A picture is worth 1,000 tacos

Last month we welcomed all of Chicago to celebrate the progress of the world’s first floating eco-park at our 2nd Annual Wild Mile Block Party. The Block Party was an amazing experience and a smashing success for our organization that left attendees hungry for more. And boy, did y’all EAT! 1,000 tacos from El Tragon Taqueria, 800 cups of Italian ice, and almost 1500 cans of beer succeeded in bringing out over 850 folks to our location at 905 W. Eastman St., where we educated adults, children and even dogs about the Wild Mile project. 

You can check out all photos from this year’s event at urbanriv.org/blockparty2023

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community, everyone who donated, our sponsors and attendees, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year! 

Upcoming Events on the River

Check out all of our events at urbanriv.org/events

Bubbly Creek

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting weekly kayak programs at Bubbly Creek starting on August 31st! In partnership with the South Branch Park Advisory Council, this will be our first regular programming at this location. 

We will be hosting open kayak days on Mondays from 5-7pm in August and September, launching our boats out of Park 571. Open kayaking means that anyone interested in kayaking can join us for free! Our expert staff will be there to teach folks how to kayak and about the Chicago River, so no worries if this is your first time kayaking! It will be a great experience for paddlers of all experience levels. 

The open kayak days will be targeted at those living around the Bubbly Creek area, so anybody nearby should stop in! We will be posting all of this information and more on our social media, so be sure to stay updated and follow us on Instagram at @urbanrivers!

Wild Mile

If you haven’t checked out our free community events on the Wild Mile yet, get down to the boardwalk ASAP! Whether you’re passionate about music, ecology, or free beer, the Wild Mile is the place to be. All upcoming events are listed at urbanriv.org/events, but here are a few to look out for: 

  • Microbe Art Night - July 28th, 6:30pm
    Join local researchers to explore the interface between art and science

  • River Wellness Weekend - August 19 and 20th, 10am-4pm

    Enjoy a weekend of wellness activities intended to keep you active and healthy while enjoying the Chicago River

  • Pablo Urizar Live on the Wild Mile - August 25th, 7:00pm
    Enjoy a drink and a sunset while being serenaded by Pablo, a talented local singer-songwriter

  • Wild Mile Thursday Workshops - 7:15pm in July, 6:30pm Aug-Sept.
    Learn a new skill from a community mentor every Thursday evening throughout the summer

  • CatJam - Tuesdays, 7:15pm 
    Come enjoy acoustic musical improv by local musicians, or bring your instrument and join the jam

Bringing Back Wildlife Real Nice

Trying to describe the world’s first floating eco-park to those who’ve never visited can be difficult. Thankfully Youtube sensation “Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t” explored the entire park with Urban Rivers Executive Director Nick Wesley and Head of Research Phil Nicodemus. Check out his Youtube video for a tour of the gardens, highlights of some of our coolest native plants, and discover a new reason not to kill your boss (even though you may want to sometimes).

(River) Knowledge is Power

Transforming urban waterways is only half the battle - we also strive to change public perception of the river and its potential to host healthy ecosystems. Understanding the river’s potential requires connection with its past and present through education. We host a range of education and outreach programs intended to connect Chicago’s diverse communities with our floating gardens and the river ecosystems they serve.

Our most popular educational offering is field trips at the Wild Mile. We host students of all ages on field trips to learn about river ecosystems through discussion and hand-on activities. Whether through nature-based arts and crafts, viewing microbes with research-grade microscopes, or learning about local river history, students walk away with a deeper understanding of the river’s importance in our everyday lives. Field trips are always free for students and available year-round, so contact us to schedule your field trip today!

Urban Rivers