Find information HERE on how to volunteer in our Forest Preserves throughout the year!

Sign up for a guided tour on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum with our trained staff to learn the history of the Chicago-Calumet River System.

Expert speakers bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, and community engagement.

The Chicago-Calumet River system is one of the most spectucular natural treasures in the Chicago region. Unfortunately, it still struggles with the persistent problem of litter. Help us create a Litter Free River by coming out to a community cleanup. We bring the supplies, you bring the can-do spirit!

Embrace the beauty of summer, the great outdoors, and the wonders of nature at the Forest Preserves of Cook County Kids' Fest at Wampum Lake!

Volunteer to improve habitat and water quality by planting along our riverbanks.

Volunteer to improve habitat and water quality by planting along our riverbanks.

Help us create a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet river system by removing litter directly from the river and its banks. We provide boats, bags, gloves, and grabbers; you provide the can-do spirit!

Expert speakers bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, and community engagement.

Enjoy paddling the Little Calumet River with Friends!

Expert speakers bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, and community engagement.

The Chicago-Calumet River system is one of the most spectacular natural treasures in the Chicago region. Unfortunately, it still struggles with the persistent problem of litter. Help us create a Litter Free River by coming out to a community cleanup. We bring the supplies, you bring the can-do spirit!

Help us create a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet river system by removing litter directly from the river and its banks. We provide boats, bags, gloves, and grabbers; you provide the can-do spirit!

Expert speakers bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, and community engagement.

Enjoy paddling the North Shore Channel with Friends!

Bring your team and test your knowledge of Chicago-Calumet River system history!

Join us in an exclusive after-hours sunset and moonlit paddle through the Skokie Lagoons.

Learn the joys of paddling! Friends welcome beginners on all our paddles. This event is geared towards those who'd like to learn with other beginners.

The Chicago-Calumet River system is one of the most spectacular natural trasures in the Chicago region. Unfortunately, it still struggles with the persistent problem of litter. Help us create a Litter Free River by coming out to a community cleanup. We bring the supplies, you bring the can-do spirit!

Expert speakers bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, and community engagement.

Help us create a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet river system by removing litter directly from the river and its banks. We provide boats, bags, gloves, and grabbers; you provide the can-do spirit!

Chicago Ornithological Society and Friends of the Chicago River team up to offer a unique way experience the magic of migration! 

Friends teams up with Chicago Ornithological Society to offer a unique way experience the magic of migration! 

Join us in an exclusive after-hours sunset and moonlit paddle through the Skokie Lagoons.

Have fun paddling with Friends. 

Enjoy the beauty of fall from the river.