Friends’ Online Community Grows

This month Friends of the Chicago River hit another record high – more than 45,000 members, volunteers, and online activists are now part of the Friends online community, supporting our work to protect and restore the Chicago-Calumet River system and work across our watershed. Surpassing the 45,000 mark, which is more than double the number from 2020, includes an explosive 134% growth of subscribers to our electronic newsletter, a 50% increase in social media followers, and an ongoing strong news media presence. Last year Friends secured $23 million in earned media including coverage of the Trump International Hotel & Tower permit violation win, the 30th anniversary of Friends’ pioneering paddling programs, and Chicago River Day.

All our communications are centered on the award-winning work of our three program areas to protect and restore the river system: Education and Outreach, Policy and Planning, and On-the-Ground Projects. Please tell a friend or family member to get involved with Friends and sign-up for our e-newsletter and to follow us on social media at Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

And thank you for subscribing. Your voice makes our voice stronger.