February 7, 2018 
The Next BIG thing - Chicago River Summit

Chicago River Summit
March 7, 2018 ~  12 noon - 4:30 p.m.
Miller Coors Headquarters - 250 S. Wacker Drive
 
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, advocates, public agencies, businesses, and community leaders, more attention is being paid to our river. And it shows! Water quality is improving, over 70 different kinds of fish now call the river home, and there is a booming recreational following. 
 
 Yet garbage is still frequently found in our river. 
 
How can we get rid of this unwanted junk which harms wildlife and diminishes the river's value? Who is responsible and how can we prevent garbage from entering our stream in the first place? To answer these questions and discuss what people are doing to create litter-free waterways, Friends is bringing together policy advocates, stakeholders and concerned citizens for the  2018 Chicago River Summit.
 
Are you available to help out that day?  We need 4-5 volunteers to help with set-up, registration and so on. Please contact Andy Donakowski, (he's really cool, you'll like working with him) policy and planning specialist, at (312) 939-0490, ext. 15 or adonakowski@chicagoriver.org .
Restoration Volunteer Opportunities
Evanston Habitat Volunteer Day- February 11th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - H elp clear away litter and invasive species from  Harbert Park in Evanston. 

Centennial Volunteer Stewardship Days  - date/time varies - There are a ton of volunteer days in our Forest Preserves, use the link above to check out the calendar and see what day fits your schedule.

Join the North Branch Restoration Project, date/time varies - Join us as we work to restore health to the beautiful North Branch natural areas. No experienced necessary.
Other Happenings Around Town...
SLEDDING! - Did you know the Forest Preserves has  five lit sledding hills? One is in Caldwell Woods near the river! Hit the slopes and maybe take a walk by the river. This link takes you to a bunch of other cool FPDCC events as well!

Chicago Volunteer Expo - February 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -  Find a new meaningful volunteer opportunity! Hosted by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. 

Photo Credit - Jim Hudgins -USFWS
The Monarch and its Migration - February 27, 6:30 p.m. -The Monarch is our spirit animal for Chicago River Day this year! Learn about its life cycle and the migration, conservation issues surrounding the monarch, and what you can do from your own home to aid in conserving this iconic insect.

One Earth Film Festival -  Returning for its 7th year, March 2-11, 2018 - Midwest's premier environmental film festival, creating opportunities for understanding climate change, sustainability and the power of human involvement. View more than 30 award-winning films at 50 locations throughout Chicago and suburbs. 
Who's in the CREW?
In an effort to get to know each other better, we'd like you to tell us about you. Who is in the CREW? We want to know... What motivates you to volunteer? What is your favorite activity? Do you have a favorite memory with the river? Send me your picture and a blurb about yourself and YOU can be highlighted in the next CREW! Contact  Annette at (312) 939-0490 *14, aanderson@chicagoriver.org.
 
Here is a little bit about me:   
"I come from a long line of fishermen, and enjoy boating a great deal. Only when I started canoeing on the river, I began to see it more clearly, absorb it's peacefulness more slowly, and realized how happy it made me to share the experience with experienced paddlers and people new to padding as well. Every day paddling is a good day, and I love being the canoe program manager here at Friends." ~ Annette Anderson
Today's Motivation
"Physical activity outdoors for
as little as five minutes leads to measurable improvements in mood and self-esteemWhile every "green environment" studied led to these improvements, exercise near water generated the greatest effects."