Meetings, Activities & News
FREP Meeting Programs & Noon Networks
FREP programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, unless noted.
A FREP Membership Meeting now held annually, just one membership meeting a year on the 2nd Wednesday of January, .from 1-3 PM,
This Annual Meeting will include election of officers and a program.
FREP special activities include: the March Fox River Summit with our Wisconsin watershed partners; a July is a FREP gathering/picnic and program; and a. December social gathering.
The FREP Executive Committee will meet throughout the year and their schedule will be publicized here and in the Downstream e-newsletter.
This Annual Meeting will include election of officers and a program.
FREP special activities include: the March Fox River Summit with our Wisconsin watershed partners; a July is a FREP gathering/picnic and program; and a. December social gathering.
The FREP Executive Committee will meet throughout the year and their schedule will be publicized here and in the Downstream e-newsletter.
FREP Noon Networks held the 2nd Wednesday of the month from
Noon - 1:30 PM, at different locations in the Watershed. Most months, weather permitting, Noon Networks are outdoor field tours of different projects throughout the Watershed, and hosted by FREP members.
Noon Networks will now be held in February, April, May, June, August, September, October. and November.
FREP Membership Meeting Minutes are posted on our About Us Page
Noon - 1:30 PM, at different locations in the Watershed. Most months, weather permitting, Noon Networks are outdoor field tours of different projects throughout the Watershed, and hosted by FREP members.
Noon Networks will now be held in February, April, May, June, August, September, October. and November.
FREP Membership Meeting Minutes are posted on our About Us Page
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Special evening program at 6:30 pm
This program is free, reservations not required. The public is welcome.
Learn about a journey by canoe from the Mississippi headwaters down to the mouth, and all of the lessons we can learn from the river. Wally Werderich was one of the journey participants and will join us for some Q&A discussion after the film.
Film runtime: 87 minutes
Special evening program at 6:30 pm
to celebrate Earth Day Month
Film:
Mississippi River Speed Record,
an Epic Adventure
Location: Kane County Government Center Auditorium, First/Lower Floor of Building A 719 S. Batavia Avenue, Geneva, IL
This program is free, reservations not required. The public is welcome.
Learn about a journey by canoe from the Mississippi headwaters down to the mouth, and all of the lessons we can learn from the river. Wally Werderich was one of the journey participants and will join us for some Q&A discussion after the film.
Film runtime: 87 minutes

From the headwaters in Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the team faces relentless challenges: rain, wind, and treacherous conditions. For 16 days, 20 hours, and 16 minutes, they paddle almost nonstop, eating, sleeping, and even going to the bathroom in the canoe. Supported by a dedicated crew of over 20 people and two trailing support boats, they receive a constant stream of supplies and encouragement, fueling their drive to break the record.
As the river transforms from a winding creek into a mighty waterway, the men must navigate through industrial zones dominated by massive barges. Constant communication and quick thinking are essential, especially during the perilous night hours. Their journey captures the imagination of over a million followers on social media, with cheering fans lining the riverbanks, sharing in every triumph and setback.
Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure is a gripping tale of human spirit, teamwork, and the pursuit of greatness. Witness breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding moments, and the infectious positivity that surrounds the team. This exhilarating and inspiring documentary shows it’s not about conquering the river—it's about moving in harmony with its flow. Will the Mississippi River allow them to break the record?
As the river transforms from a winding creek into a mighty waterway, the men must navigate through industrial zones dominated by massive barges. Constant communication and quick thinking are essential, especially during the perilous night hours. Their journey captures the imagination of over a million followers on social media, with cheering fans lining the riverbanks, sharing in every triumph and setback.
Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure is a gripping tale of human spirit, teamwork, and the pursuit of greatness. Witness breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding moments, and the infectious positivity that surrounds the team. This exhilarating and inspiring documentary shows it’s not about conquering the river—it's about moving in harmony with its flow. Will the Mississippi River allow them to break the record?
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
FREP Noon Network, Noon - 1:30 pm
FREP Noon Network, Noon - 1:30 pm
Program: Field tour of C’ville Dam removal site
Meeting Place: West side of former dam, 310 N. Lincoln Avenue, Carpentersville.
Parking in lot or street parking. Meet at Gazebo. Map link
By: Jennifer Rooks Lopez, Rob Linke, Derrick Martin (V3), Derek Brehm (RES).
Parking in lot or street parking. Meet at Gazebo. Map link
By: Jennifer Rooks Lopez, Rob Linke, Derrick Martin (V3), Derek Brehm (RES).
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
FREP Noon Network, Noon - 1:30 pm
FREP Noon Network, Noon - 1:30 pm
Location: Meeting place TBD
Program: Field tour of Hackmatack NWR restoration areas
By: TBD
Program: Field tour of Hackmatack NWR restoration areas
By: TBD
Many of our past Noon Network & Membership Meeting presentations are available in pdf form HERE
FREP is happy to offer Professional Development Hour (PDH) certificates for our Noon Networks and Membership programs.
If you'd like to host a FREP Noon Network, or have a program topic/speaker to suggest, please let us know.
Email: info@foxriverecosystem.org
FREP is happy to offer Professional Development Hour (PDH) certificates for our Noon Networks and Membership programs.
If you'd like to host a FREP Noon Network, or have a program topic/speaker to suggest, please let us know.
Email: info@foxriverecosystem.org
Other News of Interest Around the Watershed:

Save the Date
Illinois Lake Management Association annual conference,
March 17-19, 2025, at the Northbrook Hilton in Northbrook, IL.
Illinois Lake Management Association annual conference,
March 17-19, 2025, at the Northbrook Hilton in Northbrook, IL.

Fox River Program Series - through April
Held in St. Charles & Yorkville
Held in St. Charles & Yorkville