Annual Chicago River
Student Congress
The Student Congress is held annually on a Saturday in February at Amundsen High School.
15th annual Student Congress
The Chicago River Student Congress is a special conference where students have the chance to shine while learning more about the Chicago River and its watershed.
Students share their knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm with their peers and environmental professionals. Students attend informative workshops and view displays created by other students and by professionals from local non-profit and government agencies.
When: Saturday, February 25, 2012, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Amundsen High School, 5110 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Driving Directions & Event Instructions (138k PDF)
This year’s theme:
Confluence
This year’s Congress will highlight the many collaborations and accomplishments that have occurred to improve the Chicago River. Maybe your school worked with Friends of the Chicago River, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, or some other funder or supporter. Perhaps you studied the river in your classroom, or took a trip to the river to monitoring chemistry and biology. This year we celebrate coming together (i.e. confluence) and the change that collaboration can bring. Many issues regarding the Chicago River are currently in the public eye. We are all at a confluence in the river’s history. Disinfection of sewage effluent would remove coliform bacteria, a huge step forward in water quality. Steps are also being taken to improve fish habitat (through dam removal), and to raise awareness regarding invasive species (such as Asian carp and zebra mussels). The decisions we make today will affect the river and our environment for years to come.
Workshops and exhibits should highlight your students’ varied experiences in improving water quality. We all play a vital role to safeguard the health of the river’s ecosystems, for all plants, animals, and people.
Last year, several hundred students, teachers, environmental organizations, and other guests enjoyed a morning of workshops, displays, artwork and music celebrating the Chicago River watershed. Come be a part of the fun this year!
Registration materials
Teacher Information & Registration Packet
Environmental Professional Registration Packet
Student Flyer
Photos from the 2011 Student Congress
Click to enlarge an image
Thanks again to all who made this wonderful event possible, especially the staff and faculty of Amundsen High School and the Geographic Society of Chicago.
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