The Friends of the Kankakee promotes the establishment of the Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge as proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1997. Since 2003, the Friends of the Kankakee has focused on the acquisition of natural lands for the refuge within the proposed Illinois refuge footprint near Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area and Iroquois County State Wildlife Area. To date, the Friends of the Kankakee has purchased land which will be donated when the refuge is established.
We are dedicated to establishing the Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. We will work and support individuals and groups, both public and private, who share this vision.
FOK's 11th Annual Luncheon is coming up on Saturday, May 21st. Check out our calendar for a link to the event page and more information.
FOK’s holdings have increased nearly 6 acres! Three lots in Willow Estates, totaling 1.82 acres were purchased in August and a 4.5 acre tract inKankakee County was closed on at the beginning of October.
Check out the "Contact Us" and "Join/Donate" pages for our new P.O. Box address.
Check out the photo gallery and click on the "Controlled Burn" photo to learn more about the controlled burn that took place in 2009 and how it's good for the environment.
The Friends of the Kankakee's 10th annual Luncheon is coming up on March 27th. Check out our calendar for more information and a copy of the invitation.
Welcome to thefriendsofthekankakee.org. I hope you like the new layout and design of our website. Please check out the Event Calendar for for upcoming events and workdays.
This fall and winter we will be continuing our efforts to prepare Iroquois Sands for a burn. There is still much work and we would appreciate the help.
Join us on October 18 for a walk around Kolar and Anderson Savannas. We will be collecting seeds as we explore. Anderson, the northern 22 acres of Iroquois Sands, has many old black oaks with large trunks and spreading boughs. The leaves should be colorful. Bring your binoculars. Small hand pruners and gloves will be useful in removing seed heads. Wear boots to keep your feet dry.
In November and December we will be dismantling the old pig pen in the homestead area of Kolar. This will involve some digging and some cutting of fencing materials. Weather permitting, we may be burning some of the wood scrap. Gloves are a necessity and wire cutters and shovels can be useful. Eye protection is suggested.
Goodies and warm beverages will be provided.
Meet at Kolar Savanna.
Wear long sleeves and long pants, sturdy shoes, bring gloves and safety glasses.
Bring lunch. FOK will provide water.
The nearest bathroom facilities are at Willow Slough.
Bring shovels, wire or brush cutting tools, if available.
Contact Chris Salberg at 219-390-7402 for more information.
We welcome your help for all day or part of the day.