The public is invited to Espenscheid Forest Preserve, on the banks of
the Kishwaukee River in Cherry Valley, IL, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday
June 8th for Love Your River
Day. The festival will feature a Loot for Litter river clean-up, prize
drawings, giveaways, river safety demonstrations, wildlife exhibits,
environmental education activities and free four-color Kishwaukee River
wildlife posters. Cash prizes will be awarded to individuals collecting the
most litter. Admission is free.
Love Your River Day is a
kick-off celebration for a summer-long campaign sponsored by Friends of the
Kishwaukee River, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, and the
Illinois Smallmouth Alliance. The purpose of the Love Your River campaign is to raise public awareness of the
ecological and recreational value of the Kishwaukee River and to educate and
advocate for its protection and safe and respectful use.
The mission of Friends of the Kishwaukee
River is to promote and enhance good stewardship of the river and the
surrounding lands, encourage safe and responsible recreation, protect its
watershed from degradation, and increase the community’s appreciation of its
natural beauty.
Friends of the Kishwaukee River partnering
organizations: Blackhawk
Sierra Club, Four Rivers Environmental Coalition, Illinois Paddling Council,
Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, Kishwaukee River Ecosystem Partnership, Natural
Land Institute, Rockford Park District, Village of Cherry Valley, Winnebago County
Forest Preserve District, Water Trail Keepers.
Contact: Jamie B.
Johannsen, Friends of the Kishwaukee River, Publicity Chair
Phone: 815/494-6977
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