The City of Chicago has released a draft plan called the Central Area Plan, an area spanning 7.4 square miles and encompassing the Main Stem, North Branch, and South Branch of the Chicago River, and they want your input.

The creative force behind these new displays is Mitchell Trachtenberg, a master’s student in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). His experience with the Freshwater Lab at UIC led him to an internship at the Bridgehouse Museum—and to a passion project perfectly matched to his interests.

Proceeds from the special cruise benefit important programming at the Bridgehouse Museum, including educational field trips for Chicago Public School students who learn about the river’s ecology and history and how the once abused Chicago-Calumet River system is now home to abundant wildlife including all kinds of turtles and river otters.

Choosing to invest in the restoration, revitalization, and advocacy of the river and its watershed helps to ensure that the renaissance will robustly continue, and more river otters will call our river system home.

The monthly advocacy steps are an invitation to engage and educate the public to get to know the river system as well as what they can do for it and why it matters for us all.

The event brought together practitioners, local governments, and community leaders from across Illinois to explore solutions for stormwater management, climate resilience, and watershed health.

Friends of the Chicago River was proud to be a partner and support this event for more than 10 years.

The recognition, which is accompanied by a A$100,000 cash prize, underscores Chicago’s emergence as a leader in urban river restoration and affirms Friends’ pioneering role in shaping a future where rivers are valued as vital natural, social, and climate sustainable wonders.

In celebration of World Rivers Day on September 28, all donations to Friends of the Chicago River until September 30 will be matched up to $10,000!

he festive cruise supports the education and public outreach programs of our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.