About Friends of the Chicago River
Friends of the Chicago River is the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River.
Since 1979, Friends has been working to improve the health of the Chicago River for the benefit of people and wildlife; and by doing so, has laid the foundation for the river to be a beautiful, continuous, and easily accessible corridor of open space in the Chicago region.
Friends’ work spans the entire 156-mile Chicago River system and its surrounding watershed. We focus on a greener river with healthy habitat, an accessible river that people can use and enjoy, and a river cared for by a broad group of supporters. We believe the river can be both ecologically healthy and a catalyst for community revitalization.
Friends works in partnership with municipalities, businesses, community groups, schools, peer organizations, government agencies and individuals on projects that benefit the river. We achieve our mission through education and outreach programs that foster awareness, involvement, and a stewardship ethic; public policy and planning efforts that result in systemic river improvements; and on-the-ground projects that physically improve the river.
To learn more about Friends, please visit chicagoriver.org.
