The Forest Preserve District of Kane County streams and rivers have underwater invaders by an invasive species known as the Rusty Crayfish. We invite everyone to take part in Rusty Rodeo, from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 12, aimed at collecting, identifying, and removing Rusty Crayfish from our precious waterways. This free event promises a fun-filled experience for the whole family, because we embark on a quest to find and capture these underwater critters.
Two locations have been designated for the event to accommodate participants. The first location is Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, 1644 S. River Street, Batavia. The second location will be on the west side of the Fox River, near the historic Piano Factory Pedestrian Bridge, along the Riverside Trail at Indian Street, St. Charles.
We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Expect to get wet because we wade into the water, with dip nets to catch and remove the Rusty Crayfish. Although we will have some dip nets available to loan, we encourage participants to bring their own nets. We will award prizes for the best-designed crayfish catching invention, so unleash your creativity and show us your innovative ideas!
All Rusty Crayfish caught during the event will be put to good use. They will serve as food for the animal ambassadors at the sponsoring-agencies’ nature centers.
This event is co-sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District, Friends of the Fox, Center for Great Lakes Literacy, and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
No registration is required for this event. For more information and to stay updated on event details, visit www.kaneforest.com, send E-mail programs@kaneforest.com or call 630-444-3190.
—Forest Preserve District of Kane County