The Chicago River Eco-Warriors (CREW) are amazing friends who volunteer to improve and protect the Chicago-Calumet River system in many different ways.

Looking to volunteer?
Sign up to be part of the CREW here.

You'll receive our monthly volunteer newsletter with upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, links to resources, and more. There are many different ways the CREW helps people, water, and wildlife in the Chicago-Calumet River watershed.

Here are a few ideas:

• Become a Canoe Guide.
• Tackle our litter problem and work to create a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River by:
  • Volunteering at our annual spring cleanup Chicago River Day
  • Planning a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River volunteer cleanup - check out the Litter Free Toolkit (or our Litter Free Toolkit in Spanish) that shows you how, and borrow materials from our Litter Free Supply Stations.
  • Call in overflowing Chicago Park District trash cans to (312) 742-7529.
  • Report floating litter in the City of Chicago by calling 311.
• Share information about Friends at events. We've made a Volunteer Information packet just for you.
• Help with special events, like Student Congress, the Big Fish Ball, and the Autumn Cruise. Info about event volunteering will be shared through the CREW newsletter.
• Improve and restore critical habitat in our beautiful forest preserves and parks. Check out your local forest preserve or park district website for opportunities.
• Help us track wildlife, especially our focus species, osprey, bats, and turtles, as a wildlife monitor.
• Reduce combined sewer overflows by conserving water on Overflow Action Days.
• Reduce pollution running into the river by creating a rain garden, installing a rain barrel, and planting native plants.
• Learn about river ecology and the ways we've improved the watershed by diving into the River Reporter archive. 
• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It really helps when you like and share our posts. 
• Look into the Professional Resource Council or Planning Committee to share professional experience
• Volunteer on a field trip or presentation with the Chicago River Schools Network.
• Plan a volunteer day for your company on a River Action Day (RAD).
• Don't forget to become a member. Memberships are available at many different levels. 

Questions? Email Annette Anderson or call her at (312) 939-0490, ext. 14.