Find information 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.

Improve the Little Calumet River by paddling out in canoes to plant native plants along the riverbanks.

Improve the Little Calumet River by paddling out in canoes to plant native plants along the riverbanks.

Friends of the Chicago River is looking for volunteers to assist staff on education field trips for K-12 and college students to a wide variety of sites in the Chicago-Calumet River system. Volunteer your time to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and river protection.

Join Friends and the McKinley Park Development Council to remove harmful litter from this beautiful river-edge park!

Learn the joys of paddling!  This event is geared towards those who'd like to learn with other beginners.

Learn what you can expect when volunteering for an event with Friends.

Enjoy paddling the South Branch of the Chicago River with Friends!

Let's cheer on the swimmers and celebrate this incredible event that showcases the progress made in the river’s water quality.

 Join us for an exclusive after-hours sunset and Full Moon paddle through the Skokie Lagoons.

Join Friends, our partners, and supporters to celebrate 20 years of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum as we travel down the Chicago River at this annual fundraiser cruise. 

Enjoy the magic of migration from a unique perspective!

Join us for a unique birding experience from our canoes!

The Chicago-Calumet River Summit is Friends of the Chicago River's annual flagship policy event; this year's theme will highlight urban river swimming and explore the next steps toward safe, accessible, and equitable swimming in the Chicago-Calumet River system.