Dragons, unicorns, pink flamingos, and an 11-foot pool were just some of the colorful floats that meandered downstream on the North Branch from River Park to Clark Park.

The Chicago River Schools Network and Girls 4 Science have partnered together over the last 12 years to help girls in the Chicago area gain experience with nature and science. 

Like Bike the Drive, the Summer Float Party is a one-day special event on the river. 

Since 1996, Friends has had thousands of teachers and over 475,000 students explore the Chicago River.

These native plant communities, which are resilient to changing water levels, provide habitat for fish, turtles, and small mammals such as otters, muskrats, and beavers, as well as improve erosion control, water quality, and waterway aesthetics.

The Clean Water Act ushered in the renaissance of the Chicago-Calumet River system.

Mauery joins the team as development associate where she will be an integral part of Friends’ development and fundraising efforts.

Experts will discuss “Plastic Pollution and How to Move Forward”.

Interested in volunteering for the Summer Float Party? Help us for some or all of the day.

The Chicago River is Wild Science Station is a mobile exhibit that contains interactive activities for all ages to learn about the river, its wildlife, and water quality.