Help clean up Fox River shoreline

Each year, the Friends of the Fox River host Fox Rescue River Cleanups at various locations in the watershed. The events involve removing trash and debris from the banks and snags on the Fox River and its tributaries. Various groups co-sponsor these events with the group. Gloves, bags and other equipment are provided through a generous grant program through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Its mission is "to preserve, restore and protect the Fox River Watershed's resources by connecting people with nature through education, research, restoration and advocacy." For information on Friends of the Fox River, visit www.friendsofthefoxriver.org.

• Elgin: From 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9 AT Trout Park, off Duncan Avenue to River's Edge parking lot. It will involve shoreline wading. Bring your own canoe if you have one. To volunteer, contact Jason Kopplin at (847) 651-8467 or jkopplin@gmail.com.

• Carpentersville: From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16 at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve on Williams Road, north of Lake Marian Road, south of Route 62. It will involve shoreline wading and paddling. Canoes are available through Friends of the Fox or bring your own. Lunch will be provided. To volunteer, contact Gary Swick (847) 426-1322 or Pat Kirmse (847) 609-4367.

• Elgin: From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16 at Voyager Landing Forest Preserve, off Airport Road in Elgin. It will involve shoreline cleanup. To volunteer, contact Mary Alice Masonick (847) 931-4363 or mamasonick@friendsofthefoxriver.org.