Canoe Program Caps a Great Year of Education and Outreach
As 2025 draws to a close, we cap the 30th anniversary of our immersive canoe program—a cornerstone of Friends’ Education and Outreach efforts and a beloved volunteer activity. The Canoe Program started three decades ago as a form of on-the-water advocacy that provided the first public paddling opportunity on the river system and led directly to the increased public health protections, new parks, and places to paddle we enjoy today.
“It is hard to imagine with the mass of kayaks, rental boats, and winter hot tubs out on the river today how original it was to take people out on the water in 1995,” said Margaret Frisbie, Friends’ executive director. “But there wasn’t even anywhere to legally launch a canoe.”
Thirty years later, the Canoe Program still offers meaningful ways to explore the river and its wildlife while improving its health through litter removal, native aquatic plantings, and stronger community connections. This year, supported by a corps of 79 dedicated volunteer canoe guides, more than 1,300 people of all ages paddled the river, witnessed wildlife, removed litter and installed 2,297 native aquatic plants in the North Shore Channel and Little Calumet River—contributing to improved habitat and increased climate resiliency. Since 2017, volunteers have planted more than 18,000 native aquatic plants.
“I volunteered with Friends because I was interested in paddling close to home” said Jonelle Niffenegger, a 25-year veteran volunteer canoe guide. “But I soon learned that being a canoe guide with Friends was more than recreation -- just by being on the water, we're advocating for the people, plants and animals that live in and near the river. Taking groups out on the river in a canoe is one of the best ways to help people connect to -- and care about -- the river that runs through the heart of their city. You can see it in the smiles of our guests at the end of each trip.”
Looking ahead, we are already gearing up for a big and successful 2026 season. Friends is available to coordinate custom canoe programs for groups of 10 or more at locations throughout the watershed. To schedule an event, contact Annette Anderson at (312) 939-0490, ext. 14 or aanderson@chicagoriver.org.
Programs That Connect, Teach, and Transform
Friends’ community engagement and on-the-ground projects continue to deepen awareness of the vital role the river system plays in our communities, our health, and climate resiliency. This year, we engaged more than 60,000 individuals in our programs, and leveraged 16,683 volunteer hours—worth more than $580,420 toward river restoration.
Bridgehouse Museum
As we look ahead to celebrating the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum’s 20th anniversary in 2026, the museum remains a vital hub for educating and engaging the public about the Chicago-Calumet River system and Chicago’s iconic bridges. This year, more than 36,000 visitors explored the museum’s exhibits, continuing the strong growth sparked by expanded programming and a sliding scale, pay-what-you-can admission model launched in 2024. This approach has opened the doors wider than ever, ensuring equitable access for all. The museum continues to serve as a cultural and educational destination, sharing the river’s rich history and the environmental challenges it faces today.
Litter Free Initiative
Our Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River program is a standout initiative reducing and preventing trash in our waterways through strong partnerships with community leaders and local governments. We support policies, partner on research, and provide hands-on opportunities like our Litter Free Supply Stations that empower residents to organize cleanups with ease. This year, 1,147 community members used the supply kits at 52 cleanup events throughout the watershed, significantly reducing pollution and strengthening community pride.
River Action Days
Our customized River Action Days give companies a hands-on way to give back while fostering teamwork. This year, nearly 600 employee volunteers, a 26% increase from 2024, took part in stewarding river-edge environments. These turnkey events are fully planned and led by our expert staff; all your team needs to do is show up and enjoy meaningful, outdoor impact. To plan a River Action Day in 2026, contact Becky Lyons at (312) 939-0490, ext. 23 or blyons@chicagoriver.org.
Student and Teacher Education
The Chicago River Schools Network (CRSN) continues expanding its essential role in bringing environmental and STEM education into classrooms. In 2025, the CRSN worked with 368 teachers and reached more than 25,000 students through field trips, classroom programs, and hands-on projects. Of all schools served, 85% were public, and 65% were within Chicago Public Schools, ensuring equitable access to transformative river learning. Students and teachers across the watershed are invited to the free, student-driven Chicago River Student Congress on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
