New techniques for permeable paving, which help prevent flooding and pollution from reaching the Chicago River, are being implemented this week at Lawrence’s Fisheries, a Friends’ business member, by Ozinga Chicago, a business member as well.

Friends of the Chicago River and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources released 30,000 channel catfish into the Chicago River system on June 10. A first step in a major river restoration project funded by the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, 10,000 were released downtown at the confluence of the North Branch, Main Stem, and South Branch and 20,000 into the Little Calumet.

On June 5, Friends of the Chicago River's annual gala, the Big Fish Ball, raised over $250,000 to support Friends' mission to improve and protect the Chicago River. Held on Riverside Drive in front of the Merchandise Mart, the event was near capacity with 470 diners there to enjoy the lovely summer weather, wild river animals, delicious dinner, and  the beautiful river. The Big Fish Ball was presented by Here: A Nokia Company.