About Friends of the Chicago River
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 has been working since 1979 to enhance the vitality of the Chicago River. We participate in a broad range of public and private partnerships that reach across the watershed. Friends believes that all Chicago River uses - commercial, civic, recreational and natural - can co-exist harmoniously when each is advocated for and respected.
Our work includes education and outreach programs that foster awareness, involvement, and a stewardship ethic; public policy and planning initiatives that result in systemic river improvements; and on-the-ground projects that physically improve the river. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is a vehicle for Friends to introduce thousands more people to the river each year and to share our message of a hopeful future for the Chicago River.
Friends’ award-winning results are made possible by 11 professional staff members, 22 board members, 4,000 volunteers, multiple public and private partnerships that reach across the watershed, and the support of corporations, foundations, and people like you.
Visit chicagoriver.org for more information about our current activities. Click on get involved to find out about supporting Friends of the Chicago River.
