A Conversation with MillerCoors Grant Finalist-Friends of the Chicago River

RN: Describe your organization’s proposed project for the MillerCoors River Network grant.

FOCR: Chicago River Eco-Warriors (CREW) is a volunteer engagement program developed to expand our volunteer programs and reward volunteers for contributing their time and talent. CREW will help us to restore more of the river and its banks and improve the health of the Chicago River by expanding our volunteer base, creating new opportunities for civic engagement and enhancing training programs. Through CREW we will create a stronger network of well trained, active, stewards for the entire Chicago River watershed.

RN: How does your proposed project align with your organization’s mission?

FOCR: Friends’ mission is to preserve, protect, and foster the vitality of the Chicago River for the human, plant, and animal communities within its watershed. Essential to our success is the work of volunteers who do restoration work, enhancing and expanding our efforts. Through CREW we’ll be able to increase the number of hands-on stewardship activities, build new partner relationships, become stronger advocates generating more letters, emails, and phone calls made on behalf of water quality issues, and much more. Most importantly, we’ll be creating a greener river with healthy habitat, which more people can use and enjoy.

RN: How will your proposed project make an impact on water quality, conservation and awareness of water issues in your community?

FOCR: During the inaugural year of CREW we expect to add over 5,000 volunteer hours – an increase of 20%. CREW members will clean and repair stream banks, plant native plants, lead groups of school children on field trips to the river, and write letters in favor of sewage effluent disinfection,. Through these efforts we’ll see an increased awareness of issues affecting the watershed, improved habitat, stronger water quality policy, more recreational use of the river, and an overall more positive image of the Chicago River.

RN: Why do you think people should vote for your organization’s proposed project?

FOCR: Over the last 150 years, the Chicago River and adjacent natural lands have been degraded and neglected. Water quality is compromised from sewage and runoff pollution. Natural habitat is fragmented, limited, or in poor condition. The river has been straightened, excavated, and reversed. Friends of the Chicago River is the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River. Our staff works tirelessly to fulfill our mission, but we know we can’t meet our goals without our dedicated volunteers. CREW will increase the number of river volunteers, expand the efforts of those already engaged, and provide a forum for advancement – so that we can protect and restore this amazing natural resource and properly thank the people who help.

RN: Thank you for all you are doing to make the Chicago River a cleaner and healthier urban water resource!

View project summaries from the MillerCoors-River Network Watershed Protection Grant competition and cast your vote today!