River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information! 

November’s social will be a potluck - bring your favorite holiday dish!

Join us Friday November 1st at the Wild Mile for an evening along the Chicago River. Walk the riverfront, enjoy a bonfire, and catch that a sunset before the end of Daylight Savings Time.

Seating is available but limited, please feel free to bring your own chair!

B IPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ and Disabled birders are welcome. Families and children welcomed, please rsvp for anyone using binoculars.

Getting there: Head to the end of W Eastman Street behind REI to access the Wile Mile boardwalk. The address is 905 W Eastman St., Chicago, IL 60642. Street parking is extremely limited. Use the CTA with bus routes on Division (#70), North Ave (#72), Halsted (#8), and the North/Clyborn Red line stop.
Questions? Please email feministbirdclub.chicago@gmail.com.
Accessibility & Terrain: The Wild Mile is a floating, ADA accessible boardwalk. We'll mostly be sitting around the bonfire pits near the entrance, but all are welcome to walk along the river path. There are no restrooms on-site.
Dress: Please dress in weather appropriate clothing and lots of layers including gloves. November evening weather can be very cold and shift quickly so please bear this in mind.

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW: Feminist Bird Club's Birding Code of Conduct prior to attending this event.

Code of Conduct can be accessed on our website FeministBirdClub.org/Resources or by following this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vL4xY5uf6oNkoKbmMkwD5Uiavdb505_hESciQ0_S_ow/edit

Dance is the art of being. Ayako wants to offer this workshop as a daily practice of being,—as a human, mover, performer, artist, dancer, and choreographer. Participants will gather at a designated location, this time Wild Mile Chicago, for the day, and begin guided somatic improvisational exercises based on imagery. Ayako will share some reading or some topics related to water/nature/body (this could happen during the exercises). Then, we will stroll to find the site-specific locations for solo, duo, trio, and ensemble dance to happen. We create site-specific dance, practice (could be improvisational), share, and watch each other and wrap up with dialogue. Through this practice, Ayako will share the way to find our centered, grounded, and balanced selves. No experience of dance is necessary. Just bring your own love and joy of dance!!

Please bring your own water bottle, snack, and layers of clothes as you need. Bringing your small notebook and something to write will be handy.

Ayako will reach participants via email one day before the workshop to say hello and inform the exact gathering spot at Wild Mile. If the weather forecast for the day is heavy rain and the event needs to be canceled, Ayako will contact participants by 11:15 am that day, and a refund (or credit for the next workshop) will be available.

Sliding Scale: Single drop-in: $20* (via Zelle/Venmo/PayPal) or

Eventbrite: $20* + $3.18 ($23.81 total with fees)

*20% of the final amount gathered will go to Urban Rivers https://www.urbanriv.org

For Direct Payment: Zelle (Ayako Tsuchiya, furyuayajp@gmail.com), Venmo (@Ayako-Tsuchiya) or PayPal: paypal.me/AyakoTsuchiya Thank you!

Registration is recommended.

To register directly, please contact Ayako at furyuayajp(at)gmail.com and registration is complete when your payment is received.

Please contact for any questions: furyuayajp@gmail.com

Who is Ayako?: https://www.ayakokatodance.com/about

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user9343466

Join us on the Wild Mile for a canine-themed extravaganza, and bring your furry friends! Our second annual Howl-oween will feature a dog costume contest, so put together your most outlandish costumes and prepare for some festive competition! Last year we were visited by a spotted lantern fly, escaped convict, a sushi roll, and many more contenders. Cats are welcome as well, but unbiased judging can not be guaranteed. All non-human animals must be on leash!

No pet? No problem! Come sip some apple cider and learn about seasonal ecology, including urban coyotes, from our knowledgable staff and volunteers. We’ll also have candy available for Trick-or-Treaters, so bring the whole family!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile and sip some hard kombucha (courtesy of Luna Bay Booch) while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats!

No RSVP required!

River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information! 

Our newest addition to the Wild Mile is a cozy fire pit! Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack.

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. 

This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Sounds and static meets The Wild Mile!  The 2-man Chicago rock duo, "I Guess So", will be performing live at The Wild Mile on Saturday, October 12th from 4PM-6PM.  Come on out for a scenic view, sweet tunes, and solid company.

Techno Tanz is a dance party for lovers of house and techno music on the Wild Mile, located along the North Branch Canal of the Chicago River. The DePaul German Club is inviting you to come to the river and dance from 4pm to 7pm on October 11th, 2024!

