From green infrastructure investment to wastewater disinfection and the future of swimming in the Chicago River, the next MWRD Commissioners will shape the health of our waterways for years to come. Friends of the Chicago River asked candidates where they stand on these critical issues.

With newly designed sponsorship packages, we aim to strengthen connections between your organization, your team, and nature through hands-on and educational experiences. Earth Month activities include policy and outreach talks, litter-free river cleanups, and restorative forestry projects.

These awardees demonstrate what’s possible when ecologically and economically smart river-sensitive design, and community-centered planning guide decision-making.

Across a full day of conversation, the summit confronted the growing threats facing our environment and ecological health, from climate change, habitat loss, fragmentation, and weakened environmental protections, while spotlighting practical solutions making a difference.

The channel catfish is once again abundant throughout the Chicago-Calumet River system and other local waters.

Two leaders whose vision and commitment shaped Friends of the Chicago River came together recently for a special luncheon with Friends’ executive director, Margaret Frisbie, to reflect on Friends’ founding and enduring impact.

The Big Fish Ball brings Friends our supporters together for an elegant evening of cocktails and a delicious buffet, set against the skyline of the Chicago River downtown. The celebration is paired with a full month of Earth Month activities designed to engage corporate teams, with an exciting new opportunity this year for sponsors to get into the field on Earth Day.

Volunteer canoe guides and trailer haulers play a critical role in creating equitable opportunities for our community to connect to the river, helping guests understand the river’s vital place in our history as well as its role as an important natural resource for our future.

Foundry Park presents a significant opportunity for Chicago to showcase world-class waterfront design rooted in ecological restoration.