Since 1979, Friends has been working to improve the health of the Chicago River system for the benefit of people, plants and animals; and by doing so, has laid the foundation for the river to be a beautiful, continuous, and easily accessible corridor of open space in the Chicago region.

Transforming city rivers into wildlife sanctuaries, to provide spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect with nature in new and innovative ways. Urban Rivers targets and transforms historically degraded areas of the Chicago River into lush gardens and public walkways that benefit the communities around them, improving environmental quality and increasing access to nature. 

Current is a Chicago-based nonprofit water innovation hub founded in 2016. Its mission is to grow an inclusive, circular blue economy, accelerate water innovation, and address pressing water challenges resulting from climate change and pollution.

Established in 1889, the MWRD is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater in Cook County, Illinois. MWRD strives to be a responsive neighbor that engages with the public on several critical water-related issues that improve the quality of life for all.

Our Great Rivers is the first-ever unifying and forward-looking vision for all three of Chicago’s rivers. It also begins the process of looking upstream, downstream and across the banks to connect Chicagoans with forest preserves and suburban communities that will be vital partners in realizing our collective vision. They are dedicated to making Chicago’s rivers inviting, productive and living places where everyone can have their own experience.