Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioners and staff joined hundreds of volunteers across Cook County to participate in the annual Chicago River Day cleanup hosted by the Friends of the Chicago River. This vital community effort works to protect and enhance the health of local riverbanks and waterways while educating the public about the importance of clean water, sustainable practices, and the shared responsibility of caring for our environment.

The MWRD’s debris boat made a significant contribution by collecting 20 cubic yards of yard waste and 20 cubic yards of trash and debris from the river, helping to restore the natural beauty and ecological health of our shared water resources.

All 9 MWRD commissioners or their aides fanned out across the region to take part in various educational and cleanup efforts which included picking up trash, removing invasive plant species, and beautifying the area:

• President Kari K. Steele’s staff participated in Senator Lakesia Collins’ event at the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network by hosting a table and sharing information about the District’s work, promoting water conservation, and distributing native plant seeds.
• Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn was joined by Crestwood Mayor Ken Klein and Congressman Sean Casten to pick up garbage along the Cal-Sag Channel in Crestwood
• Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia’s staff collected several bags around Bunker Hill in Niles
• Commissioner Yumeka Brown and staff participated at Whistler Woods Forest Preserve in Riverdale
• Commissioner Cam Davis joined volunteers at Canal Shores in Evanston
• Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood supported cleanup efforts at the MWRD’s Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) Station in Blue Island
• Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda worked at Big Marsh Park on Chicago’s south side
• Commissioner Sharon Waller and team cleared out the invasives and trash in River Park along the North Shore Channel

“The collective efforts of everyone involved in this special day reflect our commitment to protecting the environment and empowering the communities we serve,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “From educating residents about the importance of clean water to physically improving our waterways, these actions are vital to our region’s quality of life. It’s inspiring to see so many people rolling up their sleeves to make a meaningful, hands-on impact.”

Chicago River Day is one of the largest volunteer events in the region, mobilizing thousands of individuals to clean up litter, remove invasive species, and restore habitat along the Chicago River system and its connected waterways.

“Chicago River Day is a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can restore and protect the natural spaces that connect us,” said Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood. “Every cleanup site tells a story of community pride and environmental stewardship.”