The MWRD will raise the Pride flag and host a noon program at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building. The flag will also be raised at all seven water reclamation plants.

The fountain is named after Nicholas J. Melas, a former MWRD commissioner elected in 1962 and who remained with the MWRD for 30 years, serving as president for 18 years.

Guests took home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.

Guests of all ages may take an abbreviated tour of the plant, meet with MWRD staff for interactive activities and take home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management.

While an American eel in the Chicago River is extraordinary in and of itself, what’s equally exciting is what the aquatic critter’s presence suggests about the health of our waterway.

Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.