Help round up rusty crayfish in Aug. 10 ‘Rodeo’

Attention nature enthusiasts and families! The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has a mission for you.

The local streams and rivers have underwater invaders by an invasive species known as the rusty crayfish. It’s time to grab your dip nets and help us reduce the numbers of these pesky invaders!

On Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, join in the “Rusty Rodeo,” aimed at collecting, identifying, and removing rusty crayfish from local waterways.

This free event promises a fun-filled experience for the whole family, as we embark on a quest to locate and capture these underwater critters.

Two locations have been designated for the event to accommodate participants. The first location is North Aurora Island Park, 4 E. State St., North Aurora.

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 St., St. Charles. Choose the location most convenient for you.

They recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Expect to get wet as we wade into the water, with dip nets to catch and remove the rusty crayfish. While they will have some dip nets available to loan, they encourage participants to bring their own if possible.

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 River, 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, email programs@kaneforest.com or call (630) 444-3190.