Since 1979, Friends’ policy and planning initiatives have driven critical water quality improvements throughout the Chicago River watershed. 

River advocacy remains a key component of Friends' public policy and planning efforts, as river supporters provide a "voice" for the people, plants and animals that depend on it. Visit Friends' "Get Involved" page to find out how you can make a difference, and "Who to call?" to take immediate action about river pollution.

Learn more about Friends' work in policy, planning, and on-the-ground projects below.

Policy

Friends has played an integral role in advancing watershed-wide policies for stormwater management, water quality and invasive species.

• Water Quality Milestones
• Aquatic Nuisance Species

• Combined Sewer Overflows 

Planning

What will the Chicago River look like tomorrow? Friends' planning initiatives help policy-makers think big about land use and freshwater resources.

• Friends of the Chicago River Planning Committee
• Action Plan for the Chicago River
• Employing Our Open Space Assets
• Our Liquid Asset: Chicago River Return on Investment
• South Branch Corridor Project

In action

Since 1979, Friends has turned policy ideas into actions. These initiatives have gone a long way towards improving the Chicago River for people, plants and animals.

• Overflow Action Days
• Chicago River Blue Awards
• Gullywalking and Gully Fixing
• Creating Wildlife Habitat