In a major victory for the Chicago River, last week a judge approved the proposed $4.8 million environmental settlement between Friends of the Chicago River, the Sierra Club, and the Illinois Attorney General and the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago.

To much fanfare, Friends of the Chicago River proudly opened the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum in 2006.

Since taking charge in 2005, Frisbie has become a leading voice for the implementation of multi-beneficial natural solutions which build climate resiliency, protect biodiversity, and improve public health.

 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.

Enjoy a frothy pint of River Bird and help protect and restore the Chicago-Calumet River system for all people, water, and wildlife.

This proposed settlement is a major step forward to ensure that all facilities using the river for cooling—regardless of size or ownership—comply with environmental law and regulation to protect the health of the Chicago River and its wildlife.

Proper management of the river edge is crucial to protecting the riparian habitat zone that river wildlife depend on.

Green stormwater infrastructure refers to practices that mimic natural hydrology to manage flooding and runoff where it falls, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs, while providing co-benefits like improved air and water quality, cooler temperatures, and enhanced green space.

Participants were asked to engage an audience on the issues of litter reduction, individual or community action, and ways to improve our rivers.

At Friends of the Chicago River, we’ve been working to improve conditions for turtles for years—restoring water quality and protecting habitats.