Algonquin to celebrate, clean up Fox River
Fox Valley residents who enjoy the beauty of the Fox River can help keep its shorelines clean this weekend during Algonquin's “It's Our River Day” celebration.
The ninth annual event takes place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Cornish Park, 101 S. Harrison St. Visitors are encouraged to explore the outdoors; learn about the environment and sustainability efforts; and participate in a cleanup along the river.
Sponsored by Algonquin and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, the celebration also includes informational booths, volunteer signup opportunities, children's activities and presentations from local environmental organizations. An educational “Explore the Outdoors” passport game will be ongoing throughout the event.
Additionally, crews from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District are expected to give a water rescue demonstration at 2:30 p.m.
Local organizations are also expected to help with the cleanup, which takes place from 2-3:30 p.m. The Sierra Club, for example, is providing bags and gloves to participants at the main event site.
The Fox River Jeep Club will be stationed at the Buffalo Park Forest Preserve in Algonquin, and an in-river cleanup from Cornish Park to the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve in Carpentersville is being organized by the Illinois Water TrailKeepers and members of the Prairie State Canoeists.
Other groups expected to present throughout the day include Davey Tree Experts, Friends of the Fox River, the Land Conservancy of McHenry County, and the Illinois Paddling Council.
The free event is open to the public. For more information, visit www.algonquin.org/eco.