The Chicago River Swim marks a bold step forward, demonstrating our collective leadership in recognizing the vital role our rivers play in public health and building a climate-resilient future.

Thirty-three partners from local governments, nonprofit organizations, regional agencies, and engineering firms attended the discussion.

As part of Friends’ River Shallows Project, Solidarity Studios engaged the public with their beats of the river at Kickapoo Woods Forest Preserve on Chicago River Day in May.

Friends of the Chicago River’s initiatives were highlighted multiple times including our collaboration with the Department of Planning and Development to advise Chicago’s river projects, plans, and policies by facilitating the River Ecology and Governance Task Force.

The festive cruise supports the education and public outreach programs of our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.

The Park Heroes (Volunteers in Parks) awards from Friends of the Parks recognize individuals and groups whose commitment to stewardship, advocacy, and community programming make Chicago’s parks more equitable, accessible, and vibrant.

This autumn, support the education and public outreach programs of our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum as you cruise among the glistening Chicago skyline on our 12th Annual Autumn Cruise. 

Friends of the Chicago River was short-listed as the only organization solely dedicated to transforming the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system.

Since 2014, Friends of the Chicago River has been working with scientists from the Forest Preserves to increase nesting sites available to osprey along the river system.