Our next activity - Wednesday, June 9, 2021: |
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Wed., June 9, 2021 FREP Noon Network Noon - 1:30 PM NOT VIA Zoom!!
Crystal Creek Watershed Tour
Speaker: Steve Zimmerman, Principal Restoration Ecologist, RES
AES-RES & City of Crystal Lake will present the newly completed Crystal Creek Watershed-Based Plan. The presentation will include a brief summary of watershed conditions, pollutants of concern, and potential water quality, green infrastructure, and habitat improvement projects.
We'll start at Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, and proceed to tour sites at Lundahl Middle School and then Town Park in Algonquin.
We will look at a buried reach (in storm sewer) of Crystal Creek and discuss a potential project to “daylight” and restore the stream to ecological health. We will also discuss the design, permitting, and construction hurdles involved in completing this potential project.
We will then look at a reach of Crystal Creek that was re-aligned and restored, through Towne Park as a result of the new Western Algonquin Bypass. Village of Algonquin staff will explain why the Bypass was needed and how it became an opportunity to improve Crystal Creek.
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First, if you missed our May 12th presentation by Ed Collins on the 4th Conservation Movement, it was recorded, and the video is available on YouTube at the link below. It was very interesting, inspiring, and hopeful to me. Becky Hoag described it as “conservation church.” It wove together history, science, and spirituality through storytelling, and it is well worth the watch if you missed it, or, if you want to see it again. Please share the link with others who might be interested.
Now in June, we are ready for our first in-person activity in over a year. Please see the announcement below for details. We’ll start out with a presentation about the Crystal Creek Watershed Plan and then visit two project sites. Please join us for this Noon Network as we return to in-person field trips.
Most of us have been vaccinated for COVID at this point, but certainly not all. And while restrictions have largely been lifted, we encourage mask-wearing during the indoors part, out of respect for those that have not or cannot be vaccinated. While outdoors, we will simply maintain our spacing and be respectful of each other’s comfort zones.
In my last message I talked about the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). It appears that it remains stuck in the legislative process and has not yet been passed. So, it is not too late to contact your state representative and senator to urge support of this important bill. We have posted a complete list of Fox Watershed legislators on our website HERE.
Finally, among all of the issues and threats facing us these days, invasive species remain an important environmental consideration. And while it can seem overwhelming, there are things we can all do and be more cognizant of. Please see the section in this Downstream about the PlayCleanGo invasive species awareness campaign and the upcoming awareness week. Please do your part to reduce invasive species in our watershed, and wherever you travel this year.
Jeff Mengler
FREP President
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Wed., July 14, 2021 Annual FREP Picnic 4 PM
Location: Les Arends Forest Preserve, Rt. 31, Batavia
Presentation on native freshwater mussels by Jessi DiMartini
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We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to all who have sent in their dues. Check for your name on our FREP Membership Roll Membership can be initiated or renewed online and dues paid via PayPal at: FREP Membership Form.
Our 2021-22 annual dues statements to current members will be sent out by mid June.
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The Core Development Team has contracted with Map Hero (Matt Kania) to update the downloadable maps and web portal for the FF!WT. Map Hero developed the maps, web portal, logo and brochure for the Fabulous Fox Water Trail.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact
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The third annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week is
June 5-12, 2021 across North America
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PlayCleanGo is a branded, patented outreach campaign powered by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) It was was originally developed with significant support from the USDA – Forest Service.
The goal of the campaign is to show outdoor enthusiasts how they can stop invasive plants and pests from spreading — while enjoying the great outdoors.
Dozens of free materials are available on this webpage to help you spread the word and Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks!
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Here are the 6 simple tips we’ll focus on:
- Clean your shoes, clothes, packs, and pets before and after exploring and stay on designated trails.
- Clean your horse’s hooves and feed them weed-free certified hay before your adventure.
- Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft and angling equipment to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!
- Don’t Move Firewood! Buy it where you burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood, or gather on site when permitted.
- Before traveling to new areas, inspect and clean your trailers, off road vehicles, and recreational vehicles with water or compressed air to remove mud, plant parts, and hidden pests.
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Take the PlayCleanGo Pledge and invite your family and friends to do the same at PlayCleanGo.org.
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The Fox River Study Group's 2020 Annual IEPA Progress Report is now available at this LINK. The report is used to fulfill NPDES permits for the wastewater agencies located in the Fox River Watershed. The annual report was emailed to the FRSG email list recipients.
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McHenry County College Sustainability Center has published the new Green Guide Recycling Directory LINK
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Becky Hoag, Communications Manager
Fox River Ecosystem Partnership
Please email Becky if you have an email to add to our mailing list or content to add to the next monthly Downstream.
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