RIVER Flows Through It A

Learn about Fox River wildlife and recreation in free lecture series

By Kevin Druley ~

Living adjacent to the Fox River in St. Charles for 45 years has brought John Rabchuk plenty of bliss.

He knows he isn’t the only one passionate about the Fox and its wildlife.

Perhaps that explains the encouraging attendance at “A River Flows Through It,” a monthly lecture series from January through May presented by The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles, of which Rabchuk is director, in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and St. Charles Park District.

Rick Brems

The Foundation is set to conclude the 2023 season by hosting speakers discussing birds of the Fox River Valley (April 19) and fishing on the Fox (May 17). The free presentations run from 7-8 p.m. at Collins Auditorium in Baker Community Center, 101 S. 2nd St., St. Charles.

Rabchuk recalled lively participation in earlier sessions covering Fox River dams and wildlife conservation.

“Rivers and changes to rivers are always tied to emotions, you know,” he said.

From Rabchuk’s perspective, the breadth of bird species certainly has expanded over the decades.

Sure, there are the Canadian geese that seem more loath to visit Florida with each passing year, but Rabchuk also doesn’t remember seeing eagles, egrets and blue herons, among others, the way he does now.

“All of those are relatively new and great to see, which means the health of the river is much better too,” Rabchuk said. “And the same is true of the smaller songbirds. … A number of years ago, we never saw those kinds of birds here.”

Rabchuk describes a burgeoning birding community along the Fox, one that was “very active” before, but took off due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That seemed to accelerate it,” he said. “It’s one of the activities you could do. You’re outdoors. You’re on your own. There’s a lot of various places, and the

CATCH

Fox River Valley is a flight way for a lot of migratory birds. But it’s also home to a whole raft of other birds that people don’t understand the particular nature of.”

Those interested are encouraged to visit the lecture to learn more.

About a month after this presentation, Ryan Solomon of the St. Charles Park District is slated to speak about fishing along the Fox. Might he tell the tale of the 30-to-35-inch muskie he once caught across from Pottawatomie Park? Stay tuned.

Either way, Rabchuk surmises that the presence of such fish is a credit to the improved water quality in the river.

Still, some conservation experts Rabchuk has spoken to feel adjusting the river flow could further enhance water quality.

One theory he relayed: removing various dams to allow for better migration of freshwater mussels, who help clean the water.

“They migrate by attaching eggs to the side of fish. So, when you have a dam and the fish can’t move up and down the river, then it kind of isolates them,” Rabchuk said. “And those freshwater mussels suck in water and keep the nutrients, and putting out fresh water and clean water.”

Rabchuk added that the Foundation always welcomes new members or anyone seeking more information.

“There’s room on our website [www.stcrivercorridor. org] to raise your hand a little bit and say ‘I’d like to get involved somehow,’” Rabchuk said. “We don’t have any dues. It’s a pure volunteer group, but it’s a pretty active and very dedicated group.”

Gear up for a great ride!

Take advantage of all that Geneva has to offer when you ride the Fox River Trail and Illinois Prairie Path. Visit visitgenevail.com for where to rest and refresh.