Paddle the Little Calumet River

Join Friends of the Chicago River and Shedd Aquarium to explore the Little Calumet River to paddle and volunteer to improve the health of the Little Calumet River this summer.  All events meet at Kickapoo Woods, Halsted St, south of W 144th St, Riverdale, IL 60827

Paddle and Plants - Volunteer signup link 

We invite you one of our many Paddle and Plants this summer to put in aquatic plants along the river's edge, a unique opportunity to put on waders, head out in canoes, park along the banks of the waterway, and install native plants. These plants improve habitat and water quality, in addition to improving our resliancy to climate change. We ask volunteers to be at least 12 years old and minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All Paddle and Plants run 9:30am-2pm.

2024 Dates:

  • Tuesday, June 25 
  • Wednesday, June 26 
  • Saturday, July 27
  • Tuesday, August 13 
  • Wednesday, August 14 

 

Community Paddles

The Community Paddles are the perfect place for first time paddlers to get indepth instruction on how to paddle, practice in a very safe and easy waterway and improve their skilles and confidence with on the water safety monitoring and paddle coaching from Friends canoe guides. Sessions are about 2 hours, 45 mins of instruction, and an hour + of practice, with two start times each day. We hope you'll join us to get to know your rivers and enjoy this great outdoor activity.

All are welcome at the community paddling events. We recommend paddlers are at least 10 years old and minors paddle with a guardian. Younger river lovers from 5-10 years old are invited to enjoy the event with their family by sitting in the center of the canoe. Space is limited, so registration is required, click on the date below to register.

 

No paddling experience necessary. Friends’ trusty canoe guides will help everyone safely load in and out of the canoes, answer questions about the river along the way and act as safety monitors on the water. We provide all equipment, paddling instruction, and a safety talk. All participants need to sign a paddling waiver which will be sent to you in the confirmation email, and blank waivers will also be available on location. Trips start and end from the same location, rain or shine! Check out Friends’ canoe trip FAQs for more details.