Friends Wins Prestigious Thiess International River Prize
On September 10, Friends of the Chicago River was awarded the globally renowned Thiess International River Prize by the International River Foundation in recognition of Friends’ extraordinary work to restore and revitalize the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system. The award was announced at the International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia, where Friends was celebrated as a global leader in river protection and climate resilience.
Awarded since 1999, the Thiess International River Prize honors trailblazing organizations that advance lasting ecological, social, and economic benefits worldwide. Friends of the Chicago River, the only organization exclusively dedicated to the transformation of the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system, was one of four finalists that included the Cumbria Rivers of the UK, Klamath River in the United States, and the Vjosa River of Albania—all recognized for pioneering watershed-scale interventions. Previous winners include the Thames, the Rhine and Kenya’s Mara River.
"This honor recognizes the hard work, innovation, and deep commitment of our team, partners, and tens of thousands of members and volunteers who believe in the urban rivers as natural wonders of health, biodiversity, sustainable economy, and community connection," said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River since 2005. “Being honored internationally confirms that what we’re doing here in the Chicago-Calumet River watershed has global significance. It shows that urban rivers—when championed—can be restored for all people, water, wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience.”
Since its founding in 1979, Friends of the Chicago River has catalyzed a regional movement for river protection, engaging more than 60,000 people annually through education, outreach, and hands-on stewardship, plus an additional 45,000 advocates online. The organization leads bold policy reforms, long-term planning, and on-the-ground projects that improve water quality, restore habitats, and promote environmental equity across the Chicago-Calumet watershed.
“The Chicago River's transformation is evidence of what’s possible when communities, scientists and government unite behind a shared vision,” said Michael Wright, chair of the Australia-based International River Foundation. “Their success highlights a legacy of ecological renewal and civic pride that can inspire cities worldwide.”
The recognition, which is accompanied by a A$100,000 cash prize, underscores Chicago’s emergence as a leader in urban river restoration and affirms Friends’ pioneering role in shaping a future where rivers are valued as vital natural, social, and climate sustainable wonders.
The announcement was made during the 26th International River Symposium, held September 8-10 in Brisbane, where hundreds of delegates from around the world including Friends’ policy and conservation director, John Quail, met to explore the theme: River Revolution: Accelerating Solutions for Climate Resilience. Quail was recently recognized by the Chicago Wilderness Alliance with a George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award.
