Jenni Kempf “River Trippin'” IPC’s Annual Dinner Speaker
Growing up on the banks of the Fox River in Algonquin Shores, the river was foundational to Jenni’s upbringing. Pair that with family vacations on northern WI lakes and rivers in which she and her dad angled for northern pike from a rowboat and the result is a deep love for water and outdoor experiences. Add a 10 minute canoe paddling lesson before a high school field trip, and Jenni hasn’t stopped paddling since AND she helps others get out on the water too.
Jenni has worked in water quality science and education for her entire career. Her time directing education for the active watershed group, Friends of the Fox River, bolstered her dream to paddle the entire length of the Fox River. In Sept 2022, she did just that. There was no shortage of adventure- from portaging around the Fox River’s 16 dams (now 15), crossing one of the most heavily used powerboat recreation areas at the Chain O’Lakes, and guerrilla camping when necessary. All in all, the 200 mile paddling trip was no easy feat for Jenni and the friends that accompanied her, but challenges were balanced by majesty and Fox River education that she will carry with her and continue to share with others. Jenni is a firm believer that deep experiences in nature are the most effective path towards understanding what is needed for environmental protection.
Hear all about this source to mouth Fox River journey and bring your nostalgic Fox River stories for a presentation and talk about this impactful voyage. She is the IPC’s keynote speaker for the 2026 annual dinner!