Friends of the Chicago River is honored to have received a 2017 Chicago Wilderness Force of Nature Award for our turtle restoration project.

Over the past three years Friends has cleared 78 acres along the river system so turtles could find new places to nest. Some of these sites had documented nesting the following year. The speed of the turtles’ response is highly unusual in wildlife restoration work. The award recognizes those who “extend above and beyond the ordinary and are inspirational examples for others.”

The award was accepted by Craig Coit, a Friends’ board member and past president.

People talk about the many wonderful activities you can do in a Chicago summer, but paddling the Chicago River isn't always first on the list. However, those of us who are out there (and the numbers are growing) know how truly magnificent it is. Chicago Tribune reporter, Mary Schmich, went paddling for the first time on the Chicago River with Friends' executive director, Margaret Frisbie. Frisbie's story of appreciating urban nature is deeply rooted and advocacy to protect the Chicago River system is helping change the way we all view our river.

The Chicago River is alive with wildlife and Frisbie and Schmich spotted dozens of turtles, herons, kingfishers and a muskrat while they were out.