Canoe and Clean
Canoe and Clean
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10a.m. – 1p.m.
Eleanor Street Boathouse, Park #571 - 2828 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL
Free – Register HERE
The Chicago River system is one of the most spectacular natural treasures in the Chicagoland region, but unfortunately still struggles with the persistent problem of litter. Litter is not just an eye-sore, it endangers the health of people and wildlife. Friends is committed to a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet river system, but we need your help. One way we are tackling the problem is through Canoe and Clean paddles where we remove litter directly from the river and its banks. We’ll provide boats, bags, gloves, and grabbers; you provide the can-do spirit!
Friends is partnering with the Shedd Aquarium, Urban Rivers, & Friends of the Chicago River to clean up Park 571. Click the registration link above to reserve a spot in Friends' canoes, or to reserve a kayak with Urban Rivers register at https://urban-rivers.ticketleap.com/park-571-cleanups---kayak-reservation/ . On the water space is limited, registration required. If you just wish to join for the park cleanup, we encourage you to register by emailing actiondays@sheddaquarium.org to stay in the know on event updates or weather consideration.
Beginners are welcome, no experience necessary. Friends’ trusty canoe guides will help everyone safely load in and out of the canoes, answer questions about the river along the way and act as safety monitors on the water. We provide all equipment, paddling instruction, and safety talk. Bring personal items like sunscreen, sunglasses, water, cameras, etc. We recommend paddlers are at least 10 years old and all minors paddle with a guardian.
