After months of public outreach and coalition building, nearly 4,000 people weighed in on a new name for an old canal.

For the first time, Summit attendees and sponsors can begin the day with exclusive networking, and a conversation-driven brunch moderated by Juanpablo Ramirez Franco, Environment Reporter for Grist and WBEZ Radio.

We have plenty to be thankful for as we reflect on the natural wonders of the Chicago-Calumet River system, and the work to protect and restore it. We hope you will consider making a donation of any amount to sustain our year-round programming; individual donors are our largest source of the unrestricted support that forms the backbone of our work.

In November at an International River Foundation Satellite Event, river advocates, scientists, and leaders from across the globe gathered online to celebrate innovation and leadership in river restoration, featuring the action and advocacy of Friends of the Chicago River.

 Your contribution will have direct impact on Friends’ work to protect and restore the river system.

Friends of the Chicago River honored six worthy recipients with the 2025 River Commitment Awards at our Member & Volunteer Celebration – including the inaugural River Resiliency Award.

In October, Friends of the Chicago River and a broad coalition of partners announced five new names for the Chicago Sanitary along with a public voting process that closed November 7.

The new names were developed through a months-long public engagement process reflecting the canal’s function, history, natural character, and location.

Prepare for winter this year by looking into eco-friendly alternatives for ice and snow.