Speaker Series: "State of the Fox River"
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Date and Time:
Sun, Mar 29, 2026; 7:00 PM
(Central)
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03/29/2026 7:00 PM
America/Chicago
Speaker Series: "State of the Fox River"
Woods & Wetlands is delighted to present our Sunday March 29, 2026, Speaker Series. Gary Swick, president of Friends of the Fox River, will present an entertaining and informative look at the health of the Fox River Watershed in light of the current climate chaos, drought, flooding, extreme storms, and development. The good work being done in the watershed will surprise and amaze you. Not only will we gain a better understanding of the state of the Fox River, but we will also realize there is great hope for the future of all of our rivers and watersheds. The key is to educate and involve our communities. Register for the 7:00 PM, March 29,2026 Woods & Wetlands Speaker Series to receive login details. https://www.sierraclub.org/illinois/woods-wetlands
Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81281535364?pwd=o2XfkHf20SqXttaIyUzzKpFyzRkn4y.1
Linda Tilton
lt@thetiltons.net
MM/DD/yyyy
amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740
Organized By: Woods and Wetlands Group
Location: Virtual
Event Organizers:
Linda Tilton
lt@thetiltons.net
Douglas Ower
doug@ower.org
Woods & Wetlands is delighted to present our March 2026 Speaker Series, “State of the Fox River,” on Sunday March 29, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Gary Swick, President of the Friends of the Fox River will share history and stories of the Fox, (including messages from the fish!)
The Fox River of Illinois begins in southern Wisconsin in a lake basin about 15 miles northwest of Milwaukee in Waukesha. From there it flows south for 185 miles and drops almost 500 vertical feet to join the Illinois River near Ottawa, Illinois. The Fox River flows through the Illinois’ Chain of Lakes and then south through Lake, McHenry, Kane and Dupage Counties. The Fox has many small islands and a strong flow which made it a good source of industrial power, early in our history, which resulted in the development of dams and mills. Today there are hydroelectric, navigation and flood control dams in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Perhaps the most challenging problem of the Fox River is related to the development of hamlets and towns in the watershed. As more people moved into areas near the river, it was overused and mistreated. Industrial and residential waste, from manufacturing industries and including sewage, have taken a toll on the waters of the Fox River. It was once listed as “one of the most endangered rivers of America.”
However, there is a bright side to the history of the Fox, thanks to the work of many organizations including the “Friends of the Fox River.” Indeed, the water and stream quality is improving thanks to the work of dedicated professionals and volunteer organizations. Educational programs, watershed stream monitoring projects, river cleanups as well as special events are credited with bringing the importance of this wonderful resource to the attention of citizens.
We are delighted to welcome Gary Swick, current president of the Friends of the Fox River for our March 29 Speaker Series. Gary is a retired high school Environmental Science teacher who is currently an instructor at Northern Illinois University. As always, this program will be family friendly.
