Together we are working to reimagine the Canal and how it can serve and sustain our communities and the environment. Take a survey share your thoughts and ideas.

This autumn, support the education and public outreach programs of our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum as you cruise among the glistening Chicago skyline on our 12th Annual Autumn Cruise. 

Friends of the Chicago River was short-listed as the only organization solely dedicated to transforming the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system.

Since 2014, Friends of the Chicago River has been working with scientists from the Forest Preserves to increase nesting sites available to osprey along the river system.

The purpose of the grant was to more fully support community-led organizations in advancing river-related initiatives in partnership with government agencies and nonprofits through Chicago’s River Ecology and Governance Task Force.

Take Action to tell Congress not to rollback vital protections for our waters.

Friends of the Chicago River joined hundreds of water leaders from across the country at the One Water Summit focusomg on advancing sustainable, equitable, and integrated approaches to water management.

All our communications are centered on the award-winning work of our three program areas to protect and restore the river system: Education and Outreach, Policy and Planning, and On-the-Ground Projects.

The resurgence of key wildlife species in the Chicago-Calumet River system is no accident—it’s the direct result of long-standing, strategic partnerships dedicated to wildlife and habitat restoration and conservation.

The event is one of several co-led by Friends and Imani Village as part of a growing partnership focused on nurturing emerging leaders and expanding environmental equity across Chicago’s Southeast Side.