No RSVP required!

Join Citizen’s Utility Board on the Wild Mile to discuss how to be more energy efficient and electrify your home!

WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!

Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city. 

No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early! 

If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.

Join Ericka Johnson for a gentle yoga and breathwork class, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Life," designed to inspire wellness from the inside out.

Join SAIC Environmental Science professor Sarah Zhou Rosengard for a community science workshop on the Wild Mile! Learn about local community science initiatives, and artistic, DIY options for getting involved!

River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information! 

Yoga at the Wild Mile
Carve out time for self-care and return to your body with a rejuvenating Yoga practice on September 24. Join us at the Wild Mile, where you'll hear crickets chirping and feel the gentle rock of the floating gardens along the Chicago River. Come and connecting with nature.

Event Details:

• Date: September 24

• Time: 6-7pm *please arrive 5-10 minutes early to settle*

• Location: The Wild Mile, Chicago River

20% of proceeds go to Urban Rivers, supporting their mission to restore and preserve wildlife ecosystems along urban waterways.

WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!

Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city. 

No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early! 

If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. 

This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile and sip some hard kombucha (courtesy of Luna Bay Booch) while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats!

No RSVP required!

CANCELLED FOR 9/16 (sorry!)

____________________________

WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!

Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city. 

No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early! 

If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.

If you're curious about becoming River Ranger, or have just signed up and don’t know where to start, join us to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through Urban Rivers! We'll discuss our various projects, requirements for participation, and the many perks of being a River Ranger.

Please note that if you are interested in our kayak cleanup opportunity, you will need to complete a Coast Guard kayak safety training. The training is very comprehensive and covers many of the topics dicussed in this more general info session. If interested, please register for the safety training at  https://urban-rivers.ticketleap.com/kayak-safety-training/

Additionally, if you plan to volunteer with us but have not yet made a volunteer account, please do so at the following link:  https://urbanrivers.galaxydigital.com/

Join Molly Biagi and Allison Kish to learn about plastic pollution! Only about 5% of plastic in the US is able to be recycled and when it's found in small bits on the ground or in the water there is a slim chance it will be reused in any way. Not all plastic is able to be recycled together, and when it's found in degraded states, it's hard to tell what is what. This might sound sad but we have the chance to give these plastic fragments a new life in the form of art! Join us in making colorful mosaic pieces while also learning a little bit about micro and macro plastics and how they affect our local ecosystems and environment. 

Molly and Allison are both graduate students in Miami University’s Project Dragonfly program studying wildlife conservation, with knowledge ranging from endangered species monitoring, to microplastic surveying, to how we can create ecological change in our own communities. 

Our newest addition to the Wild Mile is a cozy fire pit! Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack.

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!

Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city. 

No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early! 

If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.

Join us on the Wild Mile for an evening of art and science! Draw or paint the Chicago River's insects, native plants, and microscopic inhabitants. Art supplies will be provided, and all ages are welcome, so bring the whole family! We'll be joined by artists and researchers who will help guide younger participants through the use of microscopes, watercolors, and more. 

Sun-Times outdoors columnist Dale Bowman and veteran Chicago River fishing enthusiast Jeff Nolan will present on the history of fishing in Chicagoland, modern fishing hotspots, and basic fishing techniques!

WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!

Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city. 

No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early! 

If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.

If you're curious about becoming River Ranger, or have just signed up and don’t know where to start, join us to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through Urban Rivers! We'll discuss our various projects, requirements for participation, and the many perks of being a River Ranger.

Please note that if you are interested in our kayak cleanup opportunity, you will need to complete a Coast Guard kayak safety training. The training is very comprehensive and covers many of the topics dicussed in this more general info session. If interested, please register for the safety training at  https://urban-rivers.ticketleap.com/kayak-safety-training/

Additionally, if you plan to volunteer with us but have not yet made a volunteer account, please do so at the following link:  https://urbanrivers.galaxydigital.com/

Ready to learn more about the plants of Illinois’ waterways? Join forager and mentor of Dave Odd for an in-depth tour of the plant species that inhabit your favorite floating eco-park. Dave was a professional forager for high-end restaurants and celebrity chefs for over a decade, throughout Chicagoland and south Florida. He now dedicates his time to teaching the identification and use of edible and medicinal species through neighborhood foraging tours, guided hikes, and survival camps. Dave will lead an interactive walk-through of the Wild Mile and its plants, exploring their numerous applications!