Projects
Friends’ ultimate goal is for a greener, more accessible, and better cared for river. We achieve this through education and outreach, policy and planning, and on-the-ground projects.
Our Education and Outreach programs cultivate awareness and stewardship. We believe a broad base of popular support for the Chicago River is essential to the long-term success of efforts to improve it.
Examples of our educational programs include:
- Educating students about the Chicago River and the environment
- Revealing the river’s past and future at the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
- Taking groups and families canoeing to se the Chicago River for themselves
Through our Policy and Planning initiatives, Friends mobilizes river supporters and provides a “voice” for the river on behalf of all those whose quality of life benefit immeasurably by it. We focus on research and policy initiatives, informing elected officials and partnering with key agencies to help shape policies that have a systematic long-term impact on the river’s health. Examples of our work include:
Examples of our work include:
- Advocating for improved water quality standards
- Reviewing river-edge developments for good public access and river-sensitive design
- Identifying and working to protect open space
Friends’ On-the-Ground projects physically improve the health of the Chicago River watershed. These projects provide healthy habitat, restore the river’s health and cultivate community spirit.
Examples of our work in this area include:
- Piloting urban river restoration projects like the Michigan Avenue Fish Hotel
- Working with community groups to establish quality habitat and healthy riverbanks
- Developing collaborative stormwater best management and protection projects
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