New Habitat Award Goes to Friends

Today the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund announced $1.1 million in grants to benefit the Chicago River system including $175,000 to Friends of the Chicago River for in-stream habitat improvement. "This grant is an exciting extension of our work to improve water quality to protect the health of people and fish," said Margaret Frisbie, Friends' executive director.

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First Catfish Cavities Getting Installed

This week Friends of the Chicago River and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are installing the first 25 channel catfish nesting cavities of 400 total planned. The project, funded by the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, will provide constructed nesting habitat in reaches of the river system where natural habitat is lacking.

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Three Down, One to Go

On Sunday, November 9 Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel cut the ribbon for the new boathouse at West River Park, further improving river access which Friends has been striving towards for the last 35 years. The River Park boathouse will open to rent canoes and kayaks  starting next spring. The mayor also announced that the funding is in place for the final boathouse that will be built at the mouth of Bubbly Creek.

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