A bright October morning with the trees in full fall foliage, sun shining, beautiful blue skies with just the occasional puffy cloud, was a perfect day for 50 friends to set off on a joyful adventure – with a little citizen scientist thrown in –to search for birds from the vantage point of the river.

A successful 16th season at the landmark Bridgehouse Museum on Chicago’s Riverwalk which included public art, an autumn river cruise, and the debut of The Chicago River is Wild Science Station.

Friends is looking for innovative, river-system benefiting, sustainable, and nature-based projects located throughout the Chicago River watershed that exemplify our vision for the river system.

Successful 2022 canoe season full of experiential paddles introducing people to the natural wonders of the river to stewardship events like paddle and plants, and canoe and cleans.

On our podcast we talk with acclaimed Montana artist Ben Miller who painted a portrait of the Chicago River using his unique style called fly cast painting.

Two community input gathering events along the South Branch and Bubbly Creek made connections with residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders about river edge sites and upcoming plans in the area.

The Clean Water Act is vital to the river’s renaissance and its ongoing protection.

The workshop helped educators learn ways to teach about river chemistry, aquatic invasive/native species, water quality assessment, and activities for students to get more involved with the river system.

Friends of the Chicago River was named a 2022 finalist for the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence.

This Eerie Evening – October 21, 5 to 9 p.m. – is a unique Halloween experience within the 100-year-old walls of the five-story landmark Michigan Avenue Bridgehouse.