
Activities & News:


Wednesday, June 11, 2025
FREP Noon Network, Noon - 1:30 pm
FREP Noon Network, Noon - 1:30 pm
Field tour of Hackmatack NWR restoration areas
Meeting Place: We will meet at the Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood, to hear some short presentations providing context and background. Then we’ll car pool to a couple of stops to see some of the recent restoration work.
By: Steve Byers, Nancy Williamson, Ed Collins – all of Friends of Hackmatack NWR; Dave Kraft of Hey & Associates; Gabe Powers of McHenry County Conservation District.
By: Steve Byers, Nancy Williamson, Ed Collins – all of Friends of Hackmatack NWR; Dave Kraft of Hey & Associates; Gabe Powers of McHenry County Conservation District.
The presentation will include:
-The ground-breaking project to restore a channelized section of Nippersink Creek and the Sect 206 project. -Tamarack West - the wetland restoration project site, discussing past land uses, alterations to the hydrology, the restoration plan, and how this restoration work compliments the work of MCCD to restore sections of Nippersink Creek.
-The ground-breaking project to restore a channelized section of Nippersink Creek and the Sect 206 project. -Tamarack West - the wetland restoration project site, discussing past land uses, alterations to the hydrology, the restoration plan, and how this restoration work compliments the work of MCCD to restore sections of Nippersink Creek.
CLICK HERE for details

Paddle for Parks: Fabulous Fox National Water Trail Challenge Event
took place April 30-May 2
They paddled 188 miles in 43 hours & 59 minutes!
https://www.facebook.com/PaddleForParks
Team member Wally who gave our March program on the Mississippi River Speed Challenge undertook this challenge on the Fox River to support our parks.
Team member Wally who gave our March program on the Mississippi River Speed Challenge undertook this challenge on the Fox River to support our parks.

Presentations from the March 13th Summit are posted on YouTube:
Current Issue: May 5, 2025
FREP Programs & Presentations
LINK to our Presentations Page
You'll find links to presentation pdfs
or videos on YouTube
Recent: Turf Grass Alternatives 2/12/25
Monarchs & Margaritas 1/8/25
LINK to our Presentations Page
You'll find links to presentation pdfs
or videos on YouTube
Recent: Turf Grass Alternatives 2/12/25
Monarchs & Margaritas 1/8/25


The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail is designated a recreational water trail by the National Park Service's
National Trail System.
Visit our Water Trail page for more info
National Trail System.
Visit our Water Trail page for more info
Documentary -- Watershed Warriors
A documentary called "Watershed Warriors," produced by
RiversAreLife (RaL), offers an intimate look into the profound impact of
Friends of the Fox River'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.
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.