Current Highlights
Blue Winners
Friends congratulates the inaugural winners of the Blue Ribbon Awards for their awards and work to improve the Chicago River system. The Blue Ribbon Awards are part of the Chicago River Blue, Friends’ new program that educates, encourages, and rewards river-sensitive developments and redevelopments that take people, wildlife, and clean water into account.
Getting the Inside Story
Friends’ McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum which opened for its fifth season on May 15, the same day as the first bridge lift of the 2010 summer recreation season. Visitors to the museum get the inside scoop about how the river transformed the city, experience the majesty of the bridge rising and giant gears in motion, and can explore the Chicago Riverwalk which is emerging as a top tourist destination.
Big Fish Ball
Friends of the Chicago River’s 5th annual Big Fish Ball fundraising gala on June 9 was spectacular! Find out more about our success.
Chicago River Summit 2010: From Fish Hotels to Forest Preserves
Opened with remarks by Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller, the 6th annual Chicago River Summit was a great success and brought together a diverse audience for presentations and discussions on habitat solutions in urban environments. Copies of the presentations will be posted on-line as soon as possible. Click here for more information.
Paddling Season is Open
Urban Canoe Trips
Come paddle the Chicago River with Friends’ fun and experienced canoe guides this season! Join our canoe trips and be wowed by both the natural and man-made environments that make paddling the Chicago River so inviting. Our guides combine paddling instruction with interesting facts and stories about the river’s past, present, and future. You won’t get this experience anywhere else!
Chicago River Flatwater Classic
Registration is open for the most unique river experience in the region. Join hundreds of paddlers and the fun at the 11th annual canoe and kayak race on Sunday, October 3. Some come to compete, while others to simply unwind on the water with friends and family. Paddlers cover the 7.25 mile course in as little as one hour or up to three! Want to go the extra mile to support a healthier Chicago River? Become a Flatwater Fundraiser and encourage your contacts to sponsor you in the Paddle-A-Thon and become eligible for a cool prize.
Sewage in the water? Oh, gross!
Because the river is so full of people and wildlife, not everybody realizes that there are still bacteria from human sewage released into the river as part of the sewage treatment process.
When they find out, most people say “oh, gross!” and are so surprised.
Fortunately, right now the Illinois Pollution Control Board is reviewing new and improved water quality standards for the Chicago River and Calumet River systems that include killing that bacteria…and we need your help to make sure they approve them.
Recent news coverage on Chicago Tonight and Friends’ new brochure Why Disinfect? provide insight into this critical issue.
Find out more about bacteria and what you can do about it here ….
Action Plan for the Chicago River
Getting Specific: Strategies for a cleaner, more vibrant Chicago River
The report outlines the future needs of the Chicago River and offers recommendations for river improvement. It is the culmination of over 50 subject-area experts who participated in one of six charrettes and is now available here. (3MB PDF)
In addition, Friends’ Friends’ Chicago River Matrix, (88K PDF) which outlines public access, water quality, aquatic habitat, riverbank habitat, riverbank naturalization and land protection for each stretch of the river, is also available.
Friends’ Offices
Friends’ address is:
28 East Jackson, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60604-2272
(312) 939-0490
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