It's Our River Day Clean-Ups Statewide

Illinois waterways have been crucial in shaping the culture, commerce and communities of our state. Ancient civilizations settled along our rivers because of the rich diversity of plant and animal life, and access to trading partners. Early pioneers settled here not via wagon train, but by canoes and flatboats. Millions of migratory birds use Illinois rivers as flight patterns. Today, we still rely on rivers for drinking water, transporting goods and nature-based recreation.

The vital link between the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico flows across Illinois, from the increasingly clean Chicago River to the resource-rich Illinois River to the mighty Mississippi. The Illinois River, its tributaries and all of Illinois' rivers and streams - big and small - are the lifeblood of our nation.

On the weekend of September 20-21, a statewide celebration of these precious resources will occur in towns across Illinois. The Annual "It's Our River Day" will feature dozens of activities and events promoting recreation, conservation and education about Illinois rivers.

The ISA encourages you to hook up with a few fellow anglers before fishing and make it a point to carry out a few bags of trash and any other items polluting your favorite waterways. That smallmouth on the end of our line is much more satisfying when we realize we helped keep it's home sustainable and clean.

Kankakee River Update

This event is rescheduled for Saturday Oct 4, 2008 from 8AM until 1PM.

Please check in at the concession stand at the Kankakee River State Park as originally planned. When you sign in please sign in as a member of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance on the sheet provided.