Flowing Forward Together
We are in need of your support, photos, and more this November.
Support transforming the Chicago River
Donate today
This year we reached several milestones in pursuit of our mission of transforming urban waterways into wildlife sanctuaries, including:
31,000+ visits to the Wild Mile
1,200+ native plants planted
650+ River Ranger volunteers signed up
90+ public programs and events, including
25+ free field trips for over 950 students
We would not be able to accomplish this work without the support of community members like you. We are a small but impactful nonprofit that uses every dollar to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect with the Chicago River in new and innovative ways. Your donation will play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding these transformative initiatives, making our urban landscapes greener, more sustainable, and educational for all.
Submit Your Photos!
We want to see your favorite river moments
We are looking for the best photos taken at the Wild Mile or Bubbly Creek in 2023, images that highlight the beauty and personal experiences of our parks. This could include photos of plants, wildlife, or you and your friends and family enjoying one of the many public programs we offered this year! You don’t have to be a professional photographer — all favorite river moments are welcome.
You can submit any photos to team@urbanriv.org for a chance to be featured in our December newsletter.
Photo taken by frequent Wild Mile visitor and birding enthusiast, Edward Warden
Winter Volunteer Activities
Mussels, macros, and more!
Our kayaking opportunities unfortunately must come to a close as the weather gets colder. But that doesn’t mean our volunteer program stops!
We still have tons of volunteer opportunities that run all year long, such as bird monitoring and macroinvertebrate research. We also have special opportunities that are only available in winter - like mussel hunting! Mussels are only pregnant when it is oh-so conveniently freezing outside. You can help us collect them while they are pregnant so their young can be raised and returned to live at the Wild Mile!
Keep updated on these opportunities and more by becoming a River Ranger at https://www.urbanriv.org/volunteer
Holiday Food Feud
Office insights
As the weather cools down, kitchens across the country are beginning to heat up for the holidays. And nothing can start a heated debate quite like the age-old question: what is THE BEST holiday dish? We asked our office and people had plenty of strong opinions.
Nick: Pumpkin Pie
There is no need to argue why it is the best - it simply is.
Maya: Hashbrown Casserole
This is dish so delicious that I will only make it during the month of November, in order to prevent myself from eating it 24/7, 365 days a year. That’s how good it is.
Steph: Cranberry Sauce
I love it in all forms, from the gelatinous blob that retains the shape of the can to homemade cranberry sauce with orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice - cranberry sauce adds color and flavor to the holiday.
Phil: Green Bean Casserole
I'm the only one that makes it, I'm the only one that eats it, but I am willing to go to the mat for it every single time. It is fried enough to disguise the fact that it's a vegetable, but ends up being some of the only green available on most thanksgiving plates (unless you're one of those smelly brussel sprout families).
Sage: Pecan Pie
I don’t discriminate against any kind of pie (it’s clearly the superior food), but I’ll say pecan for the sake of arguing with Nick.
Chris: “Malörtsgiving”
The holidays are about love, laughter and family. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a little emotional scarring too. This is my go to.