International River Foundation Names Friends of the Chicago River World Finalist

On Thursday the International River Foundation based in Brisbane declared Friends as one of three finalists for the Thiess International River Prize.

First awarded in 1999, the prize recognizes leading organizations which are driving change and river resiliency worldwide. Friends was short-listed as the only organization solely dedicated to transforming the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system into a thriving, biodiverse, and climate-resilient ecosystem with open, equitable access for all.

Since 1979, Friends has led the growing movement for river protection and restoration, engaging more than 60,000 people each year through education, outreach, and hands-on stewardship and an additional 45,000 who participate through online advocacy. Friends also drives lasting change through bold policy advocacy and long-term planning initiatives that prioritize ecological health, climate resilience, equity, and the blue-green corridor.

The winner will be announced at the International River Symposium: River Revolution: Accelerating Solutions for Climate Resistance in September with Friends’ Policy and Conservation Director John Quail in attendance.