FREP programs are free, open to the public

Reservations are not required, unless so stated

We still have room on this tour next week - - -

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 have space for 14 more.

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

for meeting location, parking, and carpooling.

NEW: TCF is offering a tour of their Dayton Bluffs preserve after we finish our tour of the Belrose Farm property, for anyone who’s interested and can stay. 

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/

Upcoming FREP Activities:

Wed., September 13th   FREP Membership Meeting & Program

1-2:30 PM

Location:   Algonquin Public Works Facility

110 Mitchard Way, Algonquin, IL (Mitchard is new name for Meyer Rd.)

Program:    Engaging Young People in Ecosystem Restoration

Presenters:  Sarah Voska, Bluestem Ecological Services

Sarah is the Sales Manager at Bluestem Ecological Services. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Climate Change from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso in Chile, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability Studies from UW Parkside. Since 2021, she has been a Youth Task Force member of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. She will speak to us about how we can better engage today’s youth in ecosystem restoration related studies and careers, and how we can diversify that workforce.

FREP Executive Committee will meet from 11 AM - 12:45 PM

Wed., October 11th   FREP Noon Network Noon-1:30 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)

We were sorry we had to cancel our July picnic here due to severe weather.

We are looking forward to offering this program/tour as our Oct. Noon Network

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. 

As I write this we are in the hot, humid, dogdays of summer. With climate change we can expect to see and are experiencing more droughts interspersed with more severe storm events. We do need to remember that our part of the country and world is not seeing the most extreme changes in climate. While we’re tempted to think it’s not so bad, other parts of the country and world are experiencing much bigger changes. I’m grateful we don’t have the heat extremes of many days above 110^oF that they have experienced in Arizona and in the Middle East. However, it does not mean that we can ease up in our efforts to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make our watershed more climate resilient. It’s going to take everyone acting locally to make an impact globally.

One action that does help is protection of more green open space that can sequester more carbon and give natural communities a chance to survive. We have an exclusive opportunity to see a newly protected area at our Noon Network in August when we go to the Belrose Farm property recently protected by our friends at The Conservation Foundation. They have also offered to take us to their flagship Dayton Bluffs preserve after our tour of Belrose Farm. If you haven’t been down there, these properties will be unlike anything you’ve experienced along the Fox River before. Please plan to join us – we still have openings, but you must RSVP to Becky Hoag. Also, in keeping with this message about climate change, we are strongly encouraging carpooling. Once you RSVP to Becky she will provide more details on carpooling and where to meet.

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

were sent out in July and we appreciate all of you who have responded, so far.

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

 FREP Membership Form.

2023-24 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.