The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: Friends of the Chicago River

Part 1 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: Who is “Friends?” Explore the origins and mission of our organization. We also discuss current programs and initiatives.

The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: River Geography and Ecology

Part 2 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: What is the Chicago River? How was it created and how did it influence the city? We also discuss regional ecology and what makes a river healthy.

Let's kick-off the My Chicago River Day Summer Challenge!

The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: Wigwams to Skyscrapers

Part 3 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: An exploration of Chicago from the 17^th to the late 19^th century. We will discuss the Potawatomi, Marquette & Jolliet, the I&M Canal, and the Great Chicago Fire.

The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: Bubbly Creek and the Union Stockyards

Part 4 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: An exploration of Chicago from the mid-19^th to the early 20^th century. We will discuss the Union Stockyards, Bubbly Creek, and other early sources of water pollution.

The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: Reversal and Infrastructure Improvements

Part 5 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: An exploration of Chicago from the mid-19^th to the mid-20^th century. We will discuss Chicago’s sewers, the river’s reversal, water treatment, canal building, the Eastland disaster, and the Skokie Lagoons.

The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: Water Quality Issues

Part 6 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: An exploration of modern water quality issues in Chicago. We will discuss Water treatment, disinfection, combined sewer overflows, OAD, TARP, non-point source pollution, and plastic.

By understanding our past, we better understand the present!

The Chicago River, Turbulent History & Recent Renewal

Title: Land Management Issues

Part 7 of 7 (You don't have to attend prior sessions to join)

Time: 60 minutes

Age group: High School & Adult

Description: An exploration of modern land management issues in Chicago. We will discuss stormwater management, soil erosion, gullies, biodiversity, non-native species spread, and river access.