Chicago River Day, a Record Success
Chicago River Day 2026 was a massive success with over 2,700 volunteers registered pre-event and walk up still being counted. People of all ages fanned out all along the river's 156 miles from Palos to Riverdale and Chicago's southweast side to Lake Forest. With unprecedented support from elected officials, sponsors, and community partners, volunteers cleaned up litter, removed invasive plants, and restored trails in record numbers; it was a day that made a difference.
“Chicago River Day is one of most hopeful and inspiring days of the year,” said Margaret Frisbie, Friends’ executive director. “People of all ages come from all over to contribute their time to the good of the river, its wildlife, water quality and our communities. This kind of selfless action results in an immediate benefit of a cleaner, healthier river but also lifts up the volunteers who find strength and resolve by being a part of this massive effort.”
Studies show that 80% of the litter in the river is plastic and, of that, 80% is food related waste. Friends is working to make the river litter free year round through our public policy efforts to reduce the waste stream and our Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River Program which empowers people to pick up trash.
A total of 27 federal, state, county, and city leaders joining joined Chicago River Day including Members of Congress Sean Casten (IL-6), Mike Quigley (IL-5th), and Delia Ramirez (IL-3rd), and six suburban mayors, five commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, four members of the Chicago City Council, two state senators, two state representatives, two Cook County commissioners, one park district president, and one township supervisor.
Save the date for next year: Saturday, May 8, 2027!
Photo of the plastic toy rescued from the river at WGN for a Chicago River Day news interview with Loudes Duarte and Frisbie courtesy Friends of the Chicago River.
