2025 River Resolutions to Inspire Action and Advocacy
Friends of the Chicago River has released River Resolutions for the New Year, 12 actions and ideas that the people of the watershed can embrace to improve the health of the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system and its tributary streams for all people, water, and wildlife. With a one-a-month approach, the dozen advocacy steps are designed to engage and educate the public about what they can do for the river and why it matters for us all.
Get Invovled
Friends of the Chicago River has been at the forefront of the river’s renaissance and recovery. Due to Friends’ efforts, and its many nonprofit partners and government agencies, the river system is cleaner, healthier, and more accessible than it has been for well over 150 years and serves as a community and economic asset. However, the river is still inaccessible in too many communities and suffers from pollution in the form of urban runoff such as road salt, motor oil, and litter as well as habitat loss, the impacts of industry, channelization, and sometimes, sewage overflows.
“New Year’s resolutions can be inspirational and have impact,” said Margaret Frisbie, Friends’ executive director. “And our river is an inspiration because of so many peoples’ hard work and commitment, it has evolved from a fenced off pollution burdened back alleyway to a vibrant natural and community asset. So just imagine the impact on top of that if the 5 million people who live across our watershed reduced their plastics footprint, conserved water, contacted their elected officials and showed up to river restoration days. The outcome would be miraculous.”
Act, Educate, and Advocate: River Resolutions for the New Year
January
Get to Know Our Wildlife
Learn about our native wild animals by visiting one of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Nature Centers or going for a walk in the woods. Early morning and dusk is a good time to catch a glimpse of a great horned owl or a coyote in peak breeding season!
February
Make Our River Litter Free
Reduce or eliminate your use of single use plastics. Food related items such bags, bottles, and containers often end up in our river harming water quality and wildlife. It comprises 80% of the litter in the river.
March
Build Your Team and Save Your River
Organize a River Action Day with Friends and give your coworkers a chance to have some fun, build camaraderie, and get outside to help the Chicago-Calumet River come to life through a wide range of activities that are customized for you.
April
Act on Overflow Action Days™
April showers bring May flowers and sometimes sewage in the river because our combined sewer system can get overwhelmed when it rains hard or for days on end. If you minimize your water use before, during, and after rainstorms you can help prevent the problem. Sign up to receive our Overflow Action Alerts.
May
Roll Up Your Sleeves for the River
Sign up to join 2,400 other volunteer advocates for Chicago River Day on May 10 to clear our river of trash and restore native habitat all along the river’s 156 miles and tributary streams. There are over 80 locations so one is sure to be convenient to you.
June
Think Beyond the Banks
No matter where you live in our watershed you are connected to our rivers through storm drains and pipes. Gardeners should stop using pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides which wash away into rivers and everyone can use wildlife friendly cleaning supplies. Your choices make a difference.
July
Celebrate Bees and Butterflies
Native trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses in your garden and along our riverbanks prevent erosion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife including at-risk animals including bees and butterflies. Native plants can absorb rain at up to 9X the rate of turf grass which is not a source of food or shelter. Go green with no grass.
August
Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about the Chicago-Calumet River and our ecosystem by signing up for Friends’ informative e-news and follow Friends on Facebook and Instagram. Join in Friends’ educational programs and volunteer activities. Lectures at our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum take place most summer Thursdays on the bustling Chicago Riverwalk downtown.
September
Walk, Run, Ride, Bird, Paddle, Dine, Sit Still…or Swim?
There are endless opportunities to enjoy the Chicago-Calumet River system from north to south and east to west whether you want exciting action or quiet contemplation. Rent a kayak, go for a run, or bring your journal and some colored pencils. (Will this be the year of the Chicago River Swim?)
October
Always Act on Calls to Action
They used to say that “one letter in Washington is worth a 100,000 votes” and what it means is your elected officials are listening. Reach out on river issues that matter locally, at the state level, and to the federal government. We need your voice to support legislation and initiatives that protect our rivers, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable land and water management. Your opinion counts!
November
Rethink Your Road Salt
Prepare for winter this year by looking into eco-friendly alternatives for ice and snow. Road salt contaminates rivers, lakes, and drinking water; harms wildlife damages soil, plants, and infrastructure while increasing corrosion in vehicles. Salt disrupts ecosystems by altering water chemistry, harming wildlife, and reducing biodiversity. A little goes a long way in doing harm.
December
Support Our Vision for People, Water, and Wildlife
Friends of the Chicago River has been at the forefront of the river’ recovery since 1979 and has led the way for permanent change. We are the only organization solely dedicated to the river system’s health and our success can be measured in miles of trail; species of fish; and people in, on and along the water. Contribute now and make a difference today.
