The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

The Fox River: Our Hidden GemRiverine Friend or Foe: Living with American Beavers A Fox River Presentation SeriesAll Programs are Free7:00 — 8:00pm Yorkville Public Library902 Game Farm RoadYorkville, IL 60560 Organized By:The Conservation Foundation’s Kendall County A......More

The Fox River: Our Hidden GemRiverine Friend or Foe: Living with American Beavers A Fox River Presentation SeriesAll Programs are Free7:00 — 8:00pm Yorkville Public Library902 Game Farm RoadYorkville, IL 60560 Organized By:The Conservation Foundation’s Kendall County Advisory Council The Conservation Foundation is collaborating with local partners to once again offer presentation series centered around the Fox River. This series highlights the wildlife diversity, unique attributes, and recreation opportunities provided by our most valuable natural asset, the Fox River. The benefits of living in and visiting the Fox River Valley are expansive, but also dependent on our human impact in these places. Join one or all of the presentations in the series to hear the speakers’ insights on the intricacies of our environment, ways to enjoy our local outdoor spaces, the cultural significance of the Fox River, and how you can care for our natural resources. Riverine Friend or Foe: Living with American BeaversBy Rachel Siegel and Jeff Boland-Prom, Illinois Beaver AllianceBy keeping beavers on our Northern Illinois watersheds and managing conflicts nonlethally, we can receive the benefits of the ecosystem services they provide, including boosting biodiversity, building drought and flood resilience, and improving water quality by removing sediment and nutrients. Still, beaver damming can cause flooding that puts infrastructure and property at risk. Explore cost-effective, co-existence solutions with the Illinois Beaver Alliance, as well as the history of beavers in North American, beaver ecology and biology, and how these ecosystem engineers can help us build climate resilience.   Series Schedule Wednesday, January 28thFeathered Friends of the Fox: Birds Across Local HabitatsBy Scott Johnson, Forest Foundation of Kendall CountyRegister here Wednesday, February 25thGrowing Food for Nature and People: Agroecology 101By Connie Kollmeyer, The Conservation FoundationRegister here Wednesday, March 25thRiverine Friend or Foe: Living with American BeaversBy Rachel Siegel and Jeff Boland-Prom, Illinois Beaver AllianceRegister here Wednesday, April 22ndRooted in Trouble: The Impact of Invasive Plant SpeciesBy Sam Kilgore, Local Land StewardRegister here  

Yorkville Public Library, 902 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL, 60560, United States

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve WorkdayRomeoville, IL Saturday, March 28th9:00 — 11:00am   Join The Conservation Foundation and Friends of O’Hara Woods volunteers to improve the ecological health of this State Nature Preserve. Work may include trash clean-up, removal of in......More

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve WorkdayRomeoville, IL Saturday, March 28th9:00 — 11:00am   Join The Conservation Foundation and Friends of O’Hara Woods volunteers to improve the ecological health of this State Nature Preserve. Work may include trash clean-up, removal of invasive shrubs and plants, creating/burning brush piles, and harvesting native seeds. Please dress for the weather and conditions, which includes long pants, long-sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Bring a water bottle and work gloves if you have them. Safety glasses, extra gloves, and tools will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Renae Frigo at [email protected]. Please meet in the parking lot at the end of Beverly J. Griffin Drive, on the east end of the preserve. Use this link to find the meeting location.  

O’Hara Woods, Beverly J Griffin Dr, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States

The Conservation Foundation Book Club

The Conservation Foundation Book ClubWednesday, April 1st6:30pm “Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World” by Tyson Yunkaporta McDonald FarmBill Dawe Pavilion*10S404 Knoch Knolls RdNaperville, IL 60565 *Weather permitting, we’ll meet in the Bill Dawe Pavili......More

The Conservation Foundation Book ClubWednesday, April 1st6:30pm “Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World” by Tyson Yunkaporta McDonald FarmBill Dawe Pavilion*10S404 Knoch Knolls RdNaperville, IL 60565 *Weather permitting, we’ll meet in the Bill Dawe Pavilion. If inclement weather, we’ll meet in the Clow Education Center.   We want to bring our community together to discuss ideas within nature-based literature. It’s a great way to get to know each other, as well as deepen our understanding and relationship to the land we live on. This group will be led by our friend, Kristy Belton, and meet every other month on the first Wednesday. We hope you’ll join us! This event is free and no registration is required!   View our McDonald Farm map here to find building locations, gardens, and where to park.  

McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL, 60565, United States

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Workday

Dayton Bluffs Preserve WorkdaySaturday, April 11th8:00am – 12:00pm 2997 IL-71Ottawa, IL 61350   Be ready for a workday with The Conservation Foundation! View tips on how to prepare.   A partnership of The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa created the Dayton......More

Dayton Bluffs Preserve WorkdaySaturday, April 11th8:00am – 12:00pm 2997 IL-71Ottawa, IL 61350   Be ready for a workday with The Conservation Foundation! View tips on how to prepare.   A partnership of The Conservation Foundation and the City of Ottawa created the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, which features 100 acres of prairie, 150 acres of woodlands, rugged ravines, water cascades, and the beautiful Fox River. Work activities vary throughout the year and include collecting native seeds, removal of invasive trees and shrubs, trail maintenance, planting and seeding native species, and controlling weeds. If you plan to bring a group, please contact us at [email protected].  

Dayton Bluffs Preserve, 2997 Illinois Route 71, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States

Spring Wildflower Walk with Belong Fox Valley

Spring Wildflower Walk with Belong Fox ValleyMonday, April 13th5:45 — 7:00pm Delnor Woods ParkRt. 25 by the intersection with Fulton AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174 Join The Conservation Foundation and Belong: Fox Valley on a peaceful stroll through Delnor Woods to explore......More

Spring Wildflower Walk with Belong Fox ValleyMonday, April 13th5:45 — 7:00pm Delnor Woods ParkRt. 25 by the intersection with Fulton AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174 Join The Conservation Foundation and Belong: Fox Valley on a peaceful stroll through Delnor Woods to explore the beautiful blooms of the season, guided by the St. Charles Park District. Comfortable walking shoes (that you don’t mind getting muddy) are recommended. Held in partnership with:

A River Flows Through It

A River Flows Through ItCoyotes Among Us: The Urban Coyote Research Project A Fox River Program SeriesAll Programs are Free7:00 – 8:00pm Baker Community Center101 S. 2nd StreetSt. Charles, IL 60174   In Partnership With:The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles The ......More

A River Flows Through ItCoyotes Among Us: The Urban Coyote Research Project A Fox River Program SeriesAll Programs are Free7:00 – 8:00pm Baker Community Center101 S. 2nd StreetSt. Charles, IL 60174   In Partnership With:The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles The Conservation Foundation is collaborating with local partners to once again offer presentation series centered around the Fox River. This series highlights the wildlife diversity, unique attributes, and recreation opportunities provided by our most valuable natural asset, the Fox River. The benefits of living in and visiting the Fox River Valley are expansive, but also dependent on our human impact in these places. Join one or all of the presentations in the series to hear the speakers’ insights on the intricacies of our environment, ways to enjoy our local outdoor spaces, the cultural significance of the Fox River, and how you can care for our natural resources. Coyotes Among Us: The Urban Coyote Research ProjectShane McKenzie, Max McGraw Wildlife FoundationFor over two decades the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation in collaboration with the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control, the Forest Preserve Districts of Cook County, and The Ohio State University has spearheaded the largest long-term study of urban coyotes in the world based here in Chicagoland. Shane McKenzie, an associate research scientist from Max McGraw, will be discussing insights into urban coyote ecology, discoveries made by the project and approaches to coexistence.   Series ScheduleWednesday, January 21stMajestic Migrators: the Sandhill CranesBy Amber Ross, Forest Preserve District of Kane County Wednesday, February 18thThe Roaring 20s: Prohibition Era in the Fox River ValleyBy Chris Linden, Hughes Media Wednesday, March 18thQuiet Wings of the Watershed: Butterflies and Moths of the Fox River ValleyBy Pam Otto, Kane County Naturalist Wednesday, April 15thCoyotes Among Us: The Urban Coyote Research ProjectBy Shane McKenzie, Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation   In partnership with:  

Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174

River Sweep

35th Annual River SweepSaturday, April 18, 20269:00am – 12:00pm The annual River Sweep is a county-wide self-coordinated stream cleanup held each spring. The one-day event encourages volunteer groups to help “sweep our rivers clean” by picking up debris in and along th......More

