FREP programs are free, open to the public

Reservations are not required, unless so stated

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, November 8, 2023   

FREP Membership Meeting & Program

1-2:30 PM

Location:   Montgomery Village Hall, Lower Level, 200 N. River St.

Montgomery, IL 60538

Program:   Equity in Nature Access and Environmental Justice

Presenters:  Alison Paul and Kyla Muhammad, The Conservation Foundation

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

While nature is for everyone, access to nature and its benefits are not experienced equally by all parts of society. And although we may strongly believe that every person, regardless of where they live or their social-economic status, deserves clean water, clean air, and safe access to nature as a way to be healthy and happy, barriers exist that can make experiencing and benefiting from nature exclusive for some.

Come listen, learn, and discuss how The Conservation Foundation is working to become more inclusive, impactful, and relevant to people and communities. This entails learning about and addressing hyper-local barriers to access to nature that will then inform the growth and adaption of conservation programs to local needs and partnering with local communities. The presentation will include lessons learned, important demographic trends happening along the Fox River Watershed, along with how centering equity in the development of new partnerships and programs can help expand conservation impacts into the future.

Alison Paul is The Conservation Foundation’s Vice President of Community Conservation. Alison has more than 15 years of experience working in formal and informal educational settings, from Colombia to Chicago, strengthening people’s connections to themselves, others, and the place where they live. Prior to joining TCF, Alison worked at the Field Museum of Natural History’s Keller Science Action Center as a Senior Program Manager for their Chicago Region, guiding and managing their community-based environmental work. In the ten plus years she was at the museum she honed her skills as an environmental educator, program manager, fundraiser, evaluator, facilitator, and leader. Alison is a National Environmental Leadership Program Fellow and has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and a Masters degree in Social & Cultural Foundations in Education from DePaul University. Alison is an active mom of two kids, a certified yoga instructor and Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, and an overall outdoor fanatic.

Kyla Muhammad is a Community Engagement Coordinator at The Conservation Foundation. Kyla’s curiosity about living systems and passion to learn more about the ecosystem led her to become a Master Naturalist, through which she participates in community science, community education, rain monitoring, seed collecting, and native plant projects. She is also passionate about promoting sustainable and regenerative landscapes that nourish people, wildlife, and the soil. As part of these efforts, she studied wild edible plants, urban agriculture, lawn-free design, and converted her own turf-based yard into a Conservation@Home certified edible and medicinal landscape that’s become a wildlife and pollinator magnet. Kyla earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Roosevelt University. Kyla’s work is focused on ensuring that The Conservation Foundation’s events and programs engage local communities equitably. Kyla Muhammad is a Community Engagement Coordinator at The Conservation Foundation. Kyla’s work is focused on ensuring that The Conservation Foundation’s events and programs engage local communities equitably.

NEWS

Get more information and updates on dam removal

in the Fox Watershed at their website: foxriverstudygroup.org

Monday, November 6th is the last day to provide a comment to the Army Corps of Engineers on their Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study.

You can email your comment directly to Ryan Johnson, Biologist, at Fox-River-Study@usace.army.mil or you can sign the Fox River Study Group petition of support at https://bit.ly/3tD5Sa7 and add your comment and any questions you have there.

Fox River Study Group's Annual Meeting

The Centre in Elgin, Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin

Thursday, November 9, 2023 9 AM to Noon

We celebrate our 20th anniversary this year! Join us for our in-person annual meeting. We will look back at our activities over the years, hear about all the work wastewater treatment plant staff have been doing to cut phosphorus inputs to the Fox River, and learn about dam removal impacts nationwide and throughout Illinois. We'll have an update from the Army Corps of Engineers on the next steps on their Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study. And we'll celebrate all of you who have helped with our efforts for a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful Fox River. 

RSVP by Nov. 7 at https://forms.gle/nDFFLKX5V4BwHsCm6 so we can plan refreshments and tables for this event! 

If your organization would like to have a display table at the meeting, you can also let us know at the RSVP form.

We are looking forward to seeing many familiar faces on November 9^th!

