"The Chicago River defines Chicago's past. It's going to define Chicago's future," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Friends helps "keep this agency on track and honest and we have a great partnership," said Commissioner Debra Shore.

Sparked by a 1979 magazine article, Friends of the Chicago River plays a key role in the renaissance of one of urban America's greatest natural gems.

This year's sold-out professional conference focuses on a connected waterway.

A return on investment on developing the Chicago River as a blue/green corridor would return $1.77 for every $1 spent, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater report finds.

Now includes stretch from Foster Avenue, where the North Branch connects with the North Shore Channel, south to North Avenue.

There's a number of things the next mayor can do for the Chicago River system.

The annual Chicago River Student Congress drew hundreds of high school environmentalists to explore the science of the waterway.

Blue Island meeting covers how to volunteer, outdoor activities, and the environmental successes so far.

Solario Academy High School's Greta Kringle instills stewardship while teaching science.