Thirty years of river stewardship has changed public perception of Chicago’s waterway

The Chicago River was once so polluted with waste from the city’s meatpacking industry that parts of the river earned the name “Bubbly Creek.”

By Lynnea Domienik
Chicago River pictures on Sept. 1, 2021. Over the weekend, three bodies were recovered from the city’s waterways.
Chicago River pictures on Sept. 1, 2021. Over the weekend, three bodies were recovered from the city’s waterways. Associated Press
Chicago River pictures on Sept. 1, 2021. Over the weekend, three bodies were recovered from the city’s waterways.
Chicago River pictures on Sept. 1, 2021. Over the weekend, three bodies were recovered from the city’s waterways. Associated Press

Thirty years of river stewardship has changed public perception of Chicago’s waterway

The Chicago River was once so polluted with waste from the city’s meatpacking industry that parts of the river earned the name “Bubbly Creek.”

By Lynnea Domienik
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Over the years, Friends of the Chicago River has tackled litter, stormwater runoff and sewage problems that have presented the greatest pollution risks to Chicago’s waterway. On Saturday, volunteers in over 70 locations will join the group for its 30th annual volunteer cleanup day.

Reset learns more about the event and efforts to converse and steward the Chicago River.

GUESTS: Margaret Frisbie, executive director, Friends of the Chicago River

Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility