Chicago River Eco-Warriors (CREW)

The Chicago River Eco-Warriors (CREW) are amazing friends who volunteer to improve and protect the Chicago-Calumet River system in many different ways.

Looking to volunteer?
Sign up to join the CREW here.

You'll receive our monthly volunteer newsletter with upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, links to resources, and more. There are many different ways the CREW helps people, water, and wildlife in the Chicago-Calumet River watershed.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Become a Canoe Guide.
  • Help tackle our litter problem and create a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River by:
  • Share information about Friends at events. We've made a Volunteer Information packet just for you.
  • Help with special events, like Student Congress, the Big Fish Ball, and the Autumn Cruise. Event volunteer opportunities are shared through the CREW newsletter and on event pages.
  • Improve critical habitat in our beautiful forest preserves and parks. Check out your local forest preserve or park district website for opportunities.
  • Help us track wildlife, especially our focus species, osprey, bats, and turtles, as a wildlife monitor.
  • Reduce combined sewer overflows by installing a micro-habitat rain garden, a rain barrel, native plants and by conserving water on Overflow Action Days
  • Learn about river ecology and the ways we've improved the watershed by diving into the River Reporter archive. 
  • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It really helps when you like and share our posts. 
  • Look into the Planning Committee to share professional experience.
  • Volunteer on a field trip or presentation with the Chicago River Schools Network.
  • Plan a River Action Day (RAD) volunteer day for your company.
  • Become a member. Memberships are available at many different levels. 

Questions? Email Annette Anderson or call her at (312) 939-0490, ext. 14.