35th Annual River SweepSaturday, April 18, 20269:00am – 12:00pm The annual River Sweep is a county-wide self-coordinated stream cleanup held each spring. The one-day event encourages volunteer groups to help “sweep our rivers clean” by picking up debris in and along the local waterways. Registration sign-up deadline is end-of-day Sunday, April 5, 2026!   Downtown Naperville, Sweep 2021How It WorksParticipants register and are assigned to a Community Liaison, who coordinates volunteers to remove litter from a nearby section of river. Streambank restoration activities, such as removing invasive species and planting native species, are available in some areas for those who prefer to keep their feet dry. Supplies and technical support are provided by sponsoring organizations to help communities coordinate their efforts.   RegistrationRegister above to count yourself in! To learn more about being a Community Liaison or Group Coordinator, view our River Sweep page. Help us expand the River Sweep to more locations by volunteering to be a Community Liaison or Group Coordinator. Contact Amy Phillips for how to get started – it’s simple!   Community LiaisonsView our full list of contacts here.   Sponsors & PartnersRiver Sweep supplies and technical support are generously provided by these sponsoring organizations and partners:    

Native Spring Ephemerals Webinar

Native Spring Ephemerals WebinarTuesday, April 21st12:00 — 1:00pm Registration coming soon!     Spring is the perfect time to embrace the beauty and benefits of native spring ephemerals in your garden. By choosing native species, you can create a vibrant, sustainable la......More

Native Spring Ephemerals WebinarTuesday, April 21st12:00 — 1:00pm Registration coming soon!     Spring is the perfect time to embrace the beauty and benefits of native spring ephemerals in your garden. By choosing native species, you can create a vibrant, sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife, conserves water, and promotes biodiversity while providing that first pop of color each spring. In this presentation, we’ll explore the advantages of planting native spring ephemeral flowers, how to select the right ones for your area, and tips for ensuring they thrive throughout the seasons. Learn how to make your garden a thriving habitat for both nature and yourself! Speaker:Jim Kleinwachter, Conservation@Home DirectorJim developed the Conservation@Home and Conservation@Work programs to reach home and business owners, getting them going on a more eco-friendly approach to landscaping. The program is unique, in that it offers on site help and advice. He lectures all over the region on local environmental issues, and works with other staff to cover a six county region of Illinois. The program has spread to 10 other organizations across Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. His current title is Conservation@Home Program Director.  

The Fox River: Our Hidden Gem

The Fox River: Our Hidden GemRooted in Trouble: The Impact of Invasive Plant Species A Fox River Presentation SeriesAll Programs are Free7:00 — 8:00pm Yorkville Public Library902 Game Farm RoadYorkville, IL 60560 Organized By:The Conservation Foundation’s Kendall Count......More

The Fox River: Our Hidden GemRooted in Trouble: The Impact of Invasive Plant Species A Fox River Presentation SeriesAll Programs are Free7:00 — 8:00pm Yorkville Public Library902 Game Farm RoadYorkville, IL 60560 Organized By:The Conservation Foundation’s Kendall County Advisory Council The Conservation Foundation is collaborating with local partners to once again offer presentation series centered around the Fox River. This series highlights the wildlife diversity, unique attributes, and recreation opportunities provided by our most valuable natural asset, the Fox River. The benefits of living in and visiting the Fox River Valley are expansive, but also dependent on our human impact in these places. Join one or all of the presentations in the series to hear the speakers’ insights on the intricacies of our environment, ways to enjoy our local outdoor spaces, the cultural significance of the Fox River, and how you can care for our natural resources. Rooted in Trouble: The Impact of Invasive Plant SpeciesBy Sam Kilgore, Local Land StewardInvasive species have dramatically reshaped the natural communities along the Fox River. This talk will cover what characteristics might allow a species to behave invasively and highlight invasive plant species that are currently impacting our habitats or that may impact them in the future. How can help monitor and control invasive species in our local community?   Series Schedule Wednesday, January 28thFeathered Friends of the Fox: Birds Across Local HabitatsBy Scott Johnson, Forest Foundation of Kendall CountyRegister here Wednesday, February 25thGrowing Food for Nature and People: Agroecology 101By Connie Kollmeyer, The Conservation FoundationRegister here Wednesday, March 25thRiverine Friend or Foe: Living with American BeaversBy Rachel Siegel and Jeff Boland-Prom, Illinois Beaver AllianceRegister here Wednesday, April 22ndRooted in Trouble: The Impact of Invasive Plant SpeciesBy Sam Kilgore, Local Land StewardRegister here  

