Help Friends continue to improve the Chicago River.

Every donation helps. See how »

Volunteer Stewardship Days

January 1, 2026 5:00pm

Find information on how to volunteer in our Forest Preserves throughout the year!

In honor of the 34th annual Chicago River Day, Friends of the Chicago River encourages students to inspire action to protect and restore the Chicago-Calumet River system by participating in our Student Poster Contest.

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Big Fish Ball 2026

April 16, 2026 6:00pm

Celebrate the Chicago-Calumet River system aboard the Odyssey Chicago River on April 16, 2026 and beyond the boat this Earth Day.

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Chicago River Day 2026

May 9, 2026 9:00am

Help improve the Chicago-Calumet river system with family, friends and neighbors on our biggest volunteer day of the year!

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Friends of the Chicago River is the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River system.

Since 1979, Friends has been working to improve the health of the Chicago River system for the benefit of people and wildlife and by doing so, has laid the foundation for the river to be a beautiful, continuous, easily accessible corridor of open space in the Chicago region.

Help Friends continue to improve the Chicago River.

Every donation helps. See how »

Events

Volunteer Stewardship Days

Student Poster Contest

Big Fish Ball 2026

Chicago River Day 2026

Upcoming

Past Events

Friends of the Chicago River is the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River system.

Press

Friends of the Chicago River

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

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