Beyond the Banks
BEYOND THE BANKS
The health of the Chicago River is affected by actions that happen far beyond the banks of the river itself. The cumulative effects of these actions, whether negative or positive, have a major impact on river health. When we salt our sidewalks, over-fertilize our lawns, or dump household chemicals down the drain, we are unwittingly contributing to river pollution—even if the river is out of sight. This “non-point source pollution” is difficult to measure. The good news is that we can make a positive impact on river health if we all make simple changes at home.
At this year’s Chicago River Day, we will focus on simple steps that you can take to improve river health—even if you live “beyond the banks”. By implementing these actions at home, together we can improve habitat for people and wildlife along the river.
“Beyond the Banks” sites will showcase activities that can be practiced at River Day and replicated at home. Provide habitat for backyard wildlife by learning to build bird boxes. Switch out your current cleaning products to those that don’t contain bleach or other chemicals harmful to the river. Visit our Bridgehouse Museum to get the inside story of the river’s and how you can play a part in its continued revitalization.
SIGN UP TODAY
Contact the individual listed at the site to RSVP. Participation in “Beyond the Banks” locations is limited. Once the site is full, no additional volunteers will be accepted. A few sites may charge a small fee to cover the cost of materials for take-home projects.
The deadline to register for a “Beyond the Banks” site is Friday, April 30th. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the site will be cancelled.
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago Museum
Where: 376 N. Michigan (corner of Michigan and Wacker, Chicago)
When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What: Visit Friends’ Bridgehouse Museum for this special preview opening to learn about the Chicago River and its colorful transformation throughout history. The Bridgehouse Museum is housed in the southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge so you get to explore the structure from the bridge’s gear room all the way up to the top floor.
Fee: FREE
Minimum volunteers: There is no minimum requirement for this location.
RSVP: contact Ozana Balan King obalan@chicagoriver.org, (312) 939-0490, ext. 13.
TOXIC TRADE-IN
Where: Whole Foods 1550 N. Kingsbury Street Chicago, IL 60642
When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bring in your old toxic cleaning product and receive a green cleaning product from Blissful Home. While Supplies Last.
Build Houses for our “Flying Friends”
Where: East Bank Storage, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What: Local wood artist Hal Link will be demonstrating how to build bird or bat boxes for our feathered friends. You will observe Hal as he constructs a box in his workshop and, weather permitting, installs it outside along the banks of Bubbly Creek. Participants will learn what type of boxes work best, where the best place is to install the boxes when you get home and detailed instructions on how to make your own when you get home.
Fee: FREE
Minimum volunteers: 5 minimum; 10 maximum
RSVP: contact Hal Raeburn halraeburn@hotmail.com
Email Newsletter