This weekend's torrential rains caused combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that drove sewage and other pollutants into the Chicago River system, potentially harming people and wildlife. In fact, the volume was so great the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) had to open the controlling gates at Wilmette which allowed polluted water into Lake Michigan causing beach closures. Friends called for an Overflow Action Day Friday in advance of the weekend's wet weather and had piece in the Chicago Sun-Times on how you can help.

Friends' McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum continues to inspire visitors with its interesting content, access to the innerworkings of the bridge, and sweeping views of the Chicago River. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, programs include a summer lunchtime lecture series, Asian Carp Grill Fest, and musical interludes.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) named the osprey as the bird of the month for July--an apt celebration as Friends and the preserves continue to build nests and increase potential for new pairs to make Cook County their home. According to Field Museum scientist, Doug Stotz, there are 16 nesting pairs locally.

5th District U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley's July 3 guest column concluded with the statement that if we work together "one day we might be able to swim in the river." Published in the Chicago Sun-Times, the story celebrated Friends' new Overflow Action Day program and encourages people to take the Overflow Action Day pledge. 

Although you can't see it the Chicago Reader says the biggest news in water quality improvements in decades is the addition of sewage effluent disinfection at two of sewage treatment plants discharging to the Chicago River. "Friends and our partners worked tirelessly for over a decade to see this day," said Margaret Frisbie, Friends' executive director.

Bringing the total of channel catfish released into the Chicago River system by Friends and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to over a quarter of a million fish, on May 18 an additional 82,000 juvenile catfish were allowed to swim free in the Little Calumet River.

On Tuesday, May 17 Friends of the Chicago River and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) released 2,000 juvenile northern pike into the North Shore Channel. Part of a project to restore the channel funded through the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, Friends and IDNR will start planting water willow and lizard's tail next summer to improve conditions for fish and other aquatic life.

Great Rivers Chicago is wrapping up and thousands of people have weighed in with their hopes and dreams and thoughts about the Chicago River. Regarding the massive planning process, Friends’ executive director, Margaret Frisbie said, “I’ve been inspired to hear people speak about the river with passion and excitement." 

While the sun wasn't shining but over 2,500 volunteers were at Friends of the Chicago River's 24th annual Chicago River Day. Families, corporate teams, and community groups worked together at over 60 locations to pick up garbage (which is unsightly and harmful to wildlife), remove invasive plants, and spruce up river-edge trails.

"Mayor Rahm Emanuel's announcement of Current, a new public and private partnership developed to solve water challenges facing the nation and the globe, could lead to a healthier Chicago River system," said Friends' Executive Director Margaret Frisbie. "Ideally their work will address the local challenges the river still faces and will create new technologies for such as end of pipe sewage treatment, increased nutrient removal and recovery, and easy to install sewage effluent disinfection at Stickney."