family for more than 20 years!

The fascinating story with the details of how The Conservation Foundation was able to preserve this property on short notice can be found at https://www.theconservationfoundation.org/belrose-farm-a-land-of-stories/

Last September, we had a program on the local efforts to help recover the state-listed Blanding’s turtle. For our program at this month’s FREP picnic, we’ll see one site that has a population of Blanding’s turtles with documented natural reproduction. The population has also been augmented by the head-started turtles we learned about last September. But the habitat was no longer ideal due to changing hydrology. We will learn about a hydrologic restoration effort that has been designed and planned for Pingree Grove Preserve to restore better habitat. Then we’ll also have some good food and fellowship at our annual FREP picnic. I look forward to chatting with you all about whether you think this restoration will work, and what effects climate change will have on our efforts.

Then in August we will get an exclusive tour by The Conservation Foundation of their new Belrose Farm property, with an option to also tour their nearby Dayton Bluffs preserve. These are amazing places on the lower Fox River that will give you a whole new perspective on the Fox River if you have not been there before. We will have details on where to meet soon. 

We will be limited to 25 participants for this program so please RSVP to Becky & me at info@foxriverecosystem.org. The first 24 after me get in!!

It's official -- The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail - is now a National Park Service Water Trail

After several years of dedication by the Core Development Team to make this possible, the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail has been designated a new recreational water trail by the National Park Service's National Trail System.

Please contact Karen Ann Miller for additional information, brochures and stickers.

If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact

Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.



Renewal Statements to current FREP members for 2023-24

have been delayed to July and will be mailed out soon.

Membership can be initiated or renewed online and dues paid via PayPal at:

 FREP Membership Form.

2022-23 Members are listed on our website's FREP Membership Roll (LINK)

Powerpoint presentation from April 12, 2023

7th Avenue Creek Project, St. Charles

Presenter: Logan Gilbertson, Lead Engineer, HR Green

The 11th Annual Fox River Summit was held

Thursday, March 16, 2023 at  

Veterans Terrace at Echo Park, Burlington, Wisconsin

The presentations are available on YouTube at THIS LINK

Mark your calendar for next year's Summit: Thursday, March 14, 2024

Video from February 8, 2023

A watershed approach to uncover suitable habitat for vulnerable mussel species in the Fox River Watershed in Wisconsin and Illinois

Presenter: Alison Stodola, Aquatic Biologist, Curator of Malacology, Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois

Powerpoint presentations from January 11, 2023

Updates from our Watershed Partners

 Presenters: Friends of the Fox River, Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail, The Conservation Foundation, Fox River Study Group.

Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is on a mission to protect, preserve, and restore the Fox River watershed. As part of their efforts, they are calling for more hosts to sign up for the upcoming It's Our Fox River Day (IOFRD) event on September 16th, 2023.

IOFRD is the largest Fox River watershed-wide celebration, which last year had over 50 different events, spanning 200 miles and involving more than 2000 participants. FOTFR is seeking river lovers, municipalities, organizations, and individuals to host events and join in the festivities. This annual event is a public demonstration of the importance of a healthy river and serves as a thank you to the Fox River for its invaluable contributions to the community.

Hosts can be organizations or individuals interested in organizing events such as shoreline cleanups, paddling trips, yoga/tai chi by the river, restoration activities, educational exhibits, and art/music venues. Consider one of these, add your own event, or add to an existing event planned for that day. FOTFR welcomes the opportunity to assist in planning your event. Contact the IOFRD planning team at: IOFRD@FOTFR.org. The possibilities are endless.

"We are excited to invite new hosts to join us for It's Our Fox River Day," said Gary Swick, President of Friends of the Fox River. "This is a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the Fox River and its watershed. We encourage everyone to sign up and become part of this special day of appreciation and stewardship."

As a host, FOTFR will add your name, logo, and website link to their IOFRD organizer page, providing visibility and recognition for your commitment to the cause.

The Fox River is a vital resource that serves over 1,000,000 watershed residents every day, providing drinking water, recreational opportunities, and habitat for diverse plants and animals. It is a symbol of community pride and economic value for riverfront towns and cities.

"We believe that by expanding the number of hosts/events for It's Our Fox River Day, we can create an even larger impact and raise awareness throughout the entire watershed," added Swick. "This is an excellent opportunity for hosts to engage their communities, educate participants about the importance of the Fox River, and inspire action towards its preservation."

Friends of the Fox River is a volunteer-driven organization that relies on the support and involvement of community members. It's Our Fox River Day is a chance for residents, municipalities, and organizations to make a tangible difference in the health and sustainability of the river and its ecosystem. To sign up as a host for It's Our Fox River Day or learn more about the event, visit the FOTFR website at www.FOTFR.org and click on the IOFRD tab.

Becky Hoag, Communications Manager

Fox River Ecosystem Partnership

630-482-9157 info@foxriverecosystem.org

Please email Becky if you have an email to add to our mailing list or content to add to the next monthly Downstream.