Community Service Project

Chicago River Day
Saturday, May 13, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join the "Friends of HESNI" when they return to Big Marsh Park!

The Annual Chicago River Day is coming Saturday, May 13, and HESNI’s community service crew of volunteers will again join hundreds of other Friends of the Chicago River who will be sprucing things up at numerous sites where our historical waterway winds through the Chicago area. We are excited to be returning to Big Marsh Park to continue the work we started in 2019.

HESNI is calling all volunteers — new and old, friends and family (kids 8 and older) — all are welcome to help develop this new recreational area. We will remove trash, add new plants and whatever else is needed. This year there are more discarded truck and auto tires to remove in an area adjacent to Stony Island Ave. along with brick and stone and other debris by a new multi-purpose trail. Volunteers are encouraged to wear waterproof shoes or boots and clothes that can handle a little dirt. (Maybe also bring a change of clothes for the ride home.) Work gloves will be provided courtesy of Robert Gunville, University of Chicago Medicine.

You’ll be surprised at the difference we can make in a few short hours. This is a great way to get outdoors and give back to the community. Even if you leave a little tired, you won't go home hungry! Lunch for all volunteers will again will be provided by Leopardo Companies.  Register before May 5 to receive a Chicago River Day t-shirt with this year’s featured creature, the blue-spotted salamander.

Big Marsh Park is located at 11559 S. Stony Island Ave., about 20 minutes southeast of the Chicago Loop. Ample free parking is available. All volunteers should arrive by 8:45 a.m.

Registration is free and it won't cost you anything to participate. Click on the registration button below to sign up. Sign up for the 9:00 a.m. start and enter “HESNI” as your company name. You’ll be sent additional information about the event. Registration is open. For additional information call HESNI coordinator Wendy Peterson (312-203-0131); for general Chicago River Day questions, visit the Chicago River Day FAQ page. 

REGISTER IS FULL — THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!