Join in annual event to clean up the Fox River Valley area Saturday

The Fox River has come a long way from the days when it was one of the most used and abused rivers in Illinois.

Now, with the removal of some dams, improved water quality and increased public access, more fish, birds and people have come back to the Fox. So two local environmental groups think it's a good time to recognize the progress that's been made, and celebrate their collective success in making the river cleaner and healthier.

• On Saturday, Sept. 19, Friends of the Fox River will coordinate the second annual It's Our Fox River Day event on the entire Fox River from its headwaters near Waukesha, Wisconsin to its confluence with the Illinois River in Ottawa, Illinois.

They are reaching out to towns, counties, park districts and forest preserve districts along the river, along with environmental groups, faith communities, youth organizations and individuals throughout the watershed to join in this annual event and celebrate the place the Fox River has in our lives and our communities.

They are encouraging individuals, groups and organizations to conduct safe, socially distant, cleanups along the river.

Some other ways to help celebrate the river include, but are not limited to, a canoe cleanup, bike trail cleanup, a family creek walk, birding, fishing, paddling, riverside yoga, a community water blessing, art making, or a river photography workshop. Creative, and fun, all ages community events and celebrations are what will make "It's Our Fox River Day" a strong tradition in all of our communities.

For local events in the Fox River Watershed, go to friendsofthefoxriver.org/fox-river-day-2/

• The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will hold its 13th annual "It's Our River Day" on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at 4222 W. Elm St., McHenry.

After a dozen years in the village of Algonquin, this year the Defenders are taking "It's Our River Day" on the road! On Saturday, they will be cleaning the branch of Boone Creek that runs through the City of McHenry. They are collaborating with the McHenry County Conservation District and the Sierra Club. Individuals who would like to volunteer should wear work clothes, gloves, and boots and park in the employee lot behind the Jewel at 4222 W. Elm St. For questions, call (815) 338-0393 or check www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders/ for any updates.

This event is part of a statewide celebration of Illinois rivers.

Founded in 1970, The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment in McHenry County.