Friends of the Chicago River – Monthly Riverbank Cleanup

Friends of the Chicago River runs monthly volunteer cleanup events along the Chicago River's 156-mile system through the city and suburbs. Volunteers collect litter from riverbanks, remove invasive plants like purple loosestrife, and help restore riparian buffers. Chicago River Day 2026 was held in May, but monthly litter-free action events continue through the fall — check their events calendar for the next date near you.