Come wrangle invasive crayfish at the seventh annual Rusty Rodeo

What’s rusty and invasive to our waters? The rusty crayfish! Join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for the seventh annual Rusty Rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon.

It’s time to grab your dip nets and help reduce the numbers of these pesky invaders!

This free, family-friendly event will have volunteers seeking out the invasive rusty crayfish in shallow waters.

Using dip nets, naturalists will help volunteers collect, identify and remove Rusties from the Fox River! Come gain a better understanding of this invasive species, and help your local waterways.

Two locations have been designated for the event. The first location is North Aurora Island Park, 4 E. State St., and the second location is at Mount St. Mary’s Park, 79 Prairie St., St. Charles.

They are recommending wearing closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Expect to get wet as you wade into the water. While there will be some dip nets available to loan, they are encouraging participants to bring their own if possible.

All rusty crayfish caught during the event will be put to good use. They will serve as food for animal ambassadors at the sponsoring agencies’ nature centers. This event is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District and Friends of the Fox River.

No registration is required for this event. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on event details, visit www.kaneforest.com, email programs@kaneforest.com or call 630-444-3190.