Volunteering
Opportunities to volunteer with Urban Rivers are as numerous and diverse as the plants growing in our gardens!
Gain valuable knowledge and skills related to river ecology and restoration, all while making a positive impact on our ecosystem and community. It’s a great way to get outside, give back, and meaningfully connect with others who are passionate about making the Chicago River a better place for all.
River Rangers Program
River Rangers are what we call our team of wonderful, dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds but have one thing in common - they make a huge difference!
As a river ranger, you can help in many ways, including:
Kayak the river to remove trash buildup
Report on plant health and wildlife sightings
Remove weeds, invasive species, and perform other maintenance on the gardens
Contribute to ongoing research into macro-invertebrates, freshwater mussels, or water quality
Have a great time helping your community and local wildlife!
River Ranger FAQs
What are the requirements for volunteering as a River Ranger?
A strong commitment to improving the environment, the city and our mission
Not afraid to get a little dirty
Dependable, reliable, and innovative is always a plus
Do I need to know how to kayak?
No! We have volunteer activities available for land-lubbers as well as kayakers. And if you’ve never kayaked before, we’re happy to teach anyone!
I'm interested in volunteering, but have several questions/reservations?
Please don't hesitate to message our staff at rangers@urbanriv.org – we're happy to chat!
What if I want to volunteer with Urban Rivers in a different way?
Our volunteer opportunities expand beyond the River Rangers (though it is a great time!). If you have the motivation to help and an expertise in an area like fundraising, web design, marketing, or community organization we want to hear from you!
Group Volunteering
Interested in volunteering with your group, company, or organization?
We love having groups out to volunteer with us! Whether you are interested in kayaking or working on the gardens, we have options for groups looking to get outside and give back to their community. Note that due to high demand, there is a fee associated with group workdays, which helps support our free educational programs.
Fill out the contact form below and please include a description of your group, group size, and interested dates, if you have any. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!