From the barred owl to the tufted titmouse, the Chicago River system is home to numerous birds to spot during the winter months. Birders in the Chicago River system can also help collect important data about bird species in the watershed using apps and other reporting tools.

There are at least three resolutions we could all make in 2021 that would have a direct, positive effect on the Chicago River system: pick up the litter, conserve individual water use, and reduce consumption of single-use plastics.

The South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River, known as Bubbly Creek, gained a major victory with the final adoption of the omnibus spending act in Washington in December, 2020 It includes $11.6 million for restoration work to address the impacts of combined sewer overflows, sediments, and the loss of aquatic habitat on this vital reach of the Chicago River.

The omnibus spending bill passed by Congress on December 21, 2020 includes $11.6 million for restoration work to help restore the Bubbly Creek reach of the Chicago River.

While this past year has been turbulent, Friends of the Chicago River has much to celebrate over the past 12 months.

Voice your opposition by December 28 to help stop the Administration from rolling back some critical protections granted to birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Friends is working with cultural, artistic and environmental organizations on a project that enables artistic exchanges responding to three sites of critical environmental and social conflict in Chicago.

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and flooding can occur on cold winter days. Learn about Overflow Action Days in winter.

Safe litter collection during the winter season is as important as ever before.

Some of the most important ecological restoration work to improve and protect the Chicago River system as a natural blue-green corridor occurs during the winter season.