Yorkville Public Library, 902 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL, 60560, United States

2026 Earth Day Benefit Dinner

2026 Earth Day Benefit DinnerThursday, April 23rd5:00 — 9:00pm Bobak’s Signature Events     Our annual Earth Day Benefit Dinner is a critical source of funding for our important work to save nearby nature, protect our region’s vital waterways, and connect children of a......More

2026 Earth Day Benefit DinnerThursday, April 23rd5:00 — 9:00pm Bobak’s Signature Events     Our annual Earth Day Benefit Dinner is a critical source of funding for our important work to save nearby nature, protect our region’s vital waterways, and connect children of all ages to the wonders of the natural world. We are so excited to gather at Bobak’s Signature Events again this April, and hope you’ll join us!   Evening IncludesAcclaimed silent auction featuring an electronic auction systemHors d’oeuvres, libations, and exquisite 3-course dinnerInspirations video and short programMusical entertainment by Downtown Charlie BrownOpportunity to support our mission  DonationsWe are welcoming item donations for our silent auction!   Thanks to Our Sponsors:Oak             Maple Sponsors Bartlett Tree ExpertsCITGOGary R. Weber AssociatesInland Real Estate GroupWheaton Bank & Trust   Birch Sponsors Ball HorticulturalBedrock EarthscapesCampton TownshipCantigny ParkCity of AuroraClub Pilates of NapervillePete & Kathie ConnollyJeff & Jennifer DuncanEarthwerks Land Improvement and Development CorporationENCAP, Inc.Engineering Resource Associates, Inc.Forest Preserve District of DuPage CountyForest Preserve District of Kane CountyForest Preserve District of Will CountyFox River YogaFox Valley Park DistrictGee-Schussler InsuranceGerald Subaru of NapervilleHey and Associates, Inc.Robert & Nadine HutchinsonCarole KochPaul & Eileen LeFortDan & Julie LongMainstreet Organization of REALTORSNatural Garden NativesThe Pizzo GroupRent A Gardener, Inc.Tom & Marge SchneiderStrategic Office SolutionsV3 CompaniesWhat WE MakeWheaton Park DistrictWM  

Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Dr, Woodridge, IL, 60517, United States

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve Workday

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve WorkdayRomeoville, IL Saturday, April 25th9:00 — 11:00am   Join The Conservation Foundation and Friends of O’Hara Woods volunteers to improve the ecological health of this State Nature Preserve. Work may include trash clean-up, removal of in......More

O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve WorkdayRomeoville, IL Saturday, April 25th9:00 — 11:00am   Join The Conservation Foundation and Friends of O’Hara Woods volunteers to improve the ecological health of this State Nature Preserve. Work may include trash clean-up, removal of invasive shrubs and plants, creating/burning brush piles, and harvesting native seeds. Please dress for the weather and conditions, which includes long pants, long-sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Bring a water bottle and work gloves if you have them. Safety glasses, extra gloves, and tools will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Renae Frigo at [email protected]. Please meet in the parking lot at the end of Beverly J. Griffin Drive, on the east end of the preserve. Use this link to find the meeting location.  

O’Hara Woods, Beverly J Griffin Dr, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States

Spring Greens: Foraging at The Forge Plant Walk

Spring Greens: Foraging at The Forge Plant WalkSunday, April 26th10:00 — 11:30am The Forge: Lemont Quarries227 Heritage Quarries DrLemont, Illinois, 60439 Join us at our Spring Greens: Foraging at The Forge Plant Walk where Eric Izzo of The Conservation Foundation will......More

Spring Greens: Foraging at The Forge Plant WalkSunday, April 26th10:00 — 11:30am The Forge: Lemont Quarries227 Heritage Quarries DrLemont, Illinois, 60439 Join us at our Spring Greens: Foraging at The Forge Plant Walk where Eric Izzo of The Conservation Foundation will lead a walk showing participants wild leafy greens and other wild edible plants that are common in our local landscapes. Eric will discuss plant identification, which parts of the plants to eat and how to prepare them, safety, and foraging ethics. This event is best suited for ages 18+ or 14+ with an adult and is co-hosted by The Wilder World Trust and The Conservation Foundation.