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FREP programs are free and open to the public
Reservations are not required, unless so stated
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As a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership (FREP) depends on dues and donations to keep our 27-year-old watershed partnership going.
We welcome donations throughout the year, and especially today - Giving Tuesday.
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Thank you for considering FREP in your Giving Tuesday donations today! | |
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Tuesday, December 12, 2023
FREP Annual Holiday Gathering
5 PM
Location:
Home of Rob Linke, St. Charles
An evening of fellowship to share a potluck meal, hear nature tales from Pam Otto of St. Charles Park Dist. and Cheryl Smith of Campton Township, and end with a bonfire
RSVP to: info@foxriverecosystem.org
Mates/companions welcome
We will provide directions and coordinate what food to bring
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024
FREP Annual Meeting, Election of Officers & Program
1-2:30 PM
Location: The Centre, Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin
Program: How to Find Funds for your Watershed Projects
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Speakers:
Jeff Edstrom, Team Leader, Environmental Protection Specialist, Nonpoint Source Unit, Watershed Management Section, Bureau of Water,
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Nancy Williamson, Friends of Hackmatack, Former IDNR Grants Administrator
Michele Zimmerman (invited), Assistant Public Works Director, Village of Algonquin
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Watch for more information about this program in the December Downstream. | |
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FREP Executive Committee will meet at 11 AM
Slate of Officers for Annual Election:
Jeff Mengler, President
Nancy Williamson, Vice President
Lucas King, Secretary
Sue Glavan & Eva Kiss, Co-Treasurers
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If you are interested in serving as a FREP Executive Committee officer or have a nomination for an office, please email
info@foxriverecosystem.org
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President's Message from Jeff | |
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Snow has hit the Fox Watershed. Tis the season!
Following up on my message in the last issue of Downstream, the FREP Executive Committee has decided to change our gathering format for 2024. We will have our annual membership meeting to elect officers at our usual January 10, 2024 meeting time at 1pm. This will be held at The Centre in Elgin, where we have met for our January meetings in years past. The membership meeting will be followed by a program on finding the funds for your watershed improvement projects. See further details above.
Then, beginning in February 2024, all other FREP gatherings will begin at noon. These gatherings will follow our Noon Network format and not have a formal membership meeting. Programs will include field tours during the nicer weather months, and indoor or virtual programs in the colder months. If you have ideas for programs or field tours, I would still love to hear them.
I also encourage you all to consider supporting FREP by making a Giving Tuesday donation – we have a special donation button on our website (and also at top of this Downstream) and can accept online donations through PayPal..
I hope to see many of you at our annual holiday gathering on Tuesday, December 12th. Please RSVP to info@foxriverecosystem.org if you plan to attend.
We hope you will mark your calendars and plan to join us for our annual membership meeting on January 10th in Elgin.
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Jeff Mengler
FREP President
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FREP Membership - FY 2023-24 began 7/1/23 | |
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We appreciate all of you who have responded to the renewal statements. We're currently at 91% of last year's membership received.
Follow-up is currently going on with those who have not yet responded.
If you aren't on our 2023-24 Membership Roll, we hope you will respond and renew, or join. Please help us make 100% or more!
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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)
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Fox River Subwatershed News: | |
Indian Creek Watershed-based Plan | |
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A final draft of the Indian Creek Watershed-based Plan and an executive summary was submitted to Illinois EPA. We will be posting the final, approved documents on the Indian Creek webpage on the FREP website as soon as they are available.
Thanks to all who have participated in making this plan possible.
If you have any questions about the project, or would like to discuss plan implementation ideas and opportunities, please contact Holly Hudson at CMAP: hhudson@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8700.
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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.
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If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact
Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
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Mark your calendar for our upcoming Summit in Burlington, Wisconsin:
Thursday, March 14, 2024
program & registration details coming in future Downstreams
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Now Posted: Presentation from November 8, 2023
Program: Equity in Nature Access and Environmental Justice
Presenters: Alison Paul and Kyla Muhammad, The Conservation Foundation
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November 10, 2021 FREP Presentation by Art Malm:
Freeing Our Fox! - a discussion of dams on the Fox River in Illinois
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You can be a Watershed Warrior
A newly released documentary called "Watershed Warriors," produced by RiversAreLife (RaL), offers an intimate look into the profound impact of FOTFR's mission of protecting, preserving, and restoring the Fox River watershed. Watershed Warriors embody the spirit of FOTFR. The film showcases the efforts of FOTFR President Gary Swick and FOTFR Education Operations Director Jenni Kempf, who both exemplify a commitment to the river's well-being.
The film highlights their journey as they tirelessly work to protect the Fox River and its watershed, making it a must-watch for all who share their passion. It's because of those who share their passion that participation in the event has grown every year. "It is exciting to see the growing and widespread support for It's Our Fox River Day," shared Gary Swick, President of Friends of the Fox River. "We extend an invitation to all who are passionate about the river to sign up and be a part of this extraordinary day of appreciation and stewardship."
FOTFR invites everyone to also experience RaL’s compelling Watershed Warriors film, which offers an illuminating perspective on the organization's mission. The film can be viewed at https://youtu.be/0GEAAvrEdzE.
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Community Recycling Information | | | |
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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.
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