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, and end with a bonfire

RSVP to: info@foxriverecosystem.org

Mates/companions welcome

We will provide directions and coordinate what food to bring

How do we best advance the sustainability of our watershed and the ecosystems of the Fox River in 2024 and beyond? How can we counter those folks who think “saving the river” is keeping the dams? And how can we best leverage our efforts with those of our siblings at Friends of the Fox River and the Fox River Study Group? These are the questions I am wrestling with as we plan for our FREP 2024 program year.

The FREP executive committee is continuing with its visioning exercise to examine the goals and objectives in our original Integrated Management Plan for the Fox River Watershed in Illinois for current relevancy to help define FREP in future years. But as we more immediately plan for 2024 programs, we would value all of your input. 

What is of most value to you?: project-specific field-based programs, general how-to programs, programs on our flora and fauna, or other topics.

In the past 8-10 years, our attendance has ranged from a high of 85 people to meetings with only 8-10 people who were all members of our executive committee. So, we’re seeking your input on what is most valuable to you as members and friends of FREP.

We are also considering the scheduling of our gatherings. Currently, we have a membership meeting with a topical presentation on the second Wednesday of every other month beginning at 1pm. The alternating months are our Noon Networks which often feature field programs and begin at noon. Based on attendance, it seems that the Noon Networks are of greater interest. But is this because of the topics, the time of the program, or something else?

Please send me your thoughts on these questions, and any ideas you want to suggest for a program/topic in 2024. 

Many thanks for your membership support in FY 2024! If you have not paid your FY 2024 FREP membership dues, please pay online or mail a check.

We appreciate all of you who have responded to the renewal statements. We're currently at 86% 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!

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)



Fox River Subwatershed News:

Indian Creek Watershed-based Plan

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

LINK

Grant Funding is available for local units of government managing emerald ash borer

Deadline Nov. 13, 2023

Funding for projects to improve forest health resulting from emerald ash borer damage or prevention is available for local units of government in Illinois, including municipalities, townships, county governments, tribal governments, forest preserves, conservation districts, and park districts.

Grant awards are available for a minimum of $3,000 and a maximum of $30,000. For all communities, a 1:1 match is required.

Projects funded through this proposal must include activities related to improving urban forest health through emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) management or mitigation. In addition, all funded projects must include the development or enhancement of a tree protection ordinance to meet the standard set in the RFP. Projects may include one or more of the following:

1. Development or enhancement of a tree preservation ordinance without an additional project component. (REQUIRED)
2. An urban forest management plan that includes emerald ash borer management as a component and is based on a digital and current tree inventory
3. An inventory of public trees in the community with an accompanying urban forest management plan that addresses some portion of the results.
4. Diverse tree planting on public property that replaces canopy lost due to emerald ash borer.
5. Preventative treatment for emerald ash borer.
6. Removal of emerald ash borer– infested or dead ash trees throughout the community.

Deadline: Monday, November 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

The full requests for proposals and application can be found here. 

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.

DuPage County Recycling Information

Kane County Recycling Information

Kendall County Recycling Information

Lake County Recycling Information

McHenry County College Sustainability Center Green Guide Recycling Directory



Interesting Recycling Projects in Kane County!

New "Bits and Pieces" Self-Service Kiosk at Fabyan: We are happy to announce the availability of a four-bin kiosk at the Fabyan Recycling Center,517 E. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia, IL for small hard-to-recycle items. These items are being collected to benefit existing local organizations or programs. The items accepted at the Kiosk are:

Bin 1 - ink jet cartridges​; Bin 2 - dry art and school supplies (what does that mean? glad you asked - we have a full list here​); Bin 3 - eyeglasses and hearing aids; Bin 4 - can caddy holders and mul​ti-beverage ring holders.

Kiosk items only may be dropped off when the site is open and after-hours or on weekends. All other site materials (electronics, clothing, aerosols, books, paper) may only be brought in during normal site hours (8am- 4pm Mon - Fri).

Green your Halloween! There will be more opportunities​ than ever before to compost pumpkins after Halloween this year in Kane County. Kane County Recycling Program will be composting pumpkins, gourds and other seasonal decorations on Saturday, November 4th from 9am - noon at Pushing the Envelope Farm, 1700 Averill Rd., Geneva. There are several other "pumpkin smash" events in the County too! See our events page for a full list.

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.