Grab your dip net and get ready to wade into the water! The Forest Preserve District of Kane County invites the community to take part in the 8th Annual Rusty Rodeo, a free, family-friendly event focused on removing invasive Rusty Crayfish from local waterways.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at two locations along the Fox River: North Aurora Island Park, 4 E. State St., North Aurora, and Mt. St. Mary’s Park, 79 Prairie St., St. Charles.
During the event, volunteers will search shallow waters for Rusty Crayfish, an invasive species that can negatively impact aquatic habitats. With help from naturalists, participants will learn how to collect, identify and remove Rusties from the Fox River, all while gaining a better understanding of how invasive species affect local ecosystems.
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Expect to get wet, as volunteers will be wading into the water. A limited number of dip nets will be available to borrow, but participants are encouraged to bring their own, if possible.
All Rusty Crayfish collected during the event will be put to good use as food for animal ambassadors at the sponsoring agencies’ nature centers.
The Rusty Rodeo is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District and Friends of the Fox River.
No registration is required. For more information visit www.kaneforest.com, email programs@kaneforest.com or call 630-444-3190.
—Forest Preserve District of Kane County