Running 115 miles and draining an area of 1,720 square miles, the Fox River is one of the major tributaries to the Illinois River.  The Fox River starts in southern Wisconsin and empties into the Illinois River in Ottawa.  Along its journey, this mighty watershed includes vast farmland, vibrant cities along its banks, many natural areas and an abundance of wildlife.

The Conservation Foundation (TCF)  has been working with its partners for nearly two decades to protect this valuable river system.  TCF staff have participated in many Fox River initiatives including the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership (FREP), Fox River Study Group and the Friends of the Fox River. 

 Specific projects include developing sub-watershed protection plans for the Blackberry Creek, Ferson-Otter Creeks, Tyler Creek and the Big Rock Creek.  TCF, working in partnership with FREP, developed A Citizens Guide to Preserving the Fox River and its associated web site (www.preservethefox.org) in 2011.  The Lower Fox River, from Yorkville to Ottawa, is especially valuable ecologically and TCF has played a major role in conservation planning and preserving natural lands along this corridor, especially in the “Fox River Dells” bluff section between Sheridan and Wedron in LaSalle County.

Follow the Fox River Journal on TCF’s Facebook page where staff share their canoeing and kayaking experiences year’ round on the Fox River.