Because the North American river otter lives both on the land and in the water, it is the perfect ambassador species for Friends of the Chicago River as we strive to reach the goal of a first-class environment for the people, plants, and animals that share it.

Highly social, playful, and possessing seemingly unlimited energy, otters are a joyful sight to the lucky observer, and a returning otter is an indisputable sign that the Chicago River is making great strides in its recovery. Yet the river otter is highly sensitive to environmental pollution, relying on the river for hunting, frolicking, traveling, and as a refuge from danger, so clean water and healthy habitats are essential. The Chicago-Calumet River system is not yet a preferred home for the river otter. A pinnacle species in the food chain, river otters exemplify the need for comprehensive and continued river restoration and improvement, benefits that will greatly impact people, too. 

Supporting Friends in our efforts to improve the Chicago River, members of The Otter Society are those individuals and businesses that make a generous annual commitment to Friends of the Chicago River to continue the renaissance of this great natural resource. Choosing to invest in the thoughtful restoration and revitalization of the Chicago River and its watershed and making it a priority in one's philanthropy works to ensure that the renaissance will robustly continue and the river otter will return. 

Friends appreciates your contribution to the Otter Society. You may mail a check, send a DAF gift or wire, or make your Otter Society donation online. 

In return for your generosity and support of the Chicago-Calumet River system, Friends is pleased to recognize your gift and offer these opportunities for members to select from in the year following the contribution. Friends is happy to customize experiences and events for our most generous Otter Society members. 

View a list of current Otter Society members here. 

Chicago River Legacy Society members, who are thoughtfully providing for Friends in their estate plans, are also recognized as Otter Society members.

Planned giving offers a special opportunity to help protect the Chicago-Calumet River system for all people, water, and wildlife into perpetuity. If you have already included a bequest to Friends as part of your estate plan, please let us know by completing our Chicago River Legacy Society form so that we may recognize your generosity. You may also choose to remain anonymous.

For any additional questions regarding The Otter Society, Planned Giving, Voide for the River- Friends Endowment Fund, Tribute or Legacy Gifts, or Gifts of Stock, please contact Friends at (312) 939-0490 ext. 19 or ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org.

Matching gifts can be included in the annual minimum to join The Otter Society. It's an easy way to double or triple the impact of your support! Please contact your workplace's human resources department to activate your matching gift.