Dedicated Advocates Celebrate the River aboard the Ice Odyssey Cruise

More than 100 river advocates and civic leaders boarded our Ice Odyssey cruise on February 15 to celebrate the improving health of the Chicago-Calumet River system and enjoy the dazzling Chicago skyline from views from the water.

The festive cruise was hosted by Friends’ Otter Society Committee, which is our premier giving group comprised of deeply committed individuals, corporations, and family foundations who provide vital investment and support to Friends. Their commitment helps enable Friends to advocate for improving the health and accessibility of the 156-mile river system, tackling the long-term systemic problems it faces, and working every day to bring the river system back to life for people and wildlife. The Otter Society derives its name from the river otter, a charismatic mammal who is returning to the river system because of Friends’ efforts to improve and protect it. River otters must have clean water to protect their coats, find food to eat, and wild places to roam.

Thank you to our generous Ice Odyssey sponsors Zeller Realty, The Wrigley Building, Arcadis, and Stantec; and to City Experiences, the owners of the Odyssey Chicago River, for making this special event possible. 

Are you interested in learning how to become a member of The Otter Society? Learn more here, or contact Annie Hanrahan at ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org.