The massive litter cleanup and restoration event also kicks off this year’s litter removal efforts under Friends’ Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River program, which includes more litter cleanup events on land and from the water.

The prestigious award recognizes outstanding participation in the Chicago River Schools Network, Friends’ flagship education program.

Bruch brings more than 30 years of professional expertise in landscape architecture and environmental science, along with a long record of civic leadership.

Designed to both educate and inspire, Friends' Wild River Resolutions connects people to the species living in and along the river while spotlighting simple, everyday actions that support a healthy, biodiverse, and accessible river system for all people, water, and wildlife.

Friends of the Chicago River is deeply honored to be recognized by leaders at the federal, state, and local levels following our win of the 2025 Thiess International River Prize.

Friends’ planning team has launched a next phase of canal research and discovery.

Nearly 100 local, regional, and international experts gathered for the summit to exchange ideas and advance solutions to the growing threats facing our health, flora and fauna including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and weakened environmental protections.

From green infrastructure investment to wastewater disinfection and the future of swimming in the Chicago River, the next MWRD Commissioners will shape the health of our waterways for years to come. Friends of the Chicago River asked candidates where they stand on these critical issues.

With newly designed sponsorship packages, we aim to strengthen connections between your organization, your team, and nature through hands-on and educational experiences. Earth Month activities include policy and outreach talks, litter-free river cleanups, and restorative forestry projects.

These awardees demonstrate what’s possible when ecologically and economically smart river-sensitive design, and community-centered planning guide decision-making.