Join Friends of the Chicago River on May 13 for the 31^st annual Chicago River Day. The spring litter cleanup and restoration event draws thousands of volunteers every year to work along the 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system at more than 75 locations from Lake County to the Calumet region and southwest to Summit, Palos and beyond.

While the overall health of the Chicago River system in greatly improved, litter is a persistent problem and is harmful to people and wildlife. Over the years, volunteers have carted off hundreds of tons of garbage from the 156-mile Chicago River system and now many are working to restore riverbanks and upland areas and work on trails. Friends began this volunteer-driven free, family-friendly tradition in 1992 and it has steadily grown into Friends’ largest and most popular volunteer event of the year that moves us toward a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River system. This year’s activities also mark World Migratory Bird Day.

The three-hour litter and restoration cleanup event kicks off at 9 a.m., and runs to 12 noon. Registration is required. Register before May 5 to receive a Chicago River Day T-shirt featuring this year’s river species, the blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale). Each year Friends features a river animal as part of Chicago River Day to help connect us to the many different animals that rely on us to care for and protect the river system.

Help us raise money for Chicago Police Families in need and also honor the memory of Commander Paul Bauer.  Join RNRA on Team Blue for Bauer.  Let’s take home the trophy for our 18th District!

CPMF assists the families of fallen and catastrophically injured Chicago Police Officers.

CPMF supports  the brave work Chicago Police Officers do each and every day. Running the Run to Remember is a small way we can show our support!

Come and enjoy a cup of coffee with Commander Jon Hein.  Learn about public safety initiatives in your neighborhood, share ideas, and learn about ways to get involved.

Location: 600 W. Chicago Avenue

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Please be advised that streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday, March 26, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. as runners pass through the area.  More information on Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle street closures is available at shamrockshuffle.com/streetclosures.

CLICK HERE for ZOOM LINK

Earlier this week (week of 3/6/34) , Alderman Reilly joined Lisa Dent to explain why he’s against city plans to move the Taste of Chicago to Polk Bros. Park near Navy Pier during the same weekend as the NASCAR race planned for Grant Park in July. Please click here to listen to the radio interview. The Alderman also discussed these concerns with CBS, WGN, and NBC.

Wow! What a great night! Thank you to everyone that came out to RNRA’s “I Love River North” Happy Hour at Chicago Winery on March 7th. We love seeing you all! It’s especially nice to gather as a community, as neighbors! Stay tuned for our next event! Check out the Photo Gallery HERE.

A special thank you to our generous host, Chicago Winery serving up delicious appetizers, the farmer’s market table of healthy goodies and their locally made boutique wines. This is River North’s only operating winery! We hope you will go back to visit them to enjoy a delicious dinner from their restaurant Liva and experience their wine tours and tastings. Looking for a great space for your next event or wedding? Please check them out! Their outdoor terrace will soon be open!

Chicago Winery features wines made on-site and chef-driven cuisine from homegrown Midwesterner Andrew Graves, whose credentials include Alinea, The Promontory, and Tribeca Grill. His menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients and fresh flavors.

Chicago Winery will soon be on the My River North mobile app. To take advantage of their special discount, download the FREE My River North mobile app at the App Store or Google Play. We hope you will support the businesses that support the neighborhood.