Friends’ planning team has launched a next phase of canal research and discovery.

Nearly 100 local, regional, and international experts gathered for the summit to exchange ideas and advance solutions to the growing threats facing our health, flora and fauna including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and weakened environmental protections.

From green infrastructure investment to wastewater disinfection and the future of swimming in the Chicago River, the next MWRD Commissioners will shape the health of our waterways for years to come. Friends of the Chicago River asked candidates where they stand on these critical issues.

With newly designed sponsorship packages, we aim to strengthen connections between your organization, your team, and nature through hands-on and educational experiences. Earth Month activities include policy and outreach talks, litter-free river cleanups, and restorative forestry projects.

These awardees demonstrate what’s possible when ecologically and economically smart river-sensitive design, and community-centered planning guide decision-making.

Across a full day of conversation, the summit confronted the growing threats facing our environment and ecological health, from climate change, habitat loss, fragmentation, and weakened environmental protections, while spotlighting practical solutions making a difference.

The channel catfish is once again abundant throughout the Chicago-Calumet River system and other local waters.

Two leaders whose vision and commitment shaped Friends of the Chicago River came together recently for a special luncheon with Friends’ executive director, Margaret Frisbie, to reflect on Friends’ founding and enduring impact.

The Big Fish Ball brings Friends our supporters together for an elegant evening of cocktails and a delicious buffet, set against the skyline of the Chicago River downtown. The celebration is paired with a full month of Earth Month activities designed to engage corporate teams, with an exciting new opportunity this year for sponsors to get into the field on Earth Day.