About Friends
The mission of Friends of the Chicago River is to preserve, protect and foster the vitality of the Chicago River for the plant, animal and human communities within its watershed.
Friends of the Chicago River was founded in 1979 after an article penned by Robert Cassidy called “Our Friendsless River” appeared in Chicago magazine. Inspired to take action on behalf of one of the city’s greatest natural resources, a group of concerned citizens came together forming Friends of the Chicago River later that year.
Since our founding Friends has carried out a myriad of planning initiatives and played a key role in changing how the City of Chicago and other municipalities treat the river in development ordinances and plans. This has led to a number of river-edge improvements including riverwalks and waterside parks that feature the Chicago River.
Our work also includes other policy initiatives geared towards improving the water quality of the river so that it can support fish, native plants and other wildlife, on-the-ground projects that result in physical improvments and the preservation of quality habitat and education and outreach programs that inform and inspire people to become involved in helping the Chicago River. The McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse is at the heart of Friends’ efforts to share the wonder of the Chicago River with as many people as possible. More information about Friends can be found at www.chicagoriver.org.
