ENJOYING OUR SURFACE WATERS
            Rain supports many opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Many activities are not hampered by light rain and summer downpours are usually brief. Just the sound of rain is relaxing. The rain cools you and the hot summer air and clouds provide welcome relief from the intense energy of the sun. Try enjoying being in the rain – wear washable clothing and relax, knowing that you will dry.
            Most importantly, rain is what renews our fresh water supply. What ends up in the ground nourishes crops, gardens, and trees, and replenishes well water for drinking. What rain ends up on the surface as streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes provides for wildlife, and fishing and other recreational activities and, for many communities drinking water. Just to sit by a flowing stream or river is relaxing. Just hiking or sitting by the water allows you to observe wildlife that depends on the water.
            Freeport and Lena Park Districts recognize the value of surface water for recreation. Krape Park in Freeport gives you the advantages of enjoying Yellow Creek, a spectacular waterfall, and recreational fishing and boating. Read Park has a spring fed stream that runs through it managed for you to enjoy. North of Freeport on Highway 26, the wetlands and its observation deck, managed by Freeport Park District, open up another opportunity for relaxing by our surface waters.
            Lena Park District has developed easy access to the Pecatonica River for canoe and kayak recreational activities including places to sit by the Pecatonica and just relax. Lee Butler, Freeport, has put together a website that describes paddling activities (human-powered) on the Pecatonica River. Eight trips on The Pecatonica River Water Trail are described including information about water depth, public access areas, maps of the trails, and photos. See www.paddlethepec.com
            The Pecatonica River is over fifty-eight miles of recreation and wildlife opportunities in Stephenson County designated by Illinois law as ‘navigable’. Founded in November 13, 2008, The Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation (FPRF) leads efforts to continue to improve access and the overall health of the Pecatonica River for people and wildlife. Joined to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois giving them 501 c(3) status, the Foundation can accept tax-deductible dues and donations. For more information go to the website, www.pecriver.webs.com, and access their newsletters and other information about The Great Pecatonica River Trail.
            “Today, Stephenson County has 495 canoes and kayaks registered with the IDNR and over two thousand motorboats registered. The seven counties that form the northwest corner of the state have over five thousand canoes and kayaks registered. That is an opportunity for us to attract tourism dollars, while promoting family, healthy outdoor recreation,” according to the FPRF.
            Remember to appreciate the rain that renews our surface waters.

Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 06/23/10 (for publication on 06/26/10 in the Journal-Standard, Freeport, Illinois) Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org