Following our Earth Day celebrations last month, we continued our commitment to protecting and preserving natural resources by partnering with Friends of the Chicago River for the organization’s 32nd annual Chicago River Day. Lathrop once again served as a host site, and residents joined community volunteers to remove trash from the waterway.
Chicago River Day is the flagship event for Friends of the Chicago River’s Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River Initiative, which focuses on reducing waste along the watershed through ongoing environmental policy advocacy and regularly scheduled land and water cleanups throughout the year. Since 1992, thousands of volunteers have come together for Chicago River Day at more than 70 sites along the Chicago-Calumet river system, which provides a critical habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds, beavers, turtles and over 75 species of fish.
Situated on 34 acres along the North Branch of the Chicago River, Lathrop provides an ideal backdrop for the important conservancy efforts led by Friends of the Chicago River. This revitalized mixed-income community includes market-rate, affordable and subsidized public housing, along with 5 acres of public green space and a reimagined riverfront with walking trails, seating and a kayak launch.
We are proud to join Friends of the Chicago River in improving and maintaining one of our city’s greatest natural assets, ensuring it remains a source of civic pride for all who call Chicago home.
