Two-time Thiess International Riverprize finalist

As a two-time Thiess International Riverprize finalist – 2019 and 2021 – Friends takes great pride in the global environmental recognition of our exemplary work and the deserving effort put forth in our excellent application even though we didn’t win the top prize. This year’s award went to the Thwake River in Kenya, which supports small scale farmers in an arid and semi-arid landscape; the other finalist was the Tweed River in Australia. We couldn’t be more honored to be among them. 

Video highlighting our success

Our work has significant impact well beyond our watershed and recognition by the International River Foundation elevates the importance of all of our efforts in making the Chicago River system one of the world’s greatest rivers and a blue-green corridor of connected natural open space.