Help clean up the Fox River on Saturday

The Friends of the Fox River will host Fox Rescue River Cleanups from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 15.

Each year, the Friends of the Fox River host Fox Rescue River Cleanups at various locations in the watershed. The events entail 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.

• Clean up the river from Algonquin to Carpentersville by canoe. Meet at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve off Williams Road in Carpentersville. There will be a shuttle run for paddlers and a ground crew to pick up trash at the forest preserve since it is one of the most heavily used areas for river patrons. Paddlers must R.S.V.P. to either Gary Swick at (815) 370-0026 or Pat Kirmse at (847) 609-4367.

• Meet at Voyageur's Landing Forest Preserve off Airport Road on the west side of Elgin for a shoreline river cleanup event. Additional information provided by host Mary Alice Masonick at (847) 650-4362.

• Meet at Trout Park River's Edge off Duncan Avenue on the east side of Elgin for a shoreline river cleanup event.

Additional information provided by host Jason Kopplin at (847) 651-8467.

Friends of the Fox